Journal of Archaeological Studies

Cultural Interactions of Prehistoric Societies of Central Iranian plateau with Residents of Central Zagros, Fars and Southwestern of Iran during the Fifth Millennium BC

Parisa Nekouei; Rouhollah Yousefi Zoshk

Volume 13, Issue 1 , July 2021, , Pages 235-258

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.289501.142829

Abstract

The Iranian plateau is considered as one of the main founding columns of cultural transformation during the sixth, fifth and fourth millennia BC. Archaeological evidances such as the ... Read More The Iranian plateau is considered as one of the main founding columns of cultural transformation during the sixth, fifth and fourth millennia BC. Archaeological evidances such as the pottery tradition is almost the best example of cultural interactions of this region with the other communities of northwest, central Zagros, Fars and southwestern Iran during in the last quarter of fifth millennium BC. This article focuses on analyzing the intra- and inter-regional relations of Second half of the fifth millennium BC in this Cultural zones according to pottery assemblages. In order to understand the level of social and cultural complexity in the different parts of Iran, the authors have explored how these pottery traditions came into discussed in in the plain of Varamin and Qom to the east, Kurdistan and Zanjan provinces and the eastern plains of central Zagros to the west(Figure.1). From 5500 BC onward, the central Iranian plateau is considered the trade road during the first half of fifth millennium BC links the central Zagros with the sources, but tangable cultural contact with more population movement appeared during the last quarter of fifth millennium BC in Godin VII period. Given the existing archaeological data, Qazvin plain always played a crossroad of cultures and could therefore be regarded as part of the broader framework of cultural and social interaction and relationship. In the late fifth millennium BC, archaeological evidences such as “Plum Ware” indicators of such cultural and economic interaction. "Plum Ware” assemblages have been obtained in an area extending from Varamin plain in the east of central Iranian plateau to Tepe Ghabristan, Tepe Shizar, Tepe Ismail Abad in Qazvin plain, Tepe Ozbaki and Tepe Gazarsang in the west, and Tepe Soha chai, Tepe Karvansara, Tepe Qeshlaq, Tal 11 Talvar, and Tepe Kalnan in the northwestern part of the Central Iranian Plateau, which indicates a relatively widespread distribution of this type of pottery. (Figure.2.3).In the Qomroud region, both Bakun potteries of the Fars province were found with the typical Sialk II and III1-3 (Transitional and Early Chalcolithic period) ceramics this obviously reveals true connection between the society of Fars and central plateau during the fifth millennium BC. The fine painted black on buff pottery vessels of Tepe Qomrud are unknown in terms of shape and role in the central plateau of Iran and are apparently similar to those in southwestern and southern Iran and especially in Susiana plain (Alizadeh, 2008) and Bakun, Rahmatabad and Tal-Gap sites (Azizi et al, 2012) whose origins most probably go back to those areas. These pottery vessels generally have a geometrical shape with broad strips, ladder designs and successive triangles, often filled with Dot Motif designs (Figure.4). Also, evidence of ancient copper works at Tepe Zagheh represent smelting process during the first half of fifth millennium BC at site and for the Early Chalcolithic/Sialk III1-3 period evidence of larger scale of copper production such as slags, crucible in areas such as Tepe Ozbaki, Tepe Cheshmeh Ali and copper workshop in Tepe Ghabristan indicates how small workshop centers changed into the industrial section in the later period (Matthews & Fazeli Nashli, 2004). This, together with findings related to metalwork in Tepe Qeshlaq, Tepe Kalnan, Tepe Karvansara, and Tepe Soha Chai cycle of highland producer and consumers during the fifth millennium BC. Current evidence, particularly the proximity and accessibility of copper resources in Qazvin plain and the high areas of the western margins of the Central Iranian Plateau and the presence of casting tools, objects and molds in most “Plum Ware”-bearing settlements such as Tepe Ghabristan, Maral Tepe Ozbaki, Tepe Godin, Tepe Qeshlaq and Tepe Karvansara, which undeniably help confirm the copper production process in these areas and plum / Godin VII people's specialization in metalwork, reinforces the hypothesis that a group of desentary or pastoral communities scattered along the central plateau to the northern and central regions of Zagros had interactions in the late fifth millennium BC and were specialized in the production and processing of copper objects. Some excavated sites such as Tepe Karvansara and Seh Gabi in the central Zagros represent direct evidence of copper production within the domestic spaces. Therefore, exchange of commodities and trade of copper is a good example, led to cultural integration between the fifth millennium BC communities of central Zagros and central plateau. Moreover, Tepe Qomrud was a key area for trade of copper in the fifth millennium BC and, like other chalcolithic sites in the central Iranian plateau such as Tepe Cheshmeh Ali, Tepe Ghabristan, Tepe Shizar, and Ismail Abad has been obtained important evidence of metalwork processes from archaeological excavations of Tepe Qomrud (Kaboli, 2015) which are clear indications of copper related activities in this area. In recent paper published by Vidale (Vidale et al 2018) technological centralization/standardization and specialization of ceramic and copper production was seen as the main characteristics of central plateau commonalities during the fifth millennium BC., With caution of cultural/historical approaches it seems“Plume Ware” is parts of techno/cultural innovations of late fifth millennium BC in central Zagros and diffused to the north central plateau of Iran. More or less, we know that such ceramic tradition is visible in some north central plateau settlements c.4200 BC while based on the current data this tradition was started in Godin VII period more or less around at the same time sphere. We observe that if the origins of “Plume Ware” back to central Zagros, then by the movement of population this tradition made progress within many settlements in central plateau in less than few generations. This study reveals that the similarity “Plum Ware” with Dalma and Godin VII tradition and also similarity “painted buff pottery of Qomrud with Fars and southwest sites, reinforcing the theory of the existence of cultural interactions between these regions. We assume that although cultures in the Iranian plateau have shared mechanisms of social complexities but, each region has to be examined its own cultural biomass. The need for strategic commodities such as copper and status goods during the fifth millennium BC led to cultural communication and interactions among the mentioned societies. This paper attempts to provide a new insight into the extent of cultural interactions in the Iranian plateau during the fifth millennium.

