Uncovering an Ancient Burial Site
A remarkable tomb adorned with amber has been discovered on the western shore of Lake Onega, as reported by Petrozavodsk State University. This significant find was made by archaeologists exploring ancient sites from the Copperstone Age in Karelia, Russia.
Rich Findings in the Tomb
The excavation revealed the burial of a high-status individual in a small oval pit bordered with red ochre. Researchers uncovered an astonishing 140 pieces of amber jewelry, including buttons and pendants, alongside various flint items. According to Associate Professor Alexander Zhulnikov, who leads the excavation, the amber buttons were meticulously arranged in rows face down and sewn into a leather cover over the deceased.
Zhulnikov noted that such a wealth of amber ornaments has not been found in Karelia or its neighboring northwestern regions. Two rows of these stunning amber pieces were placed along the edge of the tomb, highlighting the significance of this burial.
Insights into the Past
Archaeologists estimate that the tomb dates back to approximately 3400 BC, during the Chalcolithic or Copper Age, based on similarities with amber artifacts from the Eastern Baltic. Experts suggest that the deceased may have been a merchant from the Eastern Baltic States who traveled to the western side of Lake Onega to trade amber for axes. The Baltic region is renowned for its rich deposits of amber, known as Baltic amber or succinite.
This “amber” tomb serves as a testament to the strong connections between the ancient population of Karelia and the tribes residing on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea, revealing the intricate trade networks of that era.
