We present a copper alloy statuette confiscated by the Iranian security forces in the surrounding... more We present a copper alloy statuette confiscated by the Iranian security forces in the surroundings of Jiroft (Kerman, Iran) with other artifacts of the 3rd millennium B.C. Its iconography is discussed with synthetic reviews of selected snake-related iconographic themes in coeval ancient Mesopotamia, Iran, and southern Central Asia. Two micro-fragments, analyzed by ESEM, revealed the alloy and an unusual decorative treatment of its surface. The statuette hints at an important mythological or religious identity so far unknown.
The purpose of this article is to introduce the large prehistoric site of Hajjiabad-Varamin, its ... more The purpose of this article is to introduce the large prehistoric site of Hajjiabad-Varamin, its changes in time and the first discoveries made there, in the specific literature on the early Bronze Age of the southeastern Iranian Plateau. The first part of the article describes the site, its present damaged conditions, the periodisation we adopted and the complex topographic shifts and changes of functions through time. The second part focuses on the settlement of the 3rd millennium BC and discusses a major craft activity area found east of the main elevation of the site, in which were manufactured vessels in various stones (white alabaster, grey limestones with white fossil inclusions, and probably chlorite). Collections include large drill-heads in volcanic rocks used on the interior of the stone pots, and standardised beads of a green and red-banded calcite broken while being drilled. While the stone vessels find abundant comparisons and were certainly in demand for long-distance trade, the beads type is not known in other contexts and were presumably made for a local demand. We also present the unusual find of a hoard of copper objects which helps framing the 3rd millennium BC centre in terms of cultural links and chronology.
Southeastern Iran consists of several different geographical zones. Archaeologically, Halil Rud B... more Southeastern Iran consists of several different geographical zones. Archaeologically, Halil Rud Basin is one of the most important parts of the region. This little known basin includes two different geological parts, highlands and lowlands. This dichotomy was to cause interactions between the two areas. The evidence for interactions between the highland mobile pastoralists and lowland urban centers in the urban phase of the 3rd Millennium BCE in Southeastern Iran has been elusive. However, it is supposed that scattered highland settlements have played a very subservient role in developing the cultural landscape of the region during this period. In May-June 2012, an archaeological project was carried out by one of the authors (NE) at the area of Hanzaf Dam in the highlands of Halil Rud Basin. This paper deals with the results of the project that includes excavations at two Bronze Age pastoral sites, and destroyed cemetery dating back to the Bronze Age. Furthermore, it attempts to pre...
A fragmentary large chlorite vessel of the Halil Rud valley civilization (Kerman, Iran, mid third... more A fragmentary large chlorite vessel of the Halil Rud valley civilization (Kerman, Iran, mid third millennium bc), found in unknown circumstances and recently recovered by the police forces of Iran, is discussed in the wider scenario of coeval animal iconographies of middle and southwest Asia. Beginning from the imagery carved in the two superimposed friezes of the reassembled fragments, we review the different theoretical approaches in interpretation of similar animal iconography. The figuration of the vessel is interpreted as a scene of the scavenging of bovine carcasses by three different animal actors: lions and birds of prey/vultures, but also hyenas—a subject previously unknown in the art of the reference regions. Following a review of the interrelations of these species in scavenging and with humans, particularly in the coeval context of domestic animal exploitation and developing urban settlement, we investigate the potential semantic implications of the iconography in terms ...
A fragmentary large chlorite vessel of the Halil Rud valley civilization (Kerman, Iran, mid third... more A fragmentary large chlorite vessel of the Halil Rud valley civilization (Kerman, Iran, mid third millennium bc ), found in unknown circumstances and recently recovered by the police forces of Iran, is discussed in the wider scenario of coeval animal iconographies of middle and southwest Asia. Beginning from the imagery carved in the two superimposed friezes of the reassembled fragments, we review the different theoretical approaches in interpretation of similar animal iconography. The figuration of the vessel is interpreted as a scene of the scavenging of bovine carcasses by three different animal actors: lions and birds of prey/vultures, but also hyenas—a subject previously unknown in the art of the reference regions. Following a review of the interrelations of these species in scavenging and with humans, particularly in the coeval context of domestic animal exploitation and developing urban settlement, we investigate the potential semantic implications of the iconography in terms of the symbolism and ideology in the social context.