Review and analysis of the banquet scene in the Elymais reliefs with the introduction of newly found relief of Sang-e Mahi Andyka – Masjedsoleyman

Yaghoub Mohammadifar; Afrasiab Garavand; Abass Motarjem

Volume 4, Issue 1 , July 2012, , Pages 239-256

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2012.35384

Abstract

Elymais regions include the elevated plains and valleys of Bakhtiary Mountains in east of Karun River and in fact it is the northeast of Khozestan province. Although the exact determining ... Read More

Archaeological Study of Parthian Habitats in Sefid-rud Rudbar Valley

Ali Kazemi; Farzad Mafi; Zarin Fakhar

Volume 13, Issue 3 , September 2021, , Pages 241-263

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.280981.142716

Abstract

With seven cities, four districts, and 2514 square kilometers, Rudbar city is the largest city in the south of Gilan province. Environmental capabilities such as crossing the Sefid-rud ... Read More With seven cities, four districts, and 2514 square kilometers, Rudbar city is the largest city in the south of Gilan province. Environmental capabilities such as crossing the Sefid-rud River through the central part of Rudbar and being located in the connection route of the Central Plateau with northern Iran have long made this region the focus of groups and human communities. Hence, it has led to the scattering of countless sites throughout the region in the form of hills, cemeteries, and ancient sites. Between 2006 and 2010, among the 45 sites studied in the studied area, 19 sites from the Parthian period were identified with the cultural materials of this period. Descriptively and in the field, the present study has examined the topography, geographical location, access roads, and water resources of the works, as well as the cultural materials and pathology of the sites. Most of the surveyed areas include cemeteries and several small settlements. Limitation of environmental potentials is one of the most important factors that have prevented the formation of cities and large population centers in the region. Given the existence of pastures, forests, and water resources, it seems that the life of the people of this region at the same time as agriculture was based on animal husbandry. Additionally, the common way of life has been semi-nomadic (vertical style). Along a valley from the lowest to the highest point above sea level, the similarity of pottery and burials illustrates this well. In this study, most of the pottery of historical and Parthian periods was obtained in red, orange, dark brown, and generally polished, respectively. Most burials have simple pits, stone tumulus, catacombs, stone framed, and sometimes megaliths and jars. Comparable to other contemporaries, these burials are such as Vaskeh, Maian Rud, Maryan of Talesh and Rezvanshahr, and Coty deylaman Castles, Shahpir, Kaluraz, Juben and Chereh of Rudbar in Gilan, Germi in Azerbaijan and Biston in western Iran. The earthenware pieces of the sites are often polished and divided into two types, simple and decorative. The number of decorative pottery pieces was more than other species

