Abstract
The article is devoted to the theoretical and practical aspects of the
musealization, conservation, and digital representation of the Golden Man (kaz: Altyn
adam), a unique archaeological monument of Saka culture discovered in the Issyk burial
mound in 1970. It considers the monument’s place in Kazakhstan’s national cultural
heritage system and its role in shaping historical memory, symbolic politics, and
national identity. Based on an interdisciplinary approach, the study analyzes the main
stages of research and museum presentation of the Golden Man, as well as the existing
reconstructions by K. Akishev, A. Akishev, A. Tanabayev, and K. Altynbekov. Special
attention is given to methodological issues of reconstructing the monument’s appearance
and interpreting its historical and cultural status within contemporary museum practices
and digital humanities.
The article addresses the scientific reliability of visual reconstructions, criteria for
their verification, and the role of digital technologies in preserving, transmitting, and
popularizing archaeological heritage. It argues for unified scientific principles for
conservation, reconstruction, and digital representation, grounded in international
heritage standards. The article concludes that a scientifically grounded interpretive model
is essential for preventing pseudoscientific reconstructions, preserving authenticity, and
improving communication between museums and the public.
01 Introduction
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