The First Golden Straw

The Maikop Kurgan

A Maikop kurgan is a burial mound associated with the Maykop culture, an Early Bronze Age civilization that thrived in the region of southern Russia and the northwestern Caucasus between 4000 – 3200 BC. The term “kurgan” refers to a type of burial mound commonly found in the Eurasian steppes, characterized by a raised earth or stone structure covering a burial or a group of burials.

The Maikop kurgan of particular interest was excavated in the late 19th century in the town of Maykop, Russia. This kurgan contained three compartments, each holding the remains and grave goods of an individual from the Maykop culture, which is known for its distinctive pottery, metalwork, and rich burial practices.  The Maikop kurgan is noteworthy for the discovery of a set of eight gold and silver tubes initially identified as “scepters” due to their appearance.

The Maikop Scepters

Discovered adjacent to a burial site in the Maikop kurgan—a lavishly appointed mound unearthed in 1897—were tubes, measuring 3.7 feet in length and just under half an inch in diameter. Initially perceived as ceremonial scepters in the cultural context of the time, these gold and silver tubes underwent a transformative interpretation led by archaeologist Viktor Trifonov from the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute for the History of Material Culture.

Trifonov proposed an innovative theory, challenging the traditional view of the tubes as scepters. Instead, he posited that they might be the world’s oldest drinking straws, inspired by Mesopotamian artwork portraying communal drinking practices. Investigating the tubes’ silver tips, Trifonov discovered perforations that could serve as filters. An analysis of residue from one tip revealed barley starch granules, fossilized plant tissue particles, and a lime tree pollen grain, suggesting their role in sipping barley beer.

Considering the Maikop Culture’s affinity for Sumerian luxury and communal dining in the Caucasus during the fourth millennium BC, researchers argued that the “sceptres” likely served in communal beer drinking. These long tubes represent the earliest evidence of drinking straws globally, providing insights into ancient practices of shared libations during feasts in the ancient Near East.