The Borijar burial ground is located on the left bank of the Arys River. It is one of the largest burial grounds in Central Asia and contains burials dating to different historical periods.
Borijar is an ancient burial site. Hundreds of burial mounds from different periods are located on the left bank of the Arys River. The catacomb burials discovered here are characteristic of the Kangju period.
Various objects have been found near the burials, including jugs, knives, daggers, arrowheads, earrings, beads, and other artefacts. Some groups of burials date back to the medieval period.
In the catacomb burials at Borijar, from one to eight people could be buried together. A special burial chamber was prepared for the deceased. For example, a tomb could consist of two chambers. The second chamber was located to the side, with its entrance from above closed by a special structure. Only members of the same family or clan knew about the location of the burial.
In ancient times, people were buried together with their belongings. To protect the burial from being robbed, the entrance to the catacomb was deliberately kept hidden. When another member of the family died, they would enter through this hidden passage and bury the person next to the previously buried members of the family.
The artefacts displayed in our exhibition were discovered in these burial sites.
Under number 1, you can see beads. Enlarged examples of each bead are displayed below them. Despite the passage of many centuries, they have remained well preserved, retaining their original shape and colour.
Under number 2 is a cosmetic stone containing antimony, also referred to in the display as graphite. It was used by women as a cosmetic product. Special herbs and other substances were dried and ground on the stone using the small stick. Women and girls used these substances to decorate their eyebrows and eyes. This shows that people valued beauty even in ancient times.
Under number 3 is a necklace decorated with an almandine stone. This type of stone is not commonly found in our region. It is known to occur in areas of modern-day Turkey. This suggests that the item may have reached our region through some of the earliest trade connections.
Under number 4 are buttons made of stone.
Under numbers 7 and 8 are a copper bracelet and a copper ring.
Under number 9 is a fragment of a bronze belt.
The exhibition also includes a bone knife, parts of daggers and swords, a bone pin, a copper pin, and arrowheads.
