“Like the Lock, Like the Key”. Locking Mechanisms of the 17th—19th Centuries from the Russian Archaeological Sites of the Tara Irtysh Region

Archaeological studies have identified a complex of locking mechanisms — including locks, keys, and bolts — based on the investigation of Russian sites from the 17 th to 19 th centuries in the Tara district of the Irtysh basin. The purpose of the work is to systematize these mechanisms in chronological order, characterize their functionality using written sources, identify the craft centers where such products were produced, and trace the routes of their arrival in the region. We will consider the functional purpose and scope of each type of device selected. Russian locks and keys were known in Western Siberia as early as the 15 th and 16 th centuries, with widespread usage beginning in the following century. Some types of locks and keys have direct analogs in the archaeological materials from medieval Russian cities in Eastern Europe. During this period, new types of locks, such as snitchaty (latch) lock, emerged in various craft centers across Russia. These new designs quickly made their way to Siberia and the Irtysh region. In the 18 th century, tumbler locks gradually replaced all other forms of locks, and with some modifications, this type of lock continues to be in use today. The functionality of these locks is diverse. Built-in locks were used for securing homes, large padlocks were purchased for government institutions and military facilities, medium-sized padlocks were used for locking chests, and smaller ones secured caskets and boxes for government papers. Additionally, door hooks and catches served similar purposes and were used based on their size to lock rooms, outbuildings, gates, and furniture.