SINGULAR DEPOSITS IN GIRD LASHKIR (ERBIL, IRAQI KURDISTAN) AT THE BEGINNING OF THE EARLY BRONZE AGE

Gómez-Bach, A.; Breu, A.; Sisa, J.; Mylona, P.; Bradosty, Z.; Zebari, A.; Molist, M.

* SAPPO/GRAMPO-UAB, Dept. Prehistoria. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (Spain)

DOI: 10.31972/ISCAHKRD19.008

Abstract

This paper will address the study of two sets of unique objects (a set of clay figurines and paleometallurgical objects) discovered in habitat stratigraphic contexts in the excavations of Gird Lashkir (Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan). The analysis of the material assemblage, and their stratigraphic location in closed contexts, often called “closed deposits”, allows us to research their origin, formation, and social function. A set of singular materials were recovered from floors and pits which had been intentionally refilled. The presence of these materials in domestic areas, courtyards and negative structures appeared together with pottery, grinding stones, faunal remains and other domestic debris.

To address this topic, this contribution will cover the presence of utilitarian and figurative objects across the stratigraphic sequence at sector 3, which corresponds with an open-air area with artisanal and domestic uses inhabited at the dawn of the first empires. To this end, singular artefacts recovered from the Ninevite V horizon will be fully characterized. Specifically, a mould associated with paleometallurgic activities and a significant set of quadruped figurines (bovid, caprines) were found together. Moreover, a vehicle model and a horse figurine were buried in the same architectonic phase. The characteristics and archaeological contexts of symbolic artefacts from other sites in the region that developed the Ninevite V horizon have been used to better understand the assemblage found in Gird Lashkir.

These singular deposits will help improve the available knowledge about the Early Bronze Age in the Upper Mesopotamia.

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