The Role of the Goddess Anahita in Decorations of the Mosaic Ivan (loggia) in Bishapur

Mahsa Mohammad gholi beik; Hamidreza Jayhani

Volume 12, Issue 3 , December 2020, , Pages 243-268

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.250094.142527

Abstract

Due to the written history of urbanization, the City of Bishapur is counted as one of the Sassanid era's valuable examples. Through this city, valuable buildings and monuments were ... Read More Due to the written history of urbanization, the City of Bishapur is counted as one of the Sassanid era's valuable examples. Through this city, valuable buildings and monuments were obtained, including the temple of Anahita, hall of Chalipa, eastern and western Ivans (loggias), and related ornaments such as stucco and mosaic. The eastern mosaic Ivan (loggia) is one of the fundamental discoveries and components of the Bishapour royal citadel (Figure5), built in front of Anahita temple, Valerian palace, and hall of Chalipa. This Ivan has the most sets of intact mosaics. It is believed that the Roman prisoners (captured during the battle of Shahpour I and Valerian) were among the first people to teach the Iranians the art of mosaic imagery. May we emphasize that this story cannot be accepted for certain and requires further research. Today, studying the images on mosaics and comparing them with available historical and religious data gives us a new opportunity to interpret them differently than what our ancestors have been telling us for all these years and centuries. Comparing these images with those engraved on Sasanid plates tells us how Anahita (Persian goddess of fertility and wisdom) provides blessings and wisdom for kings and emperors. There is a strong possibility that these mosaics are dated back to Narseh's reign, 7th Sasanid king, and Shahpur I son. The Bishapur eastern mosaic porch (Ivan) is the precious remnant of the Sassanid era in which the greatest amount and most intact mosaics were obtained. The art of creating images using mosaic was pretty much rare in Iran. It is considered that this art found its way to Iran through Roman captivity after the war of ShapurI and Valerian. The study of the mosaic Ivan ornaments is important because it helps us know more about the city's use and historical interventions in it. Neglecting some of the details in motifs and attribution of making these decorations to Roman captives made it necessary to re-examine mosaics and their details. A review of the mosaic motifs and comparing them with historical and religious documents represent a new interpretation that can lead to a more understanding of the construction time and a clearer view of eastern Ivan's role within the royal palace. The purpose of this article is to re-read the mosaic motifs of the eastern Ivan to understand the architectural use of the mosaic Ivan, the possible period of construction, and understanding the story told by mosaics. This historical and descriptive study was conducted by comparing the images and motifs. Based on the results and findings of comparing mosaic motifs with reliefs and the same motifs on dishes and containers, the mosaics' images can be considered a glorious ceremony of giving splendor by the goddess Anahita to an important person (Figure 7). But who is this person? Considering the incompleteness of the mosaic motifs in the northwest and southwest fronts of the Ivan, it is impossible to express the person's identity in question (Figure 9). Still, by reviewing historical events and examining the fundamental changes in the art of this period during different years, perhaps a new hypothesis can be put forward about the possibility of building an Ivan by someone other than Shapur I. The first step is to search among the people who showed the most attention towards the goddess Anahita and showed her their support. The importance of this goddess is evident in the Sassanid Dynasty. But what is the reason for not attributing the