Krasnyi Yar (Kazakhstan)

Krasnyi Yar, located in Kazakhstan, is an important archaeological site from the Eneolithic period, specifically associated with the Botai culture. This site is renowned for providing early evidence of horse domestication, where horses were not only consumed for meat but were also kept as livestock. The archaeological evidence at Krasnyi Yar includes curved rows of postholes, indicating the presence of corrals used to contain horses. Additionally, horse-bone tools suggest that leather production and horse tack were part of the site's activities. The presence of mare's milk residue in vessels and tooth-wear on horse remains points to the use of horses for riding or traction. These findings contribute significantly to our understanding of early human-animal relationships and the development of horse domestication.