Near the Arctic Circle in Northern Siberia (Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Region), thirty-five 1000 year old mummified bodies of a Mongolian-type Iron Age people were excavated by Russian archaeologists. They were adult men and children; no women's bodies were found

The men seemed to have died of battle wounds. some have copper plates and bands covering their faces and binding their limbs. The archaeologists believe that those who buried them did this to protect themselves against the return of the dead. The bodies were buried in shallow graves. Burial pits contained birch bark coverings or linings or boxes, some in shape of boats, covered with earth.

The buried were wrapped in fur garments and footwear, with a fur headress and face covering. Furs were identified as coming from marten, beaver, reindeer and dog. There is evidence of burial rites and feasts at the necropolis.

It is not possible to determine exactly who these people were or where they came from. However, there are similarities to living indigenous people who have lived in the northern regions since before history was recorded.