Zoomorphic decoration of the case from the Early Saka kurgan (Central Kazakhstan)

The paper reviews a new find with a zoomorphic decoration originating fromCentral Kazakhstan discovered in the course of excavations at the Baike-2 burial ground(Karkaralinsk district, Karaganda region) during the 2015 field season (Fig. 1). The excavationswere conducted by the Saryarka archaeological expedition of the A. Kh. Margulan Instituteof Archaeology led by A. Z. Beysenov. Images of 16 animals and a symbol of whirlwindhave been identified in the composition decorating a bone case from Baike-2. The site isattributed to the Tasmola archaeological culture of the Saka period. Judging by the decorationpattern, the case from Baike-2 is dated to the 7th century BC. It refers to the Early Scythianperiod and has a composition and a motif. The set of recurring stylistic and compositiontraits identified for Baike-2 images has certain parallels in eastern regions of the Scythianworld. Probably, along with Shilikty and Besshatyr, the new find can be added to the circleof the sites in Kazakhstan attributed to the earliest stratum of the ancient nomads. These sitesdemonstrate a well-developed art (Shilikty, Baike-2). At the same time, we are aware thatthe conclusion on Baike-2 dating is provisional.