In the Chui region of Kyrgyzstan, archaeologists from Altai State University and the Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn made an important discovery — a stone statue depicting a woman in a traditional three-horned headdress, typical of the early Turkic period. This was reported by the press service of the "Great Altai" Center for Altai Studies and Turkology.
The find was made in the Borombay area, near the village of Kyzyl-Oktyabr in the Kemin district, during the work of the Chui Kyrgyz-Russian archaeological expedition. The statue was discovered near the Borombay-I burial mounds, where the woman is depicted holding a cup in her right hand. Scientists noted that the boulder from which the statue is made differs from local stones, indicating its possible transportation from another location. Currently, the object has undergone photogrammetry and is being prepared for publication.
According to Professor Alexey Tishkin, who heads the expedition, this find is of significant importance for understanding the art and symbolism of the early Turkic period. It is worth noting that 2025 was the first year that archaeologists from Altai State University conducted field research in Kyrgyzstan.
The work was carried out at the archaeological sites of Borombay-I and Borombay-II, focusing on mound No. 39, which turned out to be significantly larger than expected. Under its mound, archaeologists discovered a catacomb with a concealed entrance, which, although it showed signs of looting, contained fragments of bones and ceramics that are of interest for radiocarbon analysis.
The researchers suggest that this burial may date back to the pre-Turkic period and is associated with the Kenkol culture. A total of 41 objects were registered at the Borombay-I site, although some of the mounds were damaged due to agricultural work and road construction.
At the second site investigated — mound No. 8 at Borombay-II — an oval stone arrangement was found without traces of burial. Archaeologists believe this to be a cenotaph, a symbolic grave created in memory of a person buried far from their homeland. Fragments of ceramics and a stone pestle were also found here.
The excavations involved staff from the "Great Altai" Center for Altai Studies and Turkology, including Alexey Tishkin, Vadim Gorbunov, and Sergey Bondarenko. The work was also supported by teachers and students from the Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn, including the head of the archaeology department, Temirlan Charginov, and staff member Orozbek Soltobaev.
After the excavations were completed, land reclamation was carried out. The scientists plan to continue researching the archaeological sites of Kyrgyzstan, expand the time frames of their expeditions, and make greater use of digital technologies in their work.
Professor Alexey Tishkin expressed gratitude to his Kyrgyz colleagues and local residents for their support and noted the high level of organization of the fieldwork.
