In continuation of the planned work on the identification and accounting of previously unrecorded objects of cultural heritage, field work was carried out in Upper Ozdika to include collective tombs of the Middle Ages in the list of identified objects of cultural heritage of the Republic of Ingushetia. Within the village, not far from the tower complex, previously unrecorded crypt burials in the amount of 7 pieces were recorded.

As you know, the crypt is an above-ground or underground room intended for the burial of the dead, was called to life in the mountainous area due to the acute lack of land. They are made of unhewn stones, on lime, have a yellow lining and manholes in each tier, through which they dragged the dead. Depending on the number of tiers, the manholes are located on all sides of the crypt, serving as an entrance to each tier, also small through holes are often found in the walls, providing ventilation, thanks to which natural mummification of the remains occurred. Also, when plague or other contagious disease raged in the mountains, infected people went to die in such crypts to avoid infecting others. Taking with them a small amount of food, they were isolated in this crypt, where they either died or recovered to their former life.

Crypts for the Ingush served as the same tower, only in another world, so they were built thoroughly and very carefully. “Man needs a tower in life, and after death – a crypt” – said our ancestors.

Some of the objects considered were collapsed, and some of them retained a large construction volume and some structural details.

The described objects will be included in the list of identified objects of cultural heritage of the republic.