Scientists believe it was used to cross the frozen Kerch Strait, which connects the Kuban region to the Crimean Peninsula.
The discovery was made during rescue work in the Temryuk region , where numerous artifacts dating from Roman times to the Middle Ages have been unearthed. A study of the Yastrebovsky-Berezhnye site revealed horse bones bearing signs of wear and tear , suggesting their use as tools for transportation on ice.
Research indicates that the inhabitants of the Taman Peninsula found ingenious solutions to winter transportation and communication challenges. Scientists studied approximately 2,000 skeletal remains, including those of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and even the extinct roe deer. The findings revealed that these ancient people not only raised livestock and practiced crafts, but also cleverly adapted to the seasonal characteristics of the climate .
The geographical context of the discoveries points to the practical purpose of the bony skis , especially given the high water level of the Black Sea at that time, which placed the archaeological sites relatively close to the frozen coast of the Kerch Strait. The use of these skis enabled ancient peoples to cross the icy passes quickly and efficiently , serving the needs of transportation, the economy, and communication.
Research has also confirmed the region's inhabitants' skill in bone carving , as they used these materials to make tools, ornaments, weapons, and means of transportation and communication, reflecting an advanced level of innovation and adaptation to the surrounding environment.
