Archaeologists Find Earliest Known Saddle From a Woman's 2,700-year-old Tomb

Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery at a dig site in China's Xinjiang region, unearthing what could potentially be the world's oldest known saddle, according to a report by the SCMP.

The saddle, found in the tomb of a female at the Yanghai cemetery in the Turpan Basin, dates back an astonishing 2,700 years, shedding light on the significant role Xinjiang played in the history of horse riding during the first millennium BC.

Early Stages of Saddle Making

The study confirms that the saddle from Yanghai marks the early stages of saddle-making. A team of international researchers from Switzerland, China, Germany, Britain, and Russia participated in the excavation, highlighting the global significance of the findings.

The tomb revealed intriguing details about the woman's attire, despite the decay of most of her clothes. She was adorned in a hide coat, woolen trousers, and short leather boots, with a leather saddle positioned beneath her buttocks as if she were seated upon it.

The saddle's design displayed striking similarities to modern-day saddles, consisting of two oval-shaped cushion pads, four support elements in the corners, and a central channel.

Radiocarbon dating placed the creation of the saddle between 727 BC and 396 BC. The cushions were made from cowhide and filled with a combination of deer, camel hair, and straw.

This remarkable discovery predates previously confirmed Scythian saddles from the Altai region and eastern Kazakhstan, suggesting that the Yanghai saddle may be the earliest of its kind known to date.

The ancient tombs found in the southeast of modern Turpan are attributed to the Subeixi culture, which can be traced back 3,000 years.

While the presence of the saddle does not mark the introduction of horse riding to the region, it offers valuable insights into the evolution of saddle technology and its impact on the comfort and safety of both riders and horses.

Additionally, the Yanghai cemetery has revealed the discovery of bridles in tombs dating from the 10th to the 3rd centuries BC, indicating the existence of a community of mounted pastoralists in the vicinity.

Community of Mounted Pastorialists

The woman interred alongside the saddle is believed to have been part of a community of mounted pastoralists residing in the nearby steppes or mountains. Alternatively, she might have acquired the saddle through contact with these pastoralists.

This significant finding highlights the rich cultural and historical significance of the Xinjiang region, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping the early traditions of horsemanship.

As archaeologists continue to explore and uncover ancient relics, the finding of this ancient saddle opens a window into the distant past, shedding light on the early development of saddle technology and its importance in the evolution of horse riding.

The Yanghai saddle stands as a testament to human ingenuity and innovation, providing a tangible connection to our equestrian ancestors and their remarkable achievements in horsemanship.