New sculpture of the era of early nomads from Turgay

A rare stone sculpture from the era of early nomads has been uncovered in the Turgay region, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan. This discovery, dating back to 2015-2016, represents a unique case where such a statue was found within a mound complex with stone ridges, showcasing an unusual burial or ritual site. The sculpture's laconic anthropomorphic depiction mirrors artistic techniques seen in Central Kazakhstan and other steppe regions, suggesting shared cultural or symbolic purposes. Researchers propose that the aspect of military glory, often associated with medieval sculptures, may have originated during this earlier period, supported by findings of similar stele and stone sculptures. This study contributes to understanding the early nomadic cultures' artistic expressions and their enduring influence on later traditions.

Bazarbayeva, G. A., & Jumabekova, G. S. (2017). New sculpture of the era of early nomads from Turgay. Samara Journal of Science, 6(2), 117–121. https://doi.org/10.17816/snv201762205