Carnelian from the Treasure Chest

‘Treasure chest’ may be a dramatic way of describing this find, but it is certainly the type of discovery people like to tell stories about. Found during the 2018 excavation season within a niche of the medieval fortress wall, this collection of artifacts is a beautiful example of a diverse collection of materials that could be found throughout the silk roads during the time of the Mongol Empire. The horde was contained in a wooden box covered in leather, although these materials had severely degraded over the years.

Between the two necklaces found in the horde, 69 carnelian beads were found ranging in size and shape. ¹ Necklaces of silver beads were also found, in addition to silver bracelets and other materials.

This necklace was reconstructed after excavation and analysis. Although chipped from the wear of time, the intentional shaping and design of the beads is apparent, with the corresponding spacing and structure creating an eye-catching piece of jewelry.

In the second necklace, too, the design of the beads is clear, with the addition of a pendant. The similarities between the two necklaces may be reflective of a common producer or current fashion, or perhaps both. Carnelian was a popular material for adornment, particularly for its bright and varied colors. The rich red color of the beads is noteworthy alongside the other colorful materials found in this horde: turquoise, pearls, and red coral.

As many of these items were designed to be worn as adornment, it is apparent that the people of Ilibalyk were not afraid to make a bold, colorful statement with their dress ¹. Carnelian has since been found in several burials in the necropolis, although the color has tended to be brighter and orangier. ²

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Much the same as coral, carnelian was also associated with healing properties. This was also the case with pearls. Given the presence of all three of these materials in the horde, it seems possible that medicinal or preventative care was in mind with the creation and use of such adornments. Why might such a box have been hidden, particularly so near the city walls? There is, unfortunately, no clear answer to this, but some theories may be hypothesized.

Certainly the most obvious is that someone intended to hide their valuables from attackers. While an interesting story, thus far little evidence of attack has been found in this area of the city. Additionally, would it be wise to hide your valuable materials so near the point of attack? Given the proximity to an ecenomic hub for the city, maybe the horde belonged to merchant or trader who intended to have it available for business. This also raises some questions, such as why it would have been left there. It is possible that additional excavations in the area would reveal something about the local district that would help clarify who would have been in the area and what they might have been doing.

A final theory is that, if indeed an attack occurred, the materials were left as a totem or means of protection for the city. The value of the materials and their ascribed healing properties might have been perceived as a way to deter attack or to protect the wellbeing of Ilibalyk.

Bibliography

• Public Fund “Archaeological Society of Kazakhstan”, Republic of Kazakhstan and The Society for the Exploration of Eurasia, Switzerland. 2018. “Excavations of the Site of Usharal – the Citadel of City of Ilanbalyk in 2018.” Society for the Exploration of Eurasia. https://www.exploration-eurasia.com/inhalt_english/frameset_projekt_aC.html.
• Society for the Exploration of Eurasia, Switzerland, International Institute for Central Asian Studies, RUTRUM LLP, Kazakhstan, and Lanier Center for Archaeology, USA. 2024. “Field Report on the Archaeological Excavations at Ilibalyk Site (Medieval Christian Necropolis), Kazakhstan in 2024.” https://www.exploration-eurasia.com/inhalt_english/frameset_projekt_aC.html.