Ар Eneolithic Dwellings of the Khovrino Settlement

Abstract

The article presents the results of an analysis of the location and construction of ten dwellings from the Eneolithic settlement of Khovrino, situated on the bank of the Barysh River in the Middle Sura region. The dwellings are spaced along the dune crest at approximately equal intervals. They are not big, predominantly single-chambered semi-subterranean structures of square and rectangular plan, spaced at roughly equal distances from one another. The majority of the dwellings feature a pyramidal roof supported by a central post. Just two structures have saddle roofs. The entrance, commonly corridor-like in form, was usually arranged in a corner of the construction trench, less frequently in the center of a wall. The main fireplace was situated either near the entrance adjacent to the trench wall or in the central part of the floor. The area opposite the entrance was designated for sleeping places, where earthen or wooden platforms and partitions was recorded. The uniformity in dwelling construction, the distribution patterns of finds, traces of fire in the majority of structures and signs of hasty abandonment by the inhabitants all indicate that the settlement was short-lived and that its dwellings were synchronous. Structurally, the Khovrino dwellings closely resemble those associated with the Imerka culture of the Moksha River basin and the Abashevo culture of the Middle Don region. The influence of house-building traditions of the Volosovo culture of the Moksha River region is considerably less pronounced.