Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Archaeologists have discovered an altar and an ossuary during excavations at the Odirmon complex in Kamashi District, Kashkadarya region. The finds are preliminarily dated to the period from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD, Dunyo news agency reported, citing Spanish digital magazine La Brújula Verde.
Systematic research at the complex began only this year under the direction of Sanjar Abdurakhimov, a researcher at the Samarkand Archaeological Institute.
In the northeastern part of Odirmon, archaeologists discovered an altar measuring about 70 cm in height and 90 cm in width. Traces of fire and several layers of clay plaster have been preserved on the structure, indicating that it was restored repeatedly.
An ossuary was found nearby. The vessel was used to store the bones of a deceased person after the flesh had been removed. Its surface is decorated with images believed to depict a deer and archa, a Turkestan juniper. Specialists will be able to determine the exact meaning of the ornaments after restoration work is completed.
The combination of the altar and ossuary may point to burial practices associated with the Zoroastrian tradition. Under this tradition, the bodies of the dead were neither buried nor cremated, while the bones were placed in special vessels after the body had been cleansed.
If the preliminary dating of Odirmon is confirmed, the discovery could document such burial practices several centuries before decorated ossuaries became widespread in Sogdiana and Khorezm. Researchers stressed, however, that the dating remains preliminary and requires further study.
Excavations at the complex are continuing. Archaeologists expect to obtain additional data that will help determine the purpose of Odirmon and its historical status.
According to Uzbekistan’s Agency for Cultural Heritage, the discoveries provide a valuable source for studying the religious beliefs and burial practices of the region’s ancient population.