mosaics to the Shapur I? With Shapur I's arrival, the image of Anahita was removed from coins and was replaced by Ahura Mazda. While even the quality of implementation of motifs is not the same as the similar examples built by the Romans in Antioch (Figure 4), how can solely because of the presence of Roman captives at Bishapur, assign the construction of mosaics to them? Also, Ivan's space in Bishapour is different from the Ivans in other royal buildings in the Sassanid period (Figure 1). Neither of these two porches is located along the principal axes of the Chalipa Hall. This is so obvious that Girshman does not consider the period of construction of the mosaic Ivan and the hall of Chalipa to be simultaneous. Sarfaraz has also found another layer of red mortar under the mosaic layer of the mosaic courtyard (western mosaic Ivan), which was thought to be the oldest flooring layer. Before examining Anahita's clothing, it is necessary to return to the issue of the dissimilarity of the Ivan with other spaces called Ivan in royal palaces. Lionel Bier believes that the discovered parts are a small part of a larger building. Azarnoush also considers the two buildings of the west and east Ivans along with the Chalipa Hall as a temple for the worship of Anahita. According to this, the Bishapour royal citadel plan was compared with the plan of an important religious complex such as Takht-e Soleiman. The number of similar cases in terms of plan form and the arrangement of spaces and structure is so numerous that the possibility of religious use for Bishapour can be considered probable (Figure 2). Furthermore, during the first Hormozd, Anahita's dress was different on the coins than the clothes in the mosaics of Bishapur. In the coins related to the second Bahram, her crown lacks a bullet above the head. So, the first similarities in the motifs of mosaics with Anahita are visible from the period of Narseh. According to Girshman, in the third century AD, the Sassanids' woolen and silk fabrics rarely had a pattern. We should consider that the use of patterns on the fabric has probably become common with the construction of weaving centers in Khuzestan by Shapur II (Table1). In terms of clothes, hair, and narrated subjects, mosaics' motifs have tremendous similarities with relief and motifs of coin attributed to the Anahita in the next periods. Also, there are some similarities in the description of the fifth Yasht regarding Anahita's appearance with a piece of the mosaic decorated with the woman lying on the pillow. Therefore, it should be studied in the history between 276 to 379 AD from Bahram II to Shapur II. Finally, by comparing the motifs of Mosaic Ivan with other remaining motifs of the goddess Anahita on the coins of the Sassanid period, the motifs attributed to Anahita on the carvings and sculptures discovered from the Arbabi mansion of Hajiabad, it was concluded that the motifs implemented on the mosaics are completely Iranian in terms of faces, clothes, and sitting posture. The weakness in the implementation of the motifs and the method of preparing the Bishapour mosaics is probably due to the implementation of those who learned this art from Roman captives in the past and later performed it at the request of the king. During these 100 years, one of the people who explicitly mentions the goddess Anahita is Narseh, Shapur I's son. Since his monarchy has been taken away, he clearly turns to Anahita and receives the ring of power from her (Figure 6). Narseh owes this victory to the goddess Anahita's support, so he wants to show the power, glory, and support of Anahita. The best place for this is his hometown, which was established by the order of the powerful Sassanid king, Shapur I. According to the issues mentioned above, it is more likely that the mosaics were made by order of Narseh to thank the goddess Anahita and to show her support in a city that is probably a collection for the worship of this goddess.

