Siberian Lady of the Rings - rich bronze age burial reveals stunning set of funeral jewellery

The stone grave with a treasure trove of bronze jewellery was made between 2,700 and 2,900 years ago in what is now the Republic of Khakassia, southern Siberia. 

Inside a shallow burial (about 75 centimetre deep) archaeologists found the remains of a woman with an unusual set of jewellery. 

She was laid on her back, with head pointing to the south-east. 

A meal of a shoulder blade and a front leg of a large animal was placed close to her feet, along with a bronze knife.

A ceramic vessel was put next to her head. 

A wealthy woman was laid to rest nearly 3,000 years ago with unique rings, bracelet, temple rings and a massive bronze pendant. Pictures: Novosibirsk Institute of Archeology and Ethnography

A large bronze bracelet with checkered ornament was placed above her wrist, four fingers of her left hand had large bronze rings, each with two pearl-shaped bronze decorations. 

To each side of the woman’s skull were 3 temple rings; two triangle plates were next to her head.

By her right elbow archeologists found a round bronze plate, 9 centimetre in diameter, and 8 small bronze buttons. 

The woman belonged to the Karasuk culture (Kamennolozhsky period), known for their impressive skills in producing high-quality bronze which they cast in wax moulds. 

Siberian Lady of the Rings - rich bronze age burial reveals stunning set of funeral jewellery. Pictures: Novosibirsk Institute of Archeology and Ethnography

Archaeologists believe that the wealthy woman never wore the jewellery during her life time; the whole set was made by one master to be sent with her to afterlife. 

It was made especially to wear in the grave. 

‘Usually we see tiny scratches, or other signs of an item being used. We’ll have another check when back to laboratory, but after the first study all items looked brand new. 

‘Size of the jewellery also allows us to suggest that it would not be convenient to wear it in real life - quite likely she did wear something similar, but smaller.

‘She was clearly quite wealthy’, said Dr Oleg Mitko, head of Sagaisky archeological team from Novosibirsk Institute of Archeology and Ethnography.