The recent archaeological dig in Uzgen, Kyrgyzstan, has unearthed a remarkable find: a towering clay vessel known as a ‘hum.' Situated in the Osh province, Uzgen boasts a rich history dating back to the ancient Silk Road era. The town's significance stems from its strategic location, serving as a hub for early contacts between settled and nomadic peoples.
Dating back to the 7th to 4th centuries BC, the ‘hum' offers a glimpse into the region's past, shedding light on the cultural and historical tapestry of the area. Led by Mars Boranbaev, the excavation team made the discovery just 2.5 meters below ground level after ten days of meticulous work.
Turarbek Abdyrahmanov, an archaeologist from the Kyrgyz Republic's National Academy of Sciences, announced the find with excitement. The artifact, believed to be associated with the Shoro-Bashat culture, provides valuable insights into ancient agricultural practices and settlement patterns in the Ferghana Valley.
The Shoro-Bashat culture, emerging during the Bronze and Early Iron Ages, represents a sedentary agricultural society amidst a backdrop of nomadic and sedentary cultures in the region. Fragments of clay pottery found alongside the ‘hum' further enhance our understanding of the material culture and craftsmanship of ancient civilizations.
The significance of the excavation site near the Kyzyl-Oktiabr area cannot be overstated. Plans for a bypass road in the vicinity underscore the need for increased archaeological research to preserve and document the rich historical heritage of the region. Abdyrahmanov emphasized the importance of ongoing excavations to uncover more artifacts and unravel the mysteries of the ancient city.
Standing at 1.75 meters tall and spanning 1.30 meters in width, the ‘hum' serves as a tangible link to the past, reminding us of the thriving civilizations that once flourished in these lands. As the artifact undergoes further examination and analysis at the Uzgen Museum of Architecture and Archaeology, it beckons us to explore the depths of history and appreciate the enduring legacy of our ancestors.