Archaeologists excavating the ancient settlement of Odirmon have uncovered a remarkably preserved ritual altar and a decorated ossuary, offering new evidence of the religious and funerary practices of communities that lived in the region more than 2,000 years ago.
The discoveries were made at the Odirmon archaeological site in the Kamashi District of Uzbekistan’s Kashkadarya Region, where systematic excavations are being conducted for the first time this year. The research is being led by Sanjar Abdurakhimov, a researcher at the Samarkand Archaeological Institute.
The altar was uncovered in the north-eastern section of the site and bears clearly preserved traces of fire, suggesting that it was used in religious or ceremonial rites.
Measuring approximately 70 centimetres high and 90 centimetres wide, the structure has a floor paved with fired tiles measuring 18 by 28 centimetres and 2.5 centimetres thick. The surrounding area was coated with a layer of clay plaster between 2.5 and 3 centimetres thick.
Archaeologists found evidence that the plaster had been renewed repeatedly. The successive layers suggest that the altar remained in use for an extended period and was regularly maintained or repaired by the settlement’s inhabitants.
Another significant discovery is an ossuary — a container traditionally used to hold human remains — whose exterior is decorated with distinctive motifs resembling a deer and a juniper tree.
Researchers consider the object to be of particular scientific importance. Once conservation and restoration work has been completed, specialists are expected to examine the imagery in greater detail in an effort to determine its symbolism and cultural significance.
Preliminary assessments date the Odirmon archaeological site to between the 3rd century BC and the 3rd century AD, placing its occupation across a period of roughly six centuries.
The newly discovered altar and ossuary could provide valuable evidence about the religious beliefs, ritual practices and burial traditions of the ancient population that inhabited this part of Central Asia.
Further archaeological work at Odirmon is expected to reveal more about the settlement’s development and help researchers build a clearer picture of its historical and cultural significance.
Sources : Heritage of the Republic of Uzbekistan
