Archaeological excavations in Yardimli district, Azerbaijan, have uncovered bones belonging to a young individual, Anar Aghalarzada, a leading researcher at the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), professor and doctor of history, told Report.
Aghalarzada noted that the findings provide insights into ancient burial traditions in Yardimli's highland areas. Excavations at the Ogu kurgans revealed human remains, pottery fragments, and ritual objects. These discoveries are expected to shed light on the lifestyle and beliefs of tribes living in the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages. A 12‑member archaeological team began work at the site in late August, uncovering skeletal remains and pottery fragments about 40 cm below the surface.
The professor explained that the main goal is to study the funerary culture of ancient highland tribes, as well as their production, crafts, and daily life. Initial findings suggest the kurgan was used between the 10th and 9th centuries BC, with the possibility of uncovering even older burial evidence as excavations progress.
Anthropologist Dmitry Kirichenko, also from ANAS, stated that preliminary results indicate the bones belong to a young person, possibly a woman. He added that dental calculus and physical stress markers found on the remains suggest the individual was highly active in the mountainous terrain.
The Ogu kurgan is notable as the first large‑scale burial mound studied in the highlands. Around ten similar kurgans have been recorded nearby. Alongside human remains, researchers also found a stone tool and a thin stone slab believed to have ritual significance. These findings are expected to provide new scientific data on the Late Bronze and Early Iron Age culture of the region.
Excavations will continue for some time, depending on the size of the site and the nature of the artifacts uncovered.