This unique finding was
uncovered among the remains of a temple during research conducted by staff from
the Samarkand Institute of Archaeology.
According to specialists,
the facial structure, hairstyle, and other iconographic features of the statue
serve as an important source for studying the distinctive aspects of ancient
Sogdian art. The discovery can provide new insights into the religious and
artistic decoration of the Kurgontepa temple and the art of that era.
The remnants of rooms and
other archaeological artifacts uncovered during the excavations make it
possible to study the interior layout and function of the temple, as well as
the religious rituals conducted there.
Elmurod Nadjimov, First
Deputy Director of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan,
emphasized that starting in 2027, annual grants totaling 25 billion soums will
be allocated to support archaeological research, particularly projects by young
archaeologists.
It is noted that in 2024,
remnants of this same temple in Kurgontepa yielded a mural depicting a
four-armed deity, as well as hand and foot fragments belonging to a clay
sculpture.
Experts emphasize that such
discoveries further broaden scientific understandings of the history and
culture of ancient Uzbekistan.
