University of New Mexico  //   Department of History Amaranth Digital Humanities Studio

Rebecca Brach

Bracelet with Coral and Carnelian

Coral, Carnelian, and a Shell

Pieces of the bracelet in a laboratory setting. [Source](https://www.exploration-eurasia.com/inhalt_english/frameset_projekt_aC.html)

Pieces of the bracelet in a laboratory setting. Source

Although fragmented, this bracelet found during the 2024 excavation season demonstrates a combination of many material types. Bleached pieces of coral, a carnelian bead, a tiny shell, and a small glass bead all comprised this bracelet. 1 Though far fewer beads have been preserved when compared to the other coral bracelet at Ilibalyk, this one is noteworthy for its diversity of materials, and in particular the presence of other maritime materials as well as the carnelian and its shape.

The other set of coral bracelets had additional beads of semi-precious stones, carnelian, and glass, but no shells were found. This bracelet then stands in contrast being comprised primarily of ocean-themed materials. The carnelian bead which would have hung down from the string appears to have been shaped to look like a gastropod shell. Taken altogether, this bracelet shows a strong desire to connect with the idea of the sea. Whether this is merely a display of exotic materials or perhaps reflects a more personal connection between the woman buried and distant lands can only be theorized until further testing becomes possible.

Scissors

Metal can be notoriously difficult to preserve, depending on the context. At Ilibalyk, it often fragments and disintegrates as it is exposed, no matter the care taken. However, a pair of scissors uncovered in this burial is one of the clearest examples yet found at the site. The metal was delicately uncovered and made visible in exceptional detail, rather than only finding a shadow left in the soil. The scissors were found nearly on top of her right hip. 2

Metal scissors picture in situ with centimeter scale. [Source](https://www.exploration-eurasia.com/inhalt_english/frameset_projekt_aC.html)

Metal scissors picture in situ with centimeter scale. Source

This is far from the first pair of scissors to be found at Ilibalyk. As of 2025, scissors have been found in the graves of five women. Of these, four were also buried with a boqta, a Mongolian headdress worn by married women of status.3 This seems to indicate a strong cultural identity alongside religious identity for those buried at Ilibalyk, and likely cultural symbolism associated with scissors. A pair of scissors found in a different grave in 2024 were likely buried in a pouch and had fragments of gold thread on the blades. 1 The scissors, therefore, may have also been a used and carried tool for these women.

This burial proved to be one of the most unique yet found at Ilibablyk, although for a sobering reason. It was discovered during the excavation process that this woman had been pregnant at the time of her death. Later analysis of the unborn infant’s remains concluded that she was in her third trimester and that the child’s head had been oriented toward the birth canal. Based on field observations, it is possible a caesarian section was attempted to save the child, but this is inconclusive. The burial of the two together, the mother with adornment and a pair of scissors, shows something of the cultural care for children and women at Ilibalyk.

Bibliography

  1. Society for the Exploration of Eurasia, Switzerland et al. 2024 ↩ ↩2

  2. Society for the Exploration of Eurasia, Switzerland et al. 2023 ↩

  3. Society for the Exploration of Eurasia, Switzerland et al. 2025 ↩