'Mystery Bronze Age woman' found in Siberia's oldest ever stone coffin

The bad news is that the Bronze Age coffin was raided by thieves, probably in the Middle Ages. Only a few bones have been found but the specialists believe they are from a woman. 

Tests on the remains from an important archeological site in Novosibirsk region could provide valuable insights into early Siberia, they believe. 

The bones are twice as old as the remarkable discovery of tattooed Princess Ukok - highlighted recently by The Siberian Times - in permafrost in Altai region. Her extraordinary story is told in detail here: The World Best Ancient Tattoos

'It is it the only stone coffin we have found on the territory of Western Siberia. Sadly, its been robbed sometime in the Middle Ages,' said Natalya Yermakova, Chief of Novosibirsk State Regional History Museum Scientific department.

'What we have now is 1.5 metre by 1.5 metre box, covered with two big granite plates. We thought at first that it was an oblation altar, but then we found the bones. 

'There were only a wrist and hip bones remaining. We think it likely to be a woman and we are awaiting further analyses. 

'We do not know what ethnic group the women belonged to. 

'It was possible to bury her in such a small coffin, because at that time everyone was buried in a sleeping position, with knees curled up towards the chest.'

There is speculation that the woman must have been an important figure to be given such a well-made coffin. There are also hopes of more discoveries at the site in Kolyvan district of Novosibirsk region.

For thousands of years it was on an important track across Siberia, losing its significance only with the arrival of the Trans-Siberian Railway which cross the Ob River what what would become the site of present day Novosibirsk. 

Ancient Siberians are now recognised as the first to arrive in North America after crossing on a former 'land bridge' linking with modern Alaska.