Unique burials from Kanly period have been found in Turkistan region
In the Tolebi district of the Turkistan region, field excavations were carried out at the Silbelitobe cemetery in collaboration with the N.P. Podushkin Archaeological Center of the South Kazakhstan State University and the National Historical and Cultural Reserve “Ordabasy”, Kazinform News Agency reports, citing the regional administration’s press service.
The head of the archaeological expedition, Doctor of Historical Sciences Professor A.N. Podushkin, is conducting research on monuments related to the Kanly period to protect and preserve our historical and cultural heritage.
During exploratory work in the Silbeli gorge, burial mounds were examined, where 16 unordered graves were discovered, located 600 meters east of the Silbelitobe settlement. The diameter of the graves reaches 20 meters, and the height is 2 meters. Excavations have been ongoing since 2019, and this year work continued on graves No. 5 and No. 6. The grave has a T-shaped form, the corridor’s depth reaches three meters, and the burial dome resembles a cradle. The burial dates back to the 1st century BCE and is connected to the Kanly period.
During excavations in grave No. 5, several bone remains and fragments of a jug were found. The entrance was sealed with a stone weighing 50-60 kg, but it was discovered that the grave had been looted in ancient times.
In grave No. 6, jugs from the 1st century BCE — 1st century CE were found, along with five iron arrowheads placed in a wooden quiver. Decorations for a bridle and belt buckles were also discovered.
The Silbelitobe cemetery is unique because it features the first archaeological use of a method that excavates graves from the side instead of from the top. This approach is necessary because the soil forms a hard, cement-like gray layer.
In addition, traces of tools used during that time have been preserved in such burials. The archaeological excavations led by A.N. Podushkin this year were successful, and further work will continue according to the plan.
