Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnography of the Peoples of Far-East

The relevance of the article is due to the spatial turn in the humanities which has fundamentally reoriented scholarly understandings of spatial marginality, moving away from economic and geographical determinism to conceptualizing it as a complex product of cultural and symbolic construction. The aim of the article is to identify and analyze the discursive mechanisms of constructing spatial marginality using the example of Inner Mongolia, China, as a complex, historically changing phenomenon. The stated goal predetermines the tasks: 1) to identify the mechanisms of discursive construction of Inner Mongolia as the Borderland in the imperial period; 2) to analyze the transformation of the Province mode in the republican period; 3) to trace how, after 1949, the Periphery and Province modes became dominant, conditioned by the logic of socialist construction; 4) to formulate the concept of integrative marginality as a hybrid regime of territory. The research materials include a corpus of official narratives of the Chinese authorities (government documents, legal acts, policy directives, and political rhetoric), as well as a wide pool of foreign and Russian works on the history of the integration of Inner Mongolia. Methodologically, the study utilizes a critical discourse analysis of official state narratives spanning three distinct historical-political formations — the Qing Empire (since 1636), the Republic of China, and the contemporary People's Republic of China — as well as a decomposition method based on the adapted version of Vladimir Kagansky's cultural landscape matrices model. The result of the study and its key empirical and theoretical contribution is the development of an original four-modal analytical model of spatial marginality and the formulation of its central theoretical concept integrative marginality, describing a sustainable reproduction of the subordinate status of Inner Mongolia through its gradual incorporation within the “homogenous” Chinese Nation. The study concludes that during the imperial period, marginality was constructed primarily through the Borderland mode, based on a Sino-centric perception of the region as a dangerous Other. During the republican period, the crisis of central authority led to a fierce struggle to define the Province mode, making the region a field of clashing external interests. With the establishment of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the logic of dual—economic and cultural-political — integration became dominant. The current stage is characterized by the formation of a hybrid regime of integrative marginality, where the full administrative-economic inclusion of the region is combined with the persistent reproduction of its symbolic subordination through the combination and fusion of all four modes.

В настоящее время междисциплинарные исследования в археологии являются необходимым явлением, позволяющим извлекать максимально возможную научную информацию и определять новые направления поиска. В статье в научный оборот вводится элемент металлической шпильки (заколки), обнаруженной в кургане № 2 могильник Таугуль-3 (г. Алматы, V—IV вв. до н.э.), — зооморфно декорированном навершии. Информация об изделии — стержне — опубликована ранее, в 2024 г. Помимо описания декора приводятся результаты междисциплинарных исследований, касающиеся изучения технологических особенностей изготовления шпильки. Публикуемое изделие дополняет сведения о художественной культуре населения сакского времени Жетысу (Юго-Восточный Казахстан). Interdisciplinary research has become integral to archaeology, allowing the fullest recovery of evidence and opening new lines of inquiry. This paper presents the zoomorphically decorated finial of a metal hairpin recovered from Kurgan 2 of the Taugul-3 burial ground, Almaty (5th — 4thcenturies BCE). The pin’s shaft was published in 2024; here we provide a full description of the ornament — depicting a deer curled into a ring —together with the results of interdisciplinary analyses concerning the object’s manufacturing technology. The new evidence refines the typological and stylistic attribution of the piece and contributes to our understanding of the artistic culture of Saka-period communities in Jetisu (southeastern Kazakhstan).

A controlled bronchial asthma (BA) has been observed in studies in 25-68% of patients, however, in clinical practice, this level is likely to be lower. Spa treatment is a promising method of increasing the control of BA, however, data on its effect on various links of pathogenesis of asthma are scarce. The aim to evaluate the effect of spa treatment on clinical and functional parameters and systemic inflammation in patients with BA in the postcovid period in conditions of Southern coast of Crimea. Material and methods. Patients (n=73) with BA underwent spa treatment in the Sechenov Institution in Yalta. Before and after treatment, an AQLQ scale survey was conducted. The levels of eosinophils and C-reactive protein (CRP) were studied. Functional studies were also conducted, pulse oximetry (SpO2), spirography with the evaluation of forced vital capacity (LVEF), forced expiratory volume in the first second (OFV1), the ratio of OFV1/VVC, a test with 6-minute walking (T6MX). Results. Sanatorium treatment has had a positive effect on the life quality of patients with asthma. Integral indicator of AQLQ increased from 4.18 points to 4.38 points. Improvements in respiratory parameters were revealed. VVC increased from 92.3% to 95.9% (p = 0.01), OVF1 increased from 78.1% to 82.1% (p = 0.001). The level of CRP did not significantly change. Conclusion. Spa treatment of patients with BA in the postcovid period is effective method for maintaining an adequate level of asthma control, however, it does not affect the level of systemic inflammation, which requires additional study.

