On the Early Contacts of the Population of the North-West of Russia, the Northern Urals and the Lower Ob Region at the Beginning of the 2nd Millennium AD (Based on Research Materials of Ceramic Complexes of the Settlement of Sherkaly 1)

Purpose. The article is devoted to the research of the ceramic collection of the Sherkaly 1 settlement located in the Lower Ob region in order to study cultural ties between the population of the north-west of the Ancient Russian lands and the regions of the Lower Ob region in the 11 th – 13 th centuries. Results. The authors have analyzed the technological and morphological features of ceramics, distinguishing two main groups: molded and made using a potter’s wheel. Stucco ceramics demonstrate a variety of ornamentation, which allows parallels to be drawn with the cultures of the Komi-Zyryan tribes, Bakal, Vym and Rodanov cultures. Ceramics made on a potter’s wheel are characterized by great technological uniformity and lack of ornamentation, which corresponds to the late stages of the development of ancient Russian pottery production. Conclusion. The results of the study indicate the complex processes of cultural interaction in the territory of the Lower Ob region. The analysis of ceramics suggests that trade relations and even settlements of immigrants from the northwest of Russia and the northern Urals could have existed in the region. The obtained data confirms the hypothesis about the possible penetration of Novgorodians into the Lower Ob region, although the question of the nature and intensity of these contacts remains debatable. The study highlights the importance of ceramics as a source for reconstructing historical processes and cultural ties between different population groups at the beginning of the second millennium AD.