Rare Stone Age Burials Discovered in Kazakhstan's Kostanai Region

Archaeologists in Kazakhstan's Kostanai Region have unearthed a rare discovery of three Neolithic burials, potentially ranking among the country's most significant archaeological finds. The Turgai expedition, from Akhmet Baitursynuly Kostanai Regional University, found the remains of one child and two adults.

These burials, tentatively dated to the seventh to fifth millennia B.C., were located beneath the floors of ancient dwellings associated with the Makhandzhar culture. The expedition has been researching three sites in the Auliekol district, including Shili, Sulukol, and Buruktal.

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In addition to the traditional finds, such as stone and bone tools, ceramics and ornaments, we discovered three burials, one child and two adults. They were located beneath the floors of ancient dwellings.

"For Kazakhstan, and especially for the Kostanai Region, this is something of a sensation," said archaeologist Irina Shevnina. She noted that Stone Age burials are extremely rare, particularly from the Neolithic period. The team found the remains while excavating Neolithic settlements, alongside traditional artifacts like stone and bone tools, ceramics, and ornaments.

The discovery is also crucial for studying the Makhandzhar culture. While ancient settlement sites were known, the structures of the dwellings themselves had not been identified until research at the Shili site began last year. The newly found burials were located within these structures. Researchers noted that burying the dead beneath home floors was a practice seen in neighboring Central Asian cultures during the Stone Age.

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For Kazakhstan, and especially for the Kostanai Region, this is something of a sensation. We still need to carry out a detailed study, but we can say with confidence that these are Stone Age burials.