A Carnelian Cabochon from Tashara-Karier-2, the Upper Ob Basin: Technological Issues

The article presents the first study of the manufacturing technique used to create a unique find – a carnelian cabochon (oval gemstone) with a 10th century Arabic inscription from Tashara-Karier-2, a Basandaika burial ground dated to the 11th–12th centuries. This is the first example of medieval Arabic epigraphy found in the southern taiga area of the Ob region, Siberia. The technological methods and stages of manufacturing used for this object of glyptic art are reconstructed on the basis of traceological analysis. It is shown that the cabochon is an imported artifact.