ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS COMPLETED AT THE “KARABAU-2” KURGAN
In accordance with the annual plan of the Atyrau Regional Museum of History and Local Lore, a 60-day comprehensive archaeological excavation at the Karabau-2 burial mound, located in Kyzylkoga District, was successfully completed. The fieldwork was carried out from June 13 to August 12, 2026.
The excavation is a continuation of a scientific research project launched in 2023. This year’s expedition was led scientifically by archaeologist and Candidate of Historical Sciences M. Kasenov. The field research team was headed by G. Bazarbayev. The excavation team also included museum researchers M. Abdigaliyev, R. Kuanov, and E. Orynbasarov, together with 20 temporary field workers.
During this season’s research, the western section of the burial mound was fully excavated, allowing archaeologists to determine the monument’s internal architectural structure. In addition, two previously unknown burial complexes, designated burials No. 12 and No. 13, were documented.
The excavation yielded a number of valuable ancient artifacts, including metal ornaments, bronze ritual amulets, multicolored marble and paste beads, and approximately 200 bronze arrowheads.
All recovered artifacts underwent initial field conservation, followed by laboratory processing and documentation. Each object received a scientific description and was photographed for the archaeological record.
The results of the excavation confirm that the Karabau-2 burial mound is an important archaeological site for studying the ancient history of the Atyrau region, as well as the material culture, craftsmanship, and military traditions of the tribes that once inhabited the area.
The discovered artifacts will undergo further laboratory examination and restoration before being added to the collection of the Atyrau Regional Museum of History and Local Lore and later displayed in the museum’s permanent exhibition halls.
