The tribes of the Andronovo culture, which thrived in the territory of modern Kazakhstan, achieved a high level of metallurgy and crafts during the Bronze Age. This was shared by the renowned archaeologist Emma Usmanova during her lecture at Qalam Global in Karaganda.
The Andronovo culture existed in the 2nd millennium BC across areas from Southern Ural to Western Siberia and Tajikistan. Its center was located in modern Kazakhstan, where the Andronovo people, as skilled metallurgists, extracted copper, tin, and other metals from local deposits.
“Kazakhstan during the Bronze Age became a true forge for the ancient peoples of Eurasia. Oxidized ores, such as malachite and cuprite, formed the basis for the production of bronze products, which changed the course of history,” Emma Usmanova stated.
Metallurgy in the Andronovo culture was regarded not merely as a craft but as a sacred gift, historians believe. Miners and metallurgists held a high status in society, as their work was fundamental to the economic and cultural development of the region. Blacksmiths played a crucial role, not only creating tools and weapons but also performing ritual functions. “The miner and metallurgist were the creators of their era, who, by working with metal, laid the foundation for all civilization. Their labor was sacred, connected with fire and spirits,” the scholar emphasized.
One of the most significant achievements of the Andronovo people was the development of shaft furnaces used for smelting sulfide ores. These technologies enabled the production of high-quality bronze, which significantly boosted trade and exports. “The shaft furnaces used by the Andronovo people were a true technological breakthrough of their time. These furnaces allowed for ore smelting at a qualitatively new level, greatly accelerating the bronze production process,” the lecturer noted.
The settlement of Taldysay (present-day Karaganda region) became an important center for metallurgical production, Usmanova added. Here, copper extraction and ore smelting were established, making the region a key supplier of bronze products for many areas across the Eurasian continent, in her opinion.
Metal products manufactured in Kazakhstan were exported to various regions of Central Asia and Europe. “Metallurgy provided a powerful impetus for the development of international trade,” the speaker remarked.
In addition to metallurgy, other important crafts were also developed in the Andronovo culture. Blacksmiths utilized bronze to create weapons and tools, while potters produced ceramics that continue to impress with their shapes and ornamentation.
Weaving also played a significant role. Andronovo women used natural dyes, such as madder, to color fabrics, which were often adorned with intricate patterns. “Weaving in the Andronovo culture is a craft that connected generations and reflected the traditions and customs of that time,” the archaeologist said.
Emma Radikovna Usmanova is a prominent Kazakhstani archaeologist and historical reconstructor. She is the author and co-author of seven monographs and over 100 scientific publications. A specialist in the Andronovo culture of the Bronze Age in Eurasia, Bronze Age clothing, and nomadic culture, she is a leading researcher at the Saryarka Archaeological Institute of the Karaganda State University named after Academician E. A. Buketov (Karaganda, Kazakhstan). She is also a research associate at several Kazakhstani and foreign higher education institutions.