Archaeologists Discover Unique Saka-Era Gold Artefact in Almaty
Archaeologists have discovered a unique gold ornament shaped like a bear figurine in Almaty. The artefact was found during excavations of a Saka-era burial mound in the Nauryzbay District. According to researchers, no similar artefacts have ever been found in Kazakhstan. Scientists believe the piece may have been used to decorate a woman’s headdress, reports 24KZ.
The small bear figurine, weighing just seven to eight grams, has become the most significant find of the archaeological expedition. Cast in gold, it features the animal-style design characteristic of the Saka period. Researchers believe it was part of a headdress. Special holes preserved on the artefact suggest it was attached to fabric. Similar ornaments have been discovered in Kazakhstan before, but archaeologists had never encountered one depicting a bear.
Lyazzat Sagyndykova, Director of the Almaty Museum Association:
- Finds like this are extremely rare. The last time similar archaeological artefacts were discovered was in 2014, in the Kok-Kainar neighbourhood of Alatau District in Almaty. During those excavations, researchers found ornaments depicting a snow leopard and a bird of prey.
Excavations at the Karagaily burial ground began about a month ago. In addition to the gold ornament, researchers have uncovered fragments of Saka-era pottery. Scientists continue to study the ancient burial site to establish the details of its funeral practices and determine the circumstances in which the people were buried there.
Gafu Uali, Correspondent:
- This burial mound is more than 2,000 years old. Although it was looted in ancient times, archaeologists have managed to uncover human remains. Researchers believe that four adults and three children may have been buried here. This is unusual for a burial mound of this size. Scientists will now work to establish the exact number of individuals buried at the site.
Marat Nurpeisov, Senior Researcher at the Almaty Museum Association:
- The unusually large number of individuals buried here is particularly noteworthy. Anthropological studies will help us determine whether this was the result of a tragedy, a massacre or perhaps an attack by enemies. The remains include both adult female bones and children’s bones.
Once the research is complete, the discovered artefacts will be transferred to the collections of the Almaty Museum. The most valuable finds are expected to go on public display. Scientists note that discoveries like this help shed light on previously unknown chapters in the history of ancient peoples who inhabited the territory of present-day Almaty.
Authors: Gafu Uali, Serzhan Zhumabayev
