Archaeologists in southern Tajikistan have made a remarkable discovery—a clay water jug dating back 2,000 years with a personal inscription naming its female owner, Sagkina. This everyday object offers an extraordinary glimpse into the lives of women during the Kushan Empire.
The two-handled vessel was unearthed at the Khalkhajar archaeological site near the village of Sarband and is believed to date to the 1st–3rd centuries AD, during the height of the Kushan Empire, which once spanned large parts of Central and South Asia.
What sets this artifact apart is its inscription in ancient Bactrian, written using a variant of the Greek script. It reads:
“This water jug belongs to the woman Sagkina.”
A Personal Message from the Ancient World
Experts emphasize the rarity of such a direct, personal reference to a woman in an everyday object from antiquity. It not only highlights female identity but also raises questions about property rights and literacy among women in the Kushan period.
According to Dr. Mirali Zamon Karimdodzoda, head of archaeology at the National Museum of Tajikistan, the find adds valuable context to domestic life in the region 2,000 years ago. Ongoing excavations have also revealed remnants of clay-brick structures and colorful interior wall paintings.
Reconstructing the Life of Sagkina
The jug was found in fragments but has been carefully restored. The clarity of the inscription makes it a rare piece of both linguistic and historical value. It may suggest that women in the Kushan Empire not only had recognized names but also possessed personal property.
The artifact is expected to be the highlight of an upcoming exhibition at the National Museum of Tajikistan, focusing on the daily lives and untold stories of the Kushan era.
More Than a Jug: A Trace of Forgotten Voices
While ancient history often overlooks individual women, Sagkina’s name carved into this humble vessel speaks volumes. It reminds us that even in times long past, ordinary people—especially women—left behind personal legacies waiting to be uncovered.
Cover Image Credit: National Museum of Tajikistan
