Skopje - Macedonian archaeologists have discovered 17 tombs dating from the 5th century BC in Ohrid, southwestern Macedonia, local media reported Monday. In one tomb, archaeologists found bones of a 15-year-old girl with a unique funeral mask made up of thin gold eye-covers, gold plate for the mouth and a plaque with an engraved sun placed on her chest.
"This kind of a mask is unique for the Balkans. Several gold plates were found in Aegean region, but this kind of combination in one grave is unknown," Pasko Kuzman, head of the Macedonian Department for Cultural Heritage, was quoted as saying.
Jewelry, golden chains and objects made from amber were also found in the graves. Amber was brought to the region from the Baltic, indicating strong trade relations with northern European.
Archaeologists will continue with explorations of the site until autumn, and by the end of the year an exhibition with the findings from the sites will be organized.