Due to the exciting discovery of major Bronze Age urban centers in southeastern Iran, such as Sha... more Due to the exciting discovery of major Bronze Age urban centers in southeastern Iran, such as Shahr e Soukhte, Shahdad and Konar Sandal (Jiroft), most scholarly attention has been given to the 3 rd millennium BC. As a result, the cultures preceding the Bronze Age in particular the 4 th millennium BC have been often neglected. In early 2011, the Iranian Center of Heritage and Tourism Organization (ICHTO) of Kerman Province conducted a rescue excavation at Khaje Askar near the city of Bam, in which several graves and complete funerary vessels were discovered (about 15 graves had been bulldozed previously). As a result of the excavations, a total of 9 graves and 53 funerary goods were uncovered; the burial goods included ceramics, stone and clay beads, stone vessels, clay objects, shells and a unique metal blade. In this article, we state the results of excavations at Khaje Askar cemetery and describe the burials and funerary goods and according to a comparative analysis based on the ceramics of other excavated settlement sites of southeastern Iran and Pakistan such as Tale Iblis, Mahtoutabad, Mehr-garh and Shahi Tump, we argue that Khaje Askar cemetery belongs to the Aliabad culture (Iblis IV) and dates to the 4 th millennium BC.
Southeastern Iran consists of several different geographical zones. Archaeologically, Halil Rud B... more Southeastern Iran consists of several different geographical zones. Archaeologically, Halil Rud Basin is one of the most important parts of the region. This little known basin includes two different geological parts, highlands and lowlands. This dichotomy was to cause interactions between the two areas. The evidence for interactions between the highland mobile pastoralists and lowland urban centers in the urban phase of the 3 rd Millennium BCE in Southeastern Iran has been elusive. However, it is supposed that scattered highland settlements have played a very subservient role in developing the cultural landscape of the region during this period. In May-June 2012, an archaeological project was carried out by one of the authors (NE) at the area of Hanzaf Dam in the highlands of Halil Rud Basin. This paper deals with the results of the project that includes excavations at two Bronze Age pastoral sites, and destroyed cemetery dating back to the Bronze Age. Furthermore, it attempts to present the strategy of pastoralism in the Halil Rud basin based on the ethno-archaeological studies. Finally, we suggest that the pastoral societies had a main role in the prehistoric economic landscape of the Halil River Valley by exploiting the natural resources (instance; copper).
The purpose of this article is to introduce the large prehistoric site of Hajjiabad-Varamin, its ... more The purpose of this article is to introduce the large prehistoric site of Hajjiabad-Varamin, its changes in time and the first discoveries made there, in the specific literature on the early Bronze Age of the southeastern Iranian Plateau. The first part of the article describes the site, its present damaged conditions, the periodisation we adopted and the complex topographic shifts and changes of functions through time. The second part focuses on the settlement of the 3rd millennium BC and discusses a major craft activity area found east of the main elevation of the site, in which were manufactured vessels in various stones (white alabaster, grey limestones with white fossil inclusions, and probably chlorite). Collections include large drill-heads in volcanic rocks used on the interior of the stone pots, and standardised beads of a green and red-banded calcite broken while being drilled. While the stone vessels find abundant comparisons and were certainly in demand for long-distance trade, the beads type is not known in other contexts and were presumably made for a local demand. We also present the unusual find of a hoard of copper objects which helps framing the 3rd millennium BC centre in terms of cultural links and chronology.
A large catacomb grave was recently excavated in Hajjiabad-Varamin, in the Halil Rud valley (Kerm... more A large catacomb grave was recently excavated in Hajjiabad-Varamin, in the Halil Rud valley (Kerman province, Iran). Dated from the late 4 th to the early 3 rd millennium BC, the burial is abundantly furnished with 90 artefacts, which provide for the first time an insight into the local material (ceramic) assemblage used in the Halil Rud valley around 3000 BC.
The ceramics (here fully published) help to define a new ceramic horizon (which we propose to call "Varamin Period"), between the 4 th millennium BC Aliabad wares horizon and the c. mid-3 rd millennium BC occupation periods of Konar Sandal South. The analysis of the spatial distribution of the grave furnishings also reveals aspects of the final stages of the funeral, as well as some immaterial implications hidden behind the material evidence.
We present a copper alloy statuette confiscated by the Iranian security forces in the surrounding... more We present a copper alloy statuette confiscated by the Iranian security forces in the surroundings of Jiroft (Kerman, Iran) with other artifacts of the 3rd millennium B.C. Its iconography is discussed with synthetic reviews of selected snake-related iconographic themes in coeval ancient Mesopotamia, Iran, and southern Central Asia. Two micro-fragments, analyzed by ESEM, revealed the alloy and an unusual decorative treatment of its surface. The statuette hints at an important mythological or religious identity so far unknown.
