Miniature Spearhead and Bronze Buckle Unearthed from the First Turkic Khaganate in Russia’s Altai

Archaeologists working in Russia’s Altai Republic have brought to light rare objects linked to the First Turkic Khaganate (6th–7th centuries CE), one of Central Asia’s earliest nomadic empires. The artifacts, uncovered during the Katanda-2025 International Expedition, provide valuable insights into ritual practices and material culture at the heart of the Eurasian steppe.

Ritual Enclosures Yield Unexpected Finds

Excavations at the Katanda-I site in the Ust-Koksa district revealed stone enclosures used for Turkic funerary rites. Such features are usually sparse in finds, yet one enclosure preserved a remarkable collection: a miniature iron spearhead, a bronze belt buckle, fragments of a belt, and an iron chisel.

“These are not ordinary discoveries,” explained Professor Nikolai Seregin of Altai State University, who directed the expedition. “They offer a rare glimpse into the symbolic and practical objects that defined Turkic nomadic traditions.”

The Historical Significance

The finds can be dated to the era of the First Turkic Khaganate, a short but decisive power that rose in the 6th century CE and extended its influence across much of Central Asia. Although the khaganate endured for little more than fifty years, it played a pivotal role in shaping the political and cultural map of the region.

The Altai discoveries confirm that this mountainous zone remained a key center of Turkic culture even after the empire’s administrative core shifted eastward to Mongolia.

Symbols of Power and Daily Life

The bronze buckle and belt pieces highlight the craftsmanship of early medieval metalwork, while the chisel points to the utilitarian needs of mobile communities. The miniature spearhead, however, is especially significant—possibly a symbolic or ritual object meant to commemorate warriors or reinforce funerary beliefs.

Collaboration Across Borders

The Katanda-2025 project brought together researchers from Russia’s Altai State University, Kazakhstan’s Margulan Institute of Archaeology, and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Their joint efforts underline the value of cross-border scholarship in reconstructing the history of nomadic empires.

With further excavation seasons planned, scholars hope to expand our knowledge of how the Altai region functioned as both a spiritual homeland and a cultural bridge for the early Turkic world.

Altai State University

Cover Image Credit: Press Service of Altai State University