Ush-Kara Survey
The survey of the Ush-Kara plateau in the Semirech’ye region entailed locating and categorizing historic and prehistoric archaeological sites, accurately recording these sites using Global Positioning Systems and constructing a database that contained relevant information for each site. The Ush-Kara survey region consists of a major upland plateau with a north-south oriented ridgeline on the eastern boundary. The survey was localized along this ridgeline because it exhibits seasonal springs and narrow ravines that provide ecologically diverse and productive micro-climates in the otherwise arid territory. In addition, this ridgeline runs along a series of brackish lakes that are historically known to have fish and other aquatic resources such as waterfowl, which may have made them attractive to early human communities.
Archaeological Survey:
The archaeological survey was carried out in July and August of 2007 and covered approximately 40 square kilometers, divided between four polygons.
The polygons were not standard with regard to shape or size and represent a selective survey rather than a statistical coverage. This approach was deemed appropriate given the human and logistical resources available, as well as the knowledge gained from previous work (Frachetti 2006) regarding the areas most inhabitable by prehistoric herding communities, such as access to water, landform, and protection from wind.
Although mapped and planned before beginning the fieldwork, the actual ground conditions determined the extent of each study polygon at its final scale. Study polygons were also extended along tributary valleys running perpendicularly to and opening onto the ridgeline terrace. This is especially true for Polygon 4 where such tributary valleys sometimes extended for several kilometers. Polygon reduction occurred especially in Polygon 2, where the survey team encountered sand dunes in the northern section of the planned polygon and subsequently did not attempt to locate sites there. For each polygon, the total area walked is estimated at 90%, as it was covered by regularly-spaced individual transects with good ground visibility.
The archaeological survey was carried out in July and August of 2007 and covered approximately 40 square kilometers, divided between four polygons.
The polygons were not standard with regard to shape or size and represent a selective survey rather than a statistical coverage. This approach was deemed appropriate given the human and logistical resources available, as well as the knowledge gained from previous work (Frachetti 2006) regarding the areas most inhabitable by prehistoric herding communities, such as access to water, landform, and protection from wind.
Although mapped and planned before beginning the fieldwork, the actual ground conditions determined the extent of each study polygon at its final scale. Study polygons were also extended along tributary valleys running perpendicularly to and opening onto the ridgeline terrace. This is especially true for Polygon 4 where such tributary valleys sometimes extended for several kilometers. Polygon reduction occurred especially in Polygon 2, where the survey team encountered sand dunes in the northern section of the planned polygon and subsequently did not attempt to locate sites there. For each polygon, the total area walked is estimated at 90%, as it was covered by regularly-spaced individual transects with good ground visibility.
The survey recording process included accurate mapping of the areas covered through the use of hand-held GPS (global positioning system) units (Garmin Etrex Legend 2007), which record latitude, longitude, and elevation to within a 5 meter accuracy. When sites were encountered, their location was recorded with these same GPS units, standardized paper record forms were filled out, and photographs were taken.
When appropriate, site sketch maps were also drawn. The site numbers were assigned in ascending order in one of three series, 4XXX, 5XXX, or 6XXX, each series corresponding to unique GPS units. The primary feature types included structures, stone arrangements, burials, and rock-art (see Discovery Highlights). Where appropriate, features were recorded individually, for example a group of five burials was recorded as five sites. Upon return from the field, the survey team entered the site information into a Microsoft Access database, where the location, attributes and photographs could be joined into a single comprehensive record for each site.
Chronology:
The chronology of recorded sites ranges from the Bronze Age to the historic (Kazakh) period, as testified by the recovery of ceramic fabric and form, feature construction typology, or other formal means of relative dating. A total of 140 sites were recorded during the survey period
When appropriate, site sketch maps were also drawn. The site numbers were assigned in ascending order in one of three series, 4XXX, 5XXX, or 6XXX, each series corresponding to unique GPS units. The primary feature types included structures, stone arrangements, burials, and rock-art (see Discovery Highlights). Where appropriate, features were recorded individually, for example a group of five burials was recorded as five sites. Upon return from the field, the survey team entered the site information into a Microsoft Access database, where the location, attributes and photographs could be joined into a single comprehensive record for each site.
Chronology:
The chronology of recorded sites ranges from the Bronze Age to the historic (Kazakh) period, as testified by the recovery of ceramic fabric and form, feature construction typology, or other formal means of relative dating. A total of 140 sites were recorded during the survey period
