Rebecca Manzi Some workers found fragments of the tooth and jaw of a mammoth during work in a sand and gravel quarry in Kyrgyzstan
@Kyrgyz Ministry of Culture
The discovery of ancient mammoth remains by quarry workers in Kyrgyzstan has drawn the attention of archaeologists and the international public. During an extraction operation on June 2, workers made a surprising find: fragments of a mammoth’s tooth and jaw, found at a depth of 10-16 feet in the sand and gravel deposits of the quarry.
The Issyk-Kul region, where the discovery was made, borders China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. This finding is particularly significant as it suggests that the quarry area may hold promise for future prehistoric discoveries. Kyrgyz authorities immediately called archaeologists to the site to analyze the find and take necessary measures to preserve the bones.
Images show the mammoth’s gigantic jaw and teeth, carefully preserved in the sand. However, the exposed bones are vulnerable to sunlight and deteriorate quickly, necessitating swift action to protect them.
How Archaeologists protected the findings
To preserve the remains, archaeologists drilled a hole from top to bottom to extract the lower preserved part of the mammoth’s skull, while the teeth and jaw fragments were cleaned and preserved in situ. Despite the challenging condition of the bones, experts are optimistic about potential future discoveries in the same quarry area.
They have also asked for citizens’ cooperation in reporting any archaeological findings to ensure the preservation of the country’s historical and cultural heritage. This appeal highlights the importance of involving the local community in the conservation and enhancement of their archaeological heritage.
The interest sparked by this discovery underscores the significant potential of archaeological research conducted during routine activities like quarrying. This case illustrates how everyday work can lead to extraordinary discoveries that enrich our understanding of the history and evolution of life on Earth.
Source: Kyrgyz Ministry of Culture
