Late Ananyino Sanctuary on the Zuevo-Klyuchevskoye Hillfort in the Lower Kama Region

Archaeological objects and finds in the southern part of the 1st Zuevo-Klyuchevskoye hill fort site, one of the largest resources of the Ananyino cultural and historical area in the Kama river region are analyzed in the article. Peculiarities of topography and the ritual nature of the studied remains identified in the Late Ananyino cultural layer make it possible to speak about a specific functional usage of this part of the settlement in the respective period. The structure, explicitly representing a cult building of peculiar layout, with numerous hearths and altars made of stones and animal bones both inside and around the construction, has been investigated. On the same lot, an infant burial has been discovered; objects of clay sculpture and miniature vessels have been found. The distinct character of the studied objects located within a limited area, attests the identified structure as a sanctuary.