В статье представлены основные итоги археологических раскопок крепостных стен, проводившихся на городище Отрар в 2020 г. Памятник является одним из крупнейших средневековых городов на территории Центральной Азии, имел типичную для того времени трёхчастную структуру. История изучения фортификации городища охватывает долгий период c конца XIX в. до современности, в результате чего установлены основные периоды возведения стен. Используя данные письменных источников и результаты археологических раскопок в предшествующее время, авторы разбирают функционирование крепостных стен в XIII–XVIII вв. В 2020 г. на юго-западном валу были заложены три траншеи (длиной 30 м, шириной 2,0 м), давшие значительный материал о жизни города. Установлено, что крепостная стена акордынского периода возведена на рубеже XIII–XIV вв. Она сохранилась высотой до 5 м и имела с внешней стороны сырцовую берму – «рубашку». В XVI в. поверх стены начинают сооружаться жилые постройки, изначально обращавшиеся глухими стенами наружу. В XVII–XVIII вв. город окончательно приходит в упадок, что подтверждается археологическими данными и письменными источниками.

Abstract This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study of a bronze mirror discovered during archaeological excavations at the Kraskino Walled Town (Khasansky District, Primorsky Krai), dating to the Bohai State period (698–926 AD). This object is the only intact Bohai-period mirror found in Primorye and serves as a valuable source of information on the origins, manufacturing techniques, and socio-economic context of metalworking in the Bohai State. The research employed an interdisciplinary approach. A combination of analytical methods (X-ray fluorescence analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) revealed that the mirror was made of high-tin bronze (Cu ~50%, Sn ~25%) with silver and lead additives. The observed dendritic structure of the alloy and technological defects indicate that the object was cast without subsequent heat treatment. The unique decoration—a blooming cherry motif executed in repoussе and point engraving techniques—has no direct parallels in Bohai or neighboring cultures. Notable evidence of metal recycling including the presence of silver and heterogeneous lead distribution suggests the object may have been recast, potentially incorporating imported items. This corresponds with documented trade relations between Bohai and China, Japan, and Korea. Nevertheless, the mirror’s distinct combination of local artistic motifs and technical attributes confirms its production within Bohai’s indigenous craft tradition. This study constitutes the first comprehensive scientific analysis of a complete Bohai-period bronze mirror from Primorye. The findings provide substantial new insights into bronze-casting technologies employed by the Bohai State.

В научный оборот вводятся материалы двух памятников неолита, расположенных в северной части Сарыарки (Ерментауский р-н, Акмолинская обл.). Памятник Павловка 1 расположен на поверхности второй надпойменной террасы р. Акмырза – археологический материал получен в раскопе из голоценовой почвы. Каменная индустрия построена на разнообразном сырьё и характеризуется доминированием орудий из пластинок, среди которых отсутствуют геометрические микролиты, присутствием клиновидных и одноплощадочных нуклеусов, а также единичных двусторонне-обработанных изделий. Памятник Беймен приурочен к родниковой впадине – археологический материал получен во время сборов с поверхности, а также в шурфе из голоценовой почвы. Для инвентаря памятника также характерно разнообразие сырья – последнее, вероятно, связано с его разновозрастным характером.

The papers examines the evolution of the Tsukanovka River floodplain in its deltaic zone over the Little Ice Age (LIA). The chronological reference of climate events is correlated with published data. The relative warming of events is estimated by broadleaf pollen sum. There were three periods of warming (13th, 16th, and 18th centuries), a cool period (14th century), and three cold periods (15th, 17th, and 19th centuries) during the LIA in southwestern Primorye. Warming played a major role in vegetation changes, while moisture availability was crucial for the evolution of floodplain landscapes. Accumulation of floodplain sediments in the deltaic zone of the Tsukanovka River began in the end of the Medieval Warm Period–beginning of the LIA. Floods of varying magnitude and duration played a major role in sedimentation. Summer floods were driven by typhoons and tropical and extratropical cyclones. The magnitude of spring floods depended on the amount of winter precipitation. The frequency of summer precipitation increased mainly during the LIA cold phases, when an East Asian summer monsoon was active. During warming, winter precipitation increased due to weakening of the winter phase of the East Asian monsoon. The frequency of the summer storm precipitation was the highest in the 14th–15th centuries, 17th century, and late 18th century–early 19th century. The floodplain experienced significant spring floods in the late 13th century, 16th century, and in the mid-18th century. Abundant and prolonged floods and freshets were the leading factor in the formation of the lithogenic base of the floodplain landscapes.

