Astana— Kazakh archaeologists have unearthed gold jewelry dating back over 2,000 years in the Turkistan Region, according to a report by 24.kz on May 22. The excavation, led by the Center for Archaeology at Ozbekali Zhanibekov South Kazakhstan Pedagogical University, took place at the Tolebaitobe burial ground.
The findings, attributed to the Kangju state, highlight the advanced jewelry craftsmanship of the era. Among the discoveries are finely crafted pieces, including a jug, an arrowhead for hunting birds, and gold moon-shaped earrings adorned with precious stones.
“These earrings are masterpieces of Kangju jewelry art,” said Alexander Podushkin, a professor at the university. He noted that the gold-turquoise, polychrome style is characteristic of the Sarmatian-Kangju world and similar to techniques used in Greek cities, the late Roman Empire, and Sarmatian circles.
In addition to the jewelry, archaeologists discovered a bronze mirror from the Han dynasty, signifying the high status of a noblewoman. The round mirror, decorated with eight arches and featuring a central hole, has parallels in Afghanistan, the Southern Urals, and Xiongnu graves.
These artifacts indicate that the Kangju state maintained connections with powerful empires such as Rome, Byzantium, Kushan, and China, reflecting diplomatic relations and trade along the Great Silk Road. The burials date back to the second century BC to the fourth century AD.
The discovered artifacts will be transferred to the National Museum of Kazakhstan, as confirmed by Podushkin.