Chronological Study of the Chalcolithic Potteries from Khole-Kū in Takestan

Hamid Reza Valipour; Sare Ne’matollahi Niya

Volume 7, Issue 2 , December 2016, , Pages 175-195

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2015.57755

Abstract

Khole-Kū is located in the south of Takestan and on the border of Qazvin plain. This site was sounding during an archaeological project in the spring of 2011. The pottery materials ... Read More

An Explanation on Artistic Style and Date of a Decorated Bronze Belt from Gargul (West Azarbaijan, Iran)

Kazem Mollazadeh; ali binandeh

Volume 9, Issue 2 , April 2018, , Pages 177-191

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2018.208971.142297

Abstract

‌Southern basin of Urmia Lake has faced the significant political, cultural, and artistic evolutions during the first millennium BC. Rising and development of local governments caused ... Read More

Place of Value and Valuation Practices in the Conservation and Restoration Approaches of the Persepolis World Heritage Site

Parisa Abdollahi; koros samaniyan

Volume 10, Issue 2 , January 2019, , Pages 185-203

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.68538

Abstract

Survey and analysis of different distinctive conservation/restoration periods in Persepolis (from 1931 until present time) shows that the conservation approaches were mainly based on ... Read More

Recognizing the Architectural Features of Ali Shah' Mosque of Tabriz on the Basis of Archaeological, Historical and Architectural Evidences

amin moardi; behrooz omrani

Volume 11, Issue 1 , May 2019, , Pages 201-215

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.71113

Abstract

The approximate one century of Ilkhanid dominions in Iran, was a priory in flourishing such an innovation styles of Architectural and Urban designing in Islamic ages of which clarifying ... Read More

Revisit the Kura-Araxes: The Absolute and Relative Chronology of Qaleh Tepe and Ali Yourd Tepe, Zanjan Province, Iran

Amir sadegh Naghshineh; Barbara Helwing; HASSAN Fazeli Nashli

Volume 15, Issue 2 , December 2023, , Pages 203-224

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2024.371269.143246

Abstract

The communities of the Kura- Araxes cultural complex with their highly distinctive cultural and economic features represent the occupation of some parts of the Near East and Caucasia ... Read More The communities of the Kura- Araxes cultural complex with their highly distinctive cultural and economic features represent the occupation of some parts of the Near East and Caucasia during the Bronze Age. Generally, the origin of this culture is sought in the Southern Caucasus. In Iran, the spread of this cultural tradition represents not only a rupture in the cultural development of the Mesopotamian traditions. Environmental changes linked to Rapid Climate Change (RCC) also forced the population to develop new economic strategies. Until about two decades ago, knowledge of the flourishing Kura Araxes occupation was limited to the north-west of the country and to some parts of the Central Zagros, but recent research in the zones south and north of the Alborz Mountain Range, on the northern edge of the Central Plateau allows by now to present a more detailed picture of the Kura Araxes occupation in both diachronic and synchronic perspective. Recent archaeological excavations in the two sites of Qaleh Tepe and Ali Yourd Tepe revealed some important new data from Kura-Araxes settlements in the corridor of the north Central Plateau and northwestern Iran. The two sites are located in the eastern Zanjan Province in the Abhar Rood Basin. This paper aims to update the chronology of the Kura-Araxes culture based on the radiocarbon dates from the two sites of Qaleh Tepe and Ali Yourd Tepe. The stratigraphy and radiocarbon dates of the two sites reveal the beginning of the Kura-Araxes culture in the region from c. 2900 BCE, followed by a quick extension into the northern Central Plateau, where it is represented by sites such as Shizar, Doranabad, Ostur, and Barlekin. Similarity and diversity characterize the Kura-Araxes cultural complex. However, based on the current data, the ceramic style represents a common feature, but also the architectural remains indicate a common cultural tradition during the first quarter of the third millennium BCE in the Central Zagros, northwestern Iran, and on the Central Plateau

Tam(uk)ka(n), Taoke, Tah(u)makah & Tahukka; the Names for an Achaemenid Port on the Northern Coast of the Persian Gulf; A Challenges for Conformity between Textual and Archaeological Documents

Afshin Yazdani; Bahman Firouzmandi Shireh Jin

Volume 8, Issue 1 , April 2016, , Pages 205-223

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2016.59503

Abstract

The Persepolis clay tablets (dating back to Darius the Great) and the Mesopotamian archives from the time of Cyrus the Great as well as the historical reports from the time of Alexander ... Read More

Preliminary Results of the Archaeological survey on the southern Zayandeh Rood Basin, Laran County, Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiari Province

