Bronze age Material Culture of the Bukhara Oasis (as an Example of Zamonbobo Culture)

Abstract

The present article deals with the role of the Zamanbaba culture in the social and economic life of Bukhara oasis during the Bronze Age based on the results of archaeological excavations at the burial site and settlement of Zamanbaba, located 15 km to the north-west of Karakul district of Bukhara region, as well as findings of various objects made of stone, clay, metal etc. Firstly, the geographic and ecological conditions of Bukhara oasis in the Early Bronze Age that led to the emergence of the Zamanbaba culture are considered. The role of this culture in the emergence of economy based on agriculture and cattle breeding in the lower reaches of the Zerafshan river is also discussed. Moreover, the social and economic connections of Bukhara oasis population with the tribes in the other regions of Central Asia is considered based on the movement of the population, advances in metallurgy and archaeological finds. The role of Kaltaminor and Andronovo-Tozabogyab cultures in the formation of the Zamanbaba culture is highlighted. Finally, the development of material culture in the lower reaches of the Zerafshan river is discussed based on the tools, implements, jewelry and other types of objects found at Zamanbaba.