The Seventh Century Composite Belts from Kuzebaevo Hoard

The author describes and analyzes composite belts from Kuzebaevo hoard of the seventh century found in the south of Udmurtia in 2004. The hoard was buried by a jeweler from Sogd (Khwarezm?). The elements belonged to two belts in polychrome style manufactured long before the hoard was buried (in the 6th – early 7th centuries). The study showed that they could be given to the jeweler to be repaired and were very precious for their owner. The author refers to similar finds from Eurasian steppes, as well as data of archaeology and written accounts, which could help defining social meaning of such belts in the early Middle Ages. Based on the archaeological evidence and murals from the digs in Central Asia, the author attempts to reconstruct belts from Kuzebaevo hoard.