ali norozi; Mohsen Heydari Dastenaei

Volume 10, Issue 1 , August 2018, , Pages 207-226

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2018.135136.142225

Abstract

Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiari province witnesses a long period of human occupations. It is due to for the geography and environmental factors such as its location on the highly mountainous ... Read More Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiari province witnesses a long period of human occupations. It is due to for the geography and environmental factors such as its location on the highly mountainous regions as well as the existence of permanent water resources, small plains, deep valleys and the presence of tribal and nomadic roads. One of these mountainous regions is the Laran County, which is in fact a relatively long valley with smaller suburbs. This section includes the southern aquiferous of Zayandeh-Rud Basin and its branches and the eastern portion of the Karoon River Basin. This region is perhaps one of the few areas of the country where no major archaeological activities have been performed yet. Considering the geographical location and environmental capabilities of the area, carrying out an archaeological survey with the aim of understanding the location of the region in the archaeological studies in Zagros, identifying the factors affecting to the formation, continuity, expansion and disruption of its settlements, and assessing the history of human life developments in the region is necessary. Accordingly, the Laran County was systematic surveyed in 2010. Overall, 210 archaeological sites from the Neolithic period to the contemporary era were identified and recorded. The remains discovered include sites, hills, caves and shelters, cemeteries, bridges, mosques and shrine. In total, 4 settlements from the Neolithic period, 20 settlements of various periods of Chalcolithic, 6 settlements from the Bronze Age 32 sites of the Iron and Achaemenid period, 60 sites from the Parthian and Sassanian periods and 111 ancient sites of the Islamic period were identified. Most of the settlements in this area are located at low altitude and their surface findings have been very poor. Due to the location and morphology of these sites, as well as the studies of the remains of the living nomadic peoples, it seems that most of them are used seasonally. This article is intended to present the preliminary results of this survey work.

Investigating the Cultural Evolutions in Western Hinterlands of Alvand From Chalcolithic period to the End of Iron Age (Based on an archeological survey in Tuyserkan intermountain plain)

Reza Nazari Arshad; Khalilollah Beik Mohammadi

Volume 8, Issue 2 , March 2017, , Pages 209-227

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2017.61779

Abstract

Extensive or intensive methods in archeological surveys are amongst the most common practical techniques in identifying phenomena, cultural changes and cultural ecosystem. Studying ... Read More

Distribution of Uruk Material Culture and it's Cultural and Political Interplay with Kura-Araxes Tradition

Sepideh Maziar

Volume 9, Issue 1 , August 2017, , Pages 211-231

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2017.64013

Abstract

In the fourth Millennium BC, as the societies became more complex and with the formation of Uruk culture and the sophisticated social and economic mechanisms behind it, we are confronted ... Read More

A Historical Archaeology of the Zoroastrian Societies in Maybod (Yazd): A Preliminary Report of Archaeological Survey in the Mazra’e Kalantar and Hassan Abad Villages

Hassan Fazeli nashli; Ruth Young

Volume 11, Issue 2 , October 2019, , Pages 211-226

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.73114

Abstract

A joint team from University of Tehran and Leicester University carried out a first season of archaeological exploration of Zoroastrian societies in Maybod of Yazad province during ... Read More

Hunting in the Forest Steppe: An Examination of the Painted Panel at Takke Rock-Shelter, Bojnord, Northeastern Iran

Ali Akbar Vahdati

Volume 12, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 233-250

Abstract

< p dir="ltr">The mountainous region of Northern Khorasan, north-eastern Iran is rich in rock art complexes including several petroglyphic and rock-painting sites. The rock paintings ... Read More

The Burial Tradition in the Zoroastrian Religion, The Continuation of the Long Tradition of Secondary Burial during Epipalaeolithic and Neolithic Periods

Mohammad Hossein Rezaei; Mohsen Sangbargan; Omran Garazhian

Volume 13, Issue 2 , September 2021, , Pages 245-270

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.275808.142677

Abstract

Burial traditions have not been formed all at once and in the long term numerous factors and variables have played a role in its formation and continuation or obsolescence. Among these ... Read More Burial traditions have not been formed all at once and in the long term numerous factors and variables have played a role in its formation and continuation or obsolescence. Among these factors, we can mention the influence and contacts made between different cultures, and in the meantime, Zoroastrian culture can not be an exception to this rule and it can be said that the burial practice in the Zoroastrian religion (Ossuary) probably has a long history among different ethnic groups and nations, and these cultures were influential in adopting the burial practice (Ossuary) in the Zoroastrian religion. Similar to the burial practice (Ossuary) in the Zoroastrian religion, it has been found in the Iranian plate and Levant and Central Asian in the Epipaleolithic period to the late Bronze Age. Therefore, the aim of this research is to evaluate the relationship between the secondary burial practice during the Epipaleolithic period and the time of the advent of Zoroastrian religion and its effect on the burial method in Zoroastrianism. Accordingly, the present research seeks to answer the following questions: How early on and how did the burial data of archaeology come from? And what is the connection between the method of the second burial and burial in Zoroastrianism?. The method of this research is descriptive-analytical, based on archaeological reports. In the present study, information was obtained from archaeological reports and published articles about various sites of Iran's plateau and Levant and Central Asia, of which secondary burials have been discovered. The philosophy of doing this burial method could be different or a reason other than respect for nature, and these secondary burials were probably carried out by non-sedentry groups that used permanent sites for burial and probably died somewhere outside the facility, and the possibility of transferring bodies to There were no grounds for burial, so the deceased were abandoned in the same place, and later, after the loss of soft tissues, the bones were collected and buried in the graves in the site

