Ancient instrument found in Turkic warrior burial in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz   10 August 2014

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At the site ©Press service of the Turkic Academy

At the site ©Press service of the Turkic Academy

At the site ©Press service of the Turkic Academy

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In a string of archeological discoveries, Kazakhstani scientists have now found what looks like an ancient musical instrument.

The discovery was made in Altai in East Kazakhstan Oblast, Tengrinews reports citing the press service of the Turkic Academy.

“The Kazakhstani scientists under the supervision of archaeologist Zeinolly Samashev, PhD in History, have found a burial of a Turkic warrior in Altai. The archaeologist suggests that the warrior lived in the 7th century AD. The scientists found weapons belonging to this epoch next to the warrior: a helmet, a quiver, an arrow, a sword, sabers, as well as a horse with a golden harness and a bridle. The most important discovery of the excavation was a musical instrument, similar to (Kazakh) kobyz,” the press service said.

The kobyz is an ancient Kazakh instrument that has two strings made of horsehair. It was believed to be a sacred instruments that could drive away evil spirits. It was often used by spiritual medics and shamans.

The human and horse bones are well preserved. Samashev believes the man held a high position. First examination led to the conclusion that the warrior was about 40 years old.

The exact age of the archaeological find will be determined later by the Turkic Academy. This burial was excavated under the auspices of the project “Statehood system of Western Turkic Khaganate”. Two types of musical instruments have been found in the area over the past year.

This year, another important Turkic warrior burial was discovered in Akmola Oblast in the end July. It belongs to around the same historical era.

And an even older site was excavated in South Kazakhstan Oblast this year. It contained remains of a noble woman and precious artefacts originating from the mysterious nation of Kangju.

By Dinara Urazova

For more information see:http://en.tengrinews.kz/science/Ancient-instrument-found-in-Turkic-warrior-burial-in-Kazakhstan-255242/
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