Traceological Analysis of Stone Tools of Miners and Metallurgists from Zhezkazgan Copper Deposits

A traceological analysis of stone tools from the Zhezkazgan copper deposits in Northern Kazakhstan reveals distinct functional specializations between miners and metallurgists during the Late Bronze Age. The study, which examined 63 tools from two sites—Kresto-Center quarry and Milykuduk settlement—demonstrates that Kresto-Center was primarily involved in ore extraction, while Milykuduk specialized in ore processing. This specialization underscores the region's significance as a major center for mining and metallurgy in Northern Eurasia, with copper deposits driving technological development. The research employed structural, raw material, typological, technological, functional, and contextual analyses to elucidate these roles, highlighting the complexity and sophistication of ancient productive forces.

Yerzhanova, A. E. (2021). Traceological Analysis of Stone Tools of Miners and Metallurgists from Zhezkazgan Copper Deposits. Povolzhskaya Arkheologiya (the Volga River Region Archaeology), 3(37), 166–181. https://doi.org/10.24852/pa2021.3.37.166.181