Saka Golden Burials exhibits ongoing at the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana, Kazakhstan

Saka Golden Burials exhibits ongoing at the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana, Kazakhstan. 

The Saka were a group of nomadic Iranian peoples who inhabited the northern and eastern Eurasian Steppe and the Tarim Basin.  Although they are considered part of the wider Scythic culture they are distinguished from the Scythians of the Pontic Steppe and the Massagetae of the Aral Sea region.  Prominent archaeological remains of the Sakas include the Pazyryk burials, the Issyk kurgan, artifacts of the Ordos culture and possibly Tillya Tepe. It has been suggested that the ruling elite of the Xiongnu was of Saka origin. 



Krym Altynbekov's recreation of the Golden Man. Photo courtesy of Krym Altynbekov

Excellent article on Kazakhstan's golden burials with lots of quality images: https://en.tengrinews.kz/science/Reconstruction-shows-how-ancient-Scythian-Princess-255482/

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