Tamga Signs of Ancient Khorezm as Sources for Studying Political and Socio-Economic Processes in Central Asia (6th Century BCE–4th Century CE)

This article examines the significance of tamga-like signs discovered at archaeological sites of ancient Khorezm as sources for studying political and socio-economic processes in Central Asia from the sixth century BCE to the fourth century CE. Archaeological materials, including pottery, bricks, coins, and bone artifacts bearing various signs, are considered in terms of their forms, archaeological contexts, chronology, and possible functions. Particular attention is paid to the interpretation of these signs within their historical and cultural contexts. The study employs historical-comparative, archaeological-contextual, typological, and semiotic approaches to identify similarities and differences between the signs and to assess their potential significance in the study of ancient social relations, economic activities, production practices, and symbolic systems. The article emphasizes that not every mark found on an archaeological artifact can automatically be classified as a tamga or interpreted as a sign of clan affiliation, political authority, or ownership. Such interpretations require careful consideration of the archaeological context, chronological framework, material characteristics, and comparative evidence. The study concludes that tamga-like signs represent an important, although complex, category of archaeological evidence for investigating the historical development of ancient Khorezm and its connections with other regions of Central Asia.

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