This study analyzes the main directions of agrarian policy implementation in the Soviet Far East during the 1920s, based on newly available sources. It has been established that land distribution relations in Soviet society were regulated by an administrative-command system within the framework of organizational, infrastructural, and production transformations. The diversified agrarian economy was shaped by the differentiation of production and economic conditions, living standards, traditions, and preferences of Far Eastern agricultural producers. The study reveals that price instability in the agricultural sector affected the material and technical supply of farmers, while land and tax policies served as key institutional mechanisms influencing rural life in the region. As a result, an agrarian territorial-production structure emerged on the eastern periphery of the USSR, integrated into the Soviet socio-economic system.

Предлагаемая статья посвящена междисциплинарному исследованию курганного комплекса Урысай-2. Могильник состоит из 14 курганов, вытянутых неправильной цепочкой по линии СВ–ЮЗ. Всего исследовано три кургана (№ 5, 13, 14). Могильные ямы перекрыты плоскими деревянными перекрытиями, подкурганные сооружения представлены в виде кольцевого вала вокруг центральной ямы (кург. № 5) или конструкции из грунтовых блоков, перекрытой деревом (кург. № 13). Погребённые уложены вытянуто на спине, ориентированы в южный и западный сектор. Погребения сопровождаются разнообразным предметным комплексом. Наиболее представительное по количеству и разнообразию вещей – это парное погребение № 2 кургана № 13 (сер. V в. до н.э.), где были захоронены мужчина и женщина. Женщина украшена глазчатыми бусами, бронзовыми браслетами, рядом найдены набор инструментов из железных предметов (ножи, шило, игла), каменный алтарик на ножках в зверином стиле и деревянная шкатулка с различными предметами (бронзовое зеркало, кедровый брусок, туалетный сосудик из органики, деревянная ложечка и шёлковая ткань). Полученные материалы находят многочисленные аналогии среди древностей ранних кочевников Южного Урала и Западного Казахстана VI–IV вв. до н.э., особенно, Урало-Илекских степей. По материалам могильника Урысай-2 проведены антропологические, археозоологические исследования костных останков, трасологическое изучение каменного алтарика на ножках. Результаты комплексного исследования проливают свет на некоторые аспекты древних технологий, культовой практики, погребального обряда и морфологических особенностей сарматов.

This article presents a volume found in K. F. Bogaevskii’s personal library, an antique edition of 1626, the Herbal Book by the Italian physician and scientist Pietro Andrea Mattioli. This book, printed in Frankfurt am Main, is the fourth German edition with amendments by the physician Joachim Camerarius to discuss the medicinal plants of the Alpine region and the ways of their use for medicinal purposes. The study and translation of the handwritten inscriptions has revealed that two of them (including the presentation inscription to K. F. Bogaevskii of 1913) were made by P. Iu. Durante, the mother of the artist’s wife Zh. G. Bogaevskaia. The authors of other inscriptions remain obscure. The graphic design of the book, such as the title page, illustrations in the text, the ornamental vignette, and the final decoration, has been analysed. The illustrations were possibly made by Jost Amman, a Swiss painter and graphic artist from the mid- to late-sixteenth century. The composition of the title page frame has been determined, as it is based on the cartouches with scenes and symmetrically located allegoric and mythological figures, as well as the artefacts and ornamental elements. The graphic design of the title page and final decoration is related to the contents of the Herbal Book emphasising its practical value. P. A. Mattioli’s Herbal Book, being a profound catalogue of plants, supplied with the index to allow the reader quickly finding the necessary sections in a voluminous folio, and decorated with engravings including numerous masterfully made illustrations, certainly was a rare edition in K. F. Bogaevskii’s private library. The painter was possibly interested in this book primarily as an example of Renaissance publishing, showing complicated contents and figurative structure of its artistic design, and the high level of graphics.