The purpose of this article is to introduce the large prehistoric site of Hajjiabad-Varamin, its ... more The purpose of this article is to introduce the large prehistoric site of Hajjiabad-Varamin, its changes in time and the first discoveries made there, in the specific literature on the early Bronze Age of the southeastern Iranian Plateau. The first part of the article describes the site, its present damaged conditions, the periodisation we adopted and the complex topographic shifts and changes of functions through time. The second part focuses on the settlement of the 3rd millennium BC and discusses a major craft activity area found east of the main elevation of the site, in which were manufactured vessels in various stones (white alabaster, grey limestones with white fossil inclusions, and probably chlorite). Collections include large drill-heads in volcanic rocks used on the interior of the stone pots, and standardised beads of a green and red-banded calcite broken while being drilled. While the stone vessels find abundant comparisons and were certainly in demand for long-distance trade, the beads type is not known in other contexts and were presumably made for a local demand. We also present the unusual find of a hoard of copper objects which helps framing the 3rd millennium BC centre in terms of cultural links and chronology.
Southeastern Iran consists of several different geographical zones. Archaeologically, Halil Rud B... more Southeastern Iran consists of several different geographical zones. Archaeologically, Halil Rud Basin is one of the most important parts of the region. This little known basin includes two different geological parts, highlands and lowlands. This dichotomy was to cause interactions between the two areas. The evidence for interactions between the highland mobile pastoralists and lowland urban centers in the urban phase of the 3rd Millennium BCE in Southeastern Iran has been elusive. However, it is supposed that scattered highland settlements have played a very subservient role in developing the cultural landscape of the region during this period. In May-June 2012, an archaeological project was carried out by one of the authors (NE) at the area of Hanzaf Dam in the highlands of Halil Rud Basin. This paper deals with the results of the project that includes excavations at two Bronze Age pastoral sites, and destroyed cemetery dating back to the Bronze Age. Furthermore, it attempts to pre...
A fragmentary large chlorite vessel of the Halil Rud valley civilization (Kerman, Iran, mid third... more A fragmentary large chlorite vessel of the Halil Rud valley civilization (Kerman, Iran, mid third millennium bc), found in unknown circumstances and recently recovered by the police forces of Iran, is discussed in the wider scenario of coeval animal iconographies of middle and southwest Asia. Beginning from the imagery carved in the two superimposed friezes of the reassembled fragments, we review the different theoretical approaches in interpretation of similar animal iconography. The figuration of the vessel is interpreted as a scene of the scavenging of bovine carcasses by three different animal actors: lions and birds of prey/vultures, but also hyenas—a subject previously unknown in the art of the reference regions. Following a review of the interrelations of these species in scavenging and with humans, particularly in the coeval context of domestic animal exploitation and developing urban settlement, we investigate the potential semantic implications of the iconography in terms ...
A fragmentary large chlorite vessel of the Halil Rud valley civilization (Kerman, Iran, mid third... more A fragmentary large chlorite vessel of the Halil Rud valley civilization (Kerman, Iran, mid third millennium bc ), found in unknown circumstances and recently recovered by the police forces of Iran, is discussed in the wider scenario of coeval animal iconographies of middle and southwest Asia. Beginning from the imagery carved in the two superimposed friezes of the reassembled fragments, we review the different theoretical approaches in interpretation of similar animal iconography. The figuration of the vessel is interpreted as a scene of the scavenging of bovine carcasses by three different animal actors: lions and birds of prey/vultures, but also hyenas—a subject previously unknown in the art of the reference regions. Following a review of the interrelations of these species in scavenging and with humans, particularly in the coeval context of domestic animal exploitation and developing urban settlement, we investigate the potential semantic implications of the iconography in terms of the symbolism and ideology in the social context.
