Unique Ancient Vessel Labeled with Woman's Name Unearthed in Tajikistan

Archaeology Magazine ^ | July 3, 2025 | editors / unattributed

[SunkenCiv]

The Times of Central Asia reports that archaeologists from the National Museum of Tajikistan made a number of significant discoveries at the site of Khalkajar near the village of Sarband. Among them was a unique two-handled ceramic jug dating from the time of the Kushan Empire, which was one of the most influential and powerful states of ancient Central Asia that encompassed parts of present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Dating to between the first and third century a.d, the vessel contains a faint painted inscription written in the Bactrian language. Linguistic experts determined that it reads, "This water jug belongs to the woman Sagkina." According to the report, the name "Sagkina" provides valuable material for onomastic studies and for understanding female naming conventions in the region during the Kushan era. It also provides a rare glimpse into domestic life and social organization at the time. The archaeologists note that the presence of such an inscription suggests a relatively advanced level of literacy in the region and reflects the seemingly normal societal habit of marking personal belongings. For more on the archaeology of ancient Tajikistan, go to "A Silk Road Renaissance."

[BubbaBasher]

I was expecting a boat or a ship.

[teeman8r]

more pushin in the kushan, oh, nevermind

[Theophilus]

for onomastic studies and for understanding female naming conventions in the region during the Kushan era.

How vain!

[NFHale]

Interesting that they’re able to piece it back together… Very cool

[Sirius Lee]

Top rack only.

[daku]

Maybe some kids shop project

[Openurmind]

“The kunshan empire was key in spreading Buddhism from India to China, Korea, and Japan.”

And because it was a midway point on the Silk Road it spread Hinduism and Buddhism towards the west also. Per the linked article from the west the Byzantine Empire also influenced them. Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists all lived side by side with Zoroastrians. A regular melting pot of cultures.

I found the idea of a 400 pound General doing the Sogdian Whirl interesting. Wonder if it was a marvel just because he could even physically do it.

[SunkenCiv]

If they didn't break, they'd probably still be in use since antiquity. :^) Archaeologists like to find the rubbish tips at ancient sites, there's a lot of information in there, regardless of the time and place of origin. Thanks all.

• Rome's Mountain of Ancient Garbage [07/21/2024]
• Taking Out the Trash in Ancient Jerusalem [Roman era] [02/12/2018]
• Roman rubbish dump reveals secrets of ancient trading networks [06/07/2015]
• Trash Talk [ Monte Testaccio, imperial Roman landfill ] [05/05/2012]

[Openurmind]

“If they didn’t break, they’d probably still be in use since antiquity. :^)”

I still have some of my GGG Grandmother’s Cast Iron... :)

[timestax]

It did / does look very cool!

[Sirius Lee]

If they didn't break, they'd probably still be in use since antiquity. :^)

This is my argument against assigning too much significance to, say, the Beaker People.” Pottery informs as to cultural influence and the spread of technologies. It does not necessarily correspond to the population itself. Some may be using what the prior ( slaughtered) inhabitants left behind.

[SunkenCiv]

The point is, ALL ancient pottery broke back then, and got thrown out, apart from some which were used for cremations. Literally all of it still exists.