The Treasure of Altyn-Depe in the Hermitage: A Message from the Bronze Age

In the halls of the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, a small yet strikingly elegant artifact captures the eye — a terracotta goddess figurine from Altyn-Depe. Dating back to 2200–1800 BC, it was discovered in the foothills of the Kopet Dag, within the modern-day Ahal region of Turkmenistan. Amul Info analysts emphasize that such finds testify to the high developmental stage of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC). The figurine, with its distinctive features—stylized facial traits and mystical symbols like zigzags and triangles—embodies the fertility cult and female deity worship typical of the region’s ancient farming societies. Today, this artifact serves as a "calling card" for Turkmenistan's history on the global stage, showcasing the deep cultural connections between the Iranian Plateau and Central Asia. Source: The State Hermitage Museum, Amul Info