Due to the exciting discovery of major Bronze Age urban centers in southeastern Iran, such as Sha... more Due to the exciting discovery of major Bronze Age urban centers in southeastern Iran, such as Shahr e Soukhte, Shahdad and Konar Sandal (Jiroft), most scholarly attention has been given to the 3 rd millennium BC. As a result, the cultures preceding the Bronze Age in particular the 4 th millennium BC have been often neglected. In early 2011, the Iranian Center of Heritage and Tourism Organization (ICHTO) of Kerman Province conducted a rescue excavation at Khaje Askar near the city of Bam, in which several graves and complete funerary vessels were discovered (about 15 graves had been bulldozed previously). As a result of the excavations, a total of 9 graves and 53 funerary goods were uncovered; the burial goods included ceramics, stone and clay beads, stone vessels, clay objects, shells and a unique metal blade. In this article, we state the results of excavations at Khaje Askar cemetery and describe the burials and funerary goods and according to a comparative analysis based on the ceramics of other excavated settlement sites of southeastern Iran and Pakistan such as Tale Iblis, Mahtoutabad, Mehr-garh and Shahi Tump, we argue that Khaje Askar cemetery belongs to the Aliabad culture (Iblis IV) and dates to the 4 th millennium BC.
Southeastern Iran consists of several different geographical zones. Archaeologically, Halil Rud B... more Southeastern Iran consists of several different geographical zones. Archaeologically, Halil Rud Basin is one of the most important parts of the region. This little known basin includes two different geological parts, highlands and lowlands. This dichotomy was to cause interactions between the two areas. The evidence for interactions between the highland mobile pastoralists and lowland urban centers in the urban phase of the 3 rd Millennium BCE in Southeastern Iran has been elusive. However, it is supposed that scattered highland settlements have played a very subservient role in developing the cultural landscape of the region during this period. In May-June 2012, an archaeological project was carried out by one of the authors (NE) at the area of Hanzaf Dam in the highlands of Halil Rud Basin. This paper deals with the results of the project that includes excavations at two Bronze Age pastoral sites, and destroyed cemetery dating back to the Bronze Age. Furthermore, it attempts to present the strategy of pastoralism in the Halil Rud basin based on the ethno-archaeological studies. Finally, we suggest that the pastoral societies had a main role in the prehistoric economic landscape of the Halil River Valley by exploiting the natural resources (instance; copper).
The purpose of this article is to introduce the large prehistoric site of Hajjiabad-Varamin, its ... more The purpose of this article is to introduce the large prehistoric site of Hajjiabad-Varamin, its changes in time and the first discoveries made there, in the specific literature on the early Bronze Age of the southeastern Iranian Plateau. The first part of the article describes the site, its present damaged conditions, the periodisation we adopted and the complex topographic shifts and changes of functions through time. The second part focuses on the settlement of the 3rd millennium BC and discusses a major craft activity area found east of the main elevation of the site, in which were manufactured vessels in various stones (white alabaster, grey limestones with white fossil inclusions, and probably chlorite). Collections include large drill-heads in volcanic rocks used on the interior of the stone pots, and standardised beads of a green and red-banded calcite broken while being drilled. While the stone vessels find abundant comparisons and were certainly in demand for long-distance trade, the beads type is not known in other contexts and were presumably made for a local demand. We also present the unusual find of a hoard of copper objects which helps framing the 3rd millennium BC centre in terms of cultural links and chronology.
A large catacomb grave was recently excavated in Hajjiabad-Varamin, in the Halil Rud valley (Kerm... more A large catacomb grave was recently excavated in Hajjiabad-Varamin, in the Halil Rud valley (Kerman province, Iran). Dated from the late 4 th to the early 3 rd millennium BC, the burial is abundantly furnished with 90 artefacts, which provide for the first time an insight into the local material (ceramic) assemblage used in the Halil Rud valley around 3000 BC.
The ceramics (here fully published) help to define a new ceramic horizon (which we propose to call "Varamin Period"), between the 4 th millennium BC Aliabad wares horizon and the c. mid-3 rd millennium BC occupation periods of Konar Sandal South. The analysis of the spatial distribution of the grave furnishings also reveals aspects of the final stages of the funeral, as well as some immaterial implications hidden behind the material evidence.
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Jiroft civilisation
The ceramics (here fully published) help to define a new ceramic horizon (which we propose to call "Varamin Period"), between the 4 th millennium BC Aliabad wares horizon and the c. mid-3 rd millennium BC occupation periods of Konar Sandal South. The analysis of the spatial distribution of the grave furnishings also reveals aspects of the final stages of the funeral, as well as some immaterial implications hidden behind the material evidence.
The ceramics (here fully published) help to define a new ceramic horizon (which we propose to call "Varamin Period"), between the 4 th millennium BC Aliabad wares horizon and the c. mid-3 rd millennium BC occupation periods of Konar Sandal South. The analysis of the spatial distribution of the grave furnishings also reveals aspects of the final stages of the funeral, as well as some immaterial implications hidden behind the material evidence.