Kazakh archaeologists find ancient metallurgy center

Kazakh archaeologists made a sensational discovery. They found a center of ancient metallurgy in Koshkarbai tract in Akmola region. Researchers suggested that nearly 20 metal melting furnaces that were found date back to the Bronze Age. They are well preserved. Dross and partly burnt stones are around every surface.

 “It is necessary to carry out the radiocarbon examinations here. If we get biomaterial, we will need to get a DNA. The metal comes out, of course, from here. It is also important to carry out metallographic analyzes,” said Kuanysh Shakshakov, director, Museum of Local History, Akmola region.

Archaeologists have also found a quarry in close proximity to the smelting furnaces. In their opinion, maybe that’s where ore was mined. The Koshkarbai tract is considered a unique historical and cultural reserve that has over 250 archaeological monuments from different eras. This year, research is being carried out on the settlement of Botai culture, which is located in the area of the Krasny Yar village.

“Spearheads, arrowheads, stone tools have been found. Bronze tools can also be found. Fragments of ceramic dishes come across,” said Zhasulan Ukeyev, chief researcher, Museum of Local History, Akmola region.

The found exhibits will be sent for laboratory research to the cities of Almaty and Karagandy. Employees of the regional museum of local history also reached an agreement with a Swiss company to conduct additional examinations of the finds.