Kazakhstan’s Ancient Burials Highlight Women’s High Status in Nomad Culture
Ancient Burial Sites Show High Status of Women in Nomadic Societies
Research conducted by Ramazan Zhanuzak, an anthropologist at the Alkey Margulan Institute of Archaeology, sheds light on the high status of women in ancient nomadic societies of the Saka and Turkic periods. In an interview with Kazinform, Zhanuzak discussed the significance of recent findings from archaeological excavations across Kazakhstan.
One notable discovery is the burial site of the Urdzhar Princess, a woman from the Saka era who lived in the 5th-4th centuries B.C. Her remains were found in the East Kazakhstan Region in 2013, revealing intentional cranial deformation and similarities in facial structure to modern Kazakh women. This finding suggests a continuity of physical traits over centuries.
In the Turkistan Region, another significant discovery was made of the remains of a 35-40-year-old woman from the early Iron Age. Her skull showed traces of postmortem trepanation, indicating a mummification process likely performed for extended mourning rituals. This practice of preservation was common for tribal leaders to pay their respects to the deceased.
Excavations in the Zhetysu Region also provided insights into the role of women in ancient nomadic societies. A burial site was uncovered containing the remains of a woman buried with a horse, bronze mirror, rings, and a necklace, indicating her high social status within the community.
Overall, these findings highlight the significant positions held by women in nomadic societies and provide valuable insights into the social structure of ancient civilizations. Zhanuzak’s research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the importance of women in historical, ethnographic, and archaeological records.
The original article was published by Kazinform, showcasing the importance of ongoing research in uncovering the stories of ancient civilizations and the roles of women within them.
