Summer archaeology: NU faculty and students excavate east Kazakhstan’s Semey region

This summer Professor Paula Dupuy and history faculty Aidyn Zhunishkhanov led archaeological excavations in the Semey region to uncover new information on its ancient societies. The team included undergraduate and graduate students from Nazarbayev University, Shakarim State University of Semey, and the United States (Washington University in St. Louis and Yale University). Students spent June obtaining hands-on training in archaeological methods from international experts while living in tents amidst the stunning mountain scenery of east Kazakhstan. The team was able to excavate a Bronze Age village and cemetery and map local rock art paintings created by pastoralists and hunter-gatherers. Our excavations resulted in many new discoveries about the material industries, diet, and ritual beliefs and practices of Kazakhstan’s dynamic populations. The collaboration was funded by a Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan grant (PI: Professor Nikolay Tsyrempilov, NU) and will continue in 2020. Contact Professor Dupuy (paula.dupuy@nu.edu.kz) for details if you would like to participate!