Valuable artifacts found in cave in southern Kazakhstan

Unique and valuable artifacts, including the remains of ancient animals, tools, and household items, have been discovered in one of Kazakhstan’s oldest caves, Aktogay, located in the south of the country. The archaeological expedition in this area involved both domestic and foreign specialists. According to them, the cave is one of the earliest known habitats of ancient humans. Evidence supporting this includes fragments of stones, bones of small cattle, and even a mountain goat’s spine found during the expedition. Each of these artifacts requires thorough examination. They may become exhibits in a future open-air museum.

«Numerous stone tools, including cores, bones, work tools, and evidence of a fire pit, were discovered at the historical site. According to experts, further in-depth research is required,» said Kuanysh Daurembekov, Head of the Directorate for the Protection and Restoration of Historical and Cultural Monuments.

«It is particularly fascinating that soil analysis conducted at the site where the remains were found revealed they had been buried for 23,000 years. This year, an agreement was reached with New York University, which has funded our research. Moreover, students and doctoral candidates from the university are undertaking internships here,» said Zhaken Taimagambetov, chief researcher at the National Museum of Kazakhstan.