Yanbulaq culture

The Yanbulaq culture is a significant archaeological site located in the northern hills of the Qumul Basin in Xinjiang, China. This site, dating from 1100 to 500 BCE, is primarily known for the Yanbulaq Cemetery, which contained 29 mummies. These mummies provide critical insights into cultural interactions between western nomadic groups and eastern agricultural communities during the Late Bronze Age and Early to Middle Iron Age. The diversity of the mummies, including both Asian and Caucasian physical types, underscores the cultural exchanges in the region. The site is also indicative of the transmission of iron technology, as evidenced by the discovery of iron knives. The decline of the Yanbulaq culture around 500 BCE marks the end of its archaeological significance. The Yanbulaq culture is recognized as an important element in understanding the prehistoric cultural dynamics of the Tarim Basin.