Archaeologists in Kazakhstan unearthed the grave of a young Bronze Age girl in August, who was surrounded by more than 150 animal bones.
More than 100 burial mounds belonging to a Bronze Age population have been unearthed in the Ainabulak village in eastern Kazakhstan since 2017, but the most recent study is one of the strangest thus far, according to The Astana Times. The grave of the young girl, discovered on Aug. 2, was filled with artifacts dating back to some time between 3200 B.C. and 1000 B.C. (3,000 to 5,000 years ago).
The girl was found buried on her left side, and was bent over. She was adorned with small wire earrings in both ears, and wore beaded jewelry around her neck, according to lead archaeologist Rinat Zhumatayev, who explained the finding to LiveScience.
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She was believed to be between the age of 12 and 15 years old when she died, and was surrounded by animal bones in her grave. Archaeologists noted 180 ankle bones from some type of sheep or cattle, as well as shoulder blades from cows. (RELATED: Ancient Fossil Unearthed Near Downtown Kansas City, Missouri)
Other artifacts included a mirror, bronze bowl, a pommel (butt end of a sword), and a bronze disc carved with what is believed to be a frog. “The image of the frog has [had] different meanings among many peoples since antiquity,” Zhumatayev told the outlet. “It’s associated with the image of a woman in labor and the cult of water … but requires more study [to determine its true meaning].”
The animal bones are believed to be part of either a ritual burial or cultural practice. Zhumatayev said the bones were likely a symbol of “good luck” within the afterlife.