Kurgan-Like Hights in the Territory of Wojciechowka Cemetery (based on the study results in 2013)

Abstract. Studies of the Wojciechowka cemetery began in 1924, continued in 1948– 1949, and renewed by the Fastov Archaeological Expedition in 2011–2013. Most of the excavated barrows are dated by the mid- third quarter of the 2nd millennium BC, and refer to the classical horizons of the Komarov culture of the Tshinets cultural circle. In 2013 three kurgan-like heights were studied in different places of the site, containing materials from the Late Bronze Age – the Early Iron Age. One mound was a ritual complex, possibly a cenotaph; the other two turned out to be natural hills into which the objects of the indicated periods were sunk. The research of 2013 significantly extended the chronological range of the site’s existence, and also allows raising the question of using landscape features during performing ritual activities in the cemetery.

Keywords: Tshinets cultural circle, Komarov culture, barrows, funeral rite, ritual complex.