The Origin of the Early Nomadic Populations of Tuva: Craniometrical Evidence

The study addresses cranial variation in several samples from Early Nomadic burial grounds in central Tuva representing early (middle and late 7th cent. BC) and late (5th–4th cent. BC) stages of the Aldy-Bel culture (Arzhan-2 and Kopto, respectively), the Uyuk-Sagly culture (6th–4th cent. BC), and the period transitional to the Hunnu age (Dogeh-Baary II, late 3rd cent. BC). Affi nities with diverse population groups can be traced throughout the Scythian period. The results suggest that the Uyuk-Sagly populations descended from those associated with the Mongun-Taiga culture. The Aldy-Bel group from Arzhan-2 was probably related to the Early Scythian population of Gorny Altai.