A Comparative Study of Chlorite Vessels Iconography, Discovered from HalilRud Basin

Abstract

HalilRud drainage basin is located South-East of Iran in Kerman province with an area of 8450 square kilometers. Multiplicity of sites, hills and ancient cemeteries along with numerous findings and cultural materials is a feature of this great cultural zone. A variety of factors and appropriate conditions together with favorable environmental situation have attracted human communities and groups from the oldest ages in this great cultural sphere. In 2001 and after accidental discovery of cultural materials obtained from very rich and ancient cemeteries in HalilRud River margin, it has been revealed that the HalilRud cultural zone has been one of the largest industrial and cultural centers of Ancient East in production and export of manufactured goods in the second half of the third millennium BC. Engraved chlorite vessels and other handicraft had been exported to other urban areas of Southwest Asia and Central Asia to Syria.In this study, based on study of 144 pieces of engraved chlorite vessels fromHalilRud River zone so far introduced, it has been attempted to present a preliminary analysis of their iconography. Also, they have been briefly compared with other findings of Southeastern Iran sites such as Tape Yahya, Shahdad and Shahr-I-Sokhta.

Towards a deeper understanding of the third millennium BC Iranian metallurgy: Use of synchrotron light for characterizing arsenic‐bearing minerals in metal objects from Espidej

“…The results of this first round of excavations at Espidej demonstrated that the inhabitants of the site during the third and second millennia BC must have possessed a high level of technology and technological knowledge while enjoying social welfare. [18][19][20] Espidej yielded significant amount of metallurgical residues and fragments, 17,21 some of which were presented as a part of this study.…”

“…They were registered to the Iranian National Museum records under the number 6745. The results of this first round of excavations at Espidej demonstrated that the inhabitants of the site during the third and second millennia BC must have possessed a high level of technology and technological knowledge while enjoying social welfare 18–20 …”