Archaeologists stumble upon hoard of Saka gold jewellery in East Kazakhstan region

Archaeologists have stumbled upon more than 500 artefacts made of gold, bronze and iron, believed to be from the 8th century BC, during the course of excavations in the Yeleke Sazy burial sites in the Tarbagatai district in East Kazakhstan region.

Credit: Akimat of East Kazakhstan Region

The artefacts were found at a depth of 1.5 metres in the niche of the ruined chamber of the largest kurgan, known locally as the Patsha mound, fused into a single lump in the remains of a leather bag apparently hidden in the stones by ancient looters.

Credit: Akimat of East Kazakhstan Region

It was only after the agglomeration was cleaned by a restorer from the St. Petersburg University, that the unique gold cast figures of leopards, griffins, as well as bracelets and other jewellery items were discovered.

Credit: Akimat of East Kazakhstan Region

Among other findings were small sized nuggets and ingots made of gold of the highest standard, which were used by ancient goldsmiths for the manufacture of sheet gold.

Credit: Akimat of East Kazakhstan Region

Another important find is the 'cult figure' of a golden deer whose horns are made of the finest, interwoven gold wire said to exemplify the highest level of craftsmanship of those centuries.

Credit: Akimat of East Kazakhstan Region

The findings from the Patsha mound are believed to belong to the elites of early Saka society. The fact that the artefacts could equally have belonged to both women's and men's garments suggests that the kurgan burial mounds were used to bury important persons in pairs.

Credit: Akimat of East Kazakhstan Region

According to Doctor of History, Alexander Podushkin, the site is completely unique in terms of its historical, archaeological and cultural value. “We believe that we will uncover more items at this burial site so that we can identify the emergence of the nomadic lifestyle,” he added.

Credit: Akimat of East Kazakhstan Region

Archaeologists believe that there are over 50 ancient burial sites in the Yeleke Sazy area, though almost all seem to have been looted in ancient times.

“These items are just the initial findings", said Doctor of History, Zeinolla Samashev. "We hope to find many more artefacts by the end of the month and we will present them in August.”

Source: Altay News [trsl. TANN, July 20, 2019]