Sirjan, One of the Glassmaking Centers in Southeast Iran in Early Islamic Centuries: Classification and Typology of the Glassware of Old City of Sirjan

Hasan Karimiyan; Zeinab Afzali

Volume 13, Issue 3 , September 2021, , Pages 265-286

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.282139.142721

Abstract

The Old City of Sirjan site that is located about 11 km southeast of present-day Sirjan is the remains of the city from the Sassanid period to Middle Islamic centuries, which has been ... Read More The Old City of Sirjan site that is located about 11 km southeast of present-day Sirjan is the remains of the city from the Sassanid period to Middle Islamic centuries, which has been mentioned in historical and geographical sources as the capital of Kerman Province. All written historical sources highlight the political and cultural significance of this city in southeastern Iran in early Islamic centuries. Despite the fact that the Old City of Sirjan played a key role in the early Islamic centuries as the seat of Kerman province, archaeological studies on this city are still very rare. Written sources provide valuable information regarding this era; however, issues such as social structure, economic and cultural activities of the residents have been neglected. During the studies carried out by the authors of this paper on the arena of the city, considerable and variety of cultural material including pottery and glassware pieces were discovered. The volume variety of these discoveries raised questions as to the time and place of crafting, living of the craftsmen, industrial workshops, crafting and decoration techniques and artistic aspects of these remains. Current study aims to present the classification, typology and relative chronology of the glassware found in the arena of Old City of Sirjan this is done in order to determine their technical and decorative characteristics and compare the acquired data with those of the adjacent areas in the early Islamic centuries. The data were obtained through systematic surface survey and were evaluated using a descriptive-analytical methodology. The study revealed that the Old City of Sirjan glassware were produced through free blowing or blowing into the mould and were decorated through techniques such as moulded patterns, sculpture, carvings and stamping. The mass production of glassware in the old Sirjan proves that during 3rd - 5th AH, the city of Sirjan acted as the great prosperity center for glassware products

Classification and typology of the Islamic period potteries of Neyriz Plain, Fars Province

Hassan Moradi; Hassan Karimian

Volume 12, Issue 3 , December 2020, , Pages 269-291

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.255521.142551

Abstract

The Neyriz Plain, which is located between Kerman and Fars provinces, with an area of around 240km2 has hosted important settlements belonging to the Islamic era (Figure 1). In order ... Read More The Neyriz Plain, which is located between Kerman and Fars provinces, with an area of around 240km2 has hosted important settlements belonging to the Islamic era (Figure 1). In order to identifying these settlements and to determine their chronological order, a systematic surface survey was carried out by the authors at the first season of 2017. The first step was to study the ceramic fragments collected from surface survey, and compare them on the basis of similarities of their forms, fabric and decoration. Based on the results of data analysis, the ceramics were classified into eight main categories. So, the main aim of this paper is to perform classification, typification, and propose a relative chronology of the collected potteries from Islamic period sites from the Neyriz Plain. The results suggest a strong relation between the ceramics belonging to the Early to Mid-Islamic era (11-16 cetury AD) and the eastern Iranian civilizations, such as Sirjan. For instance, the slip-painted and polychrome Sgraffiato potteries have considerable similarity to those obtained from Sirjan. Indeed, the Neyriz plain may be considered as one of the main distribution areas of the slip-painted potteries of Sirjan. Moreover, the ceramics dated 13-17 centuries AD are indication of the cultural ties and trade relations between this region of Fars province with Nishabur, Kerman and Sistan regions of Iran. The main aim of this paper is to perform classification, typification, and to propose a relative chronology of the collected potteries from Islamic period sites from the Neyriz Plain. The objectives are to compare Neyriz Plain potteries to similar ones from other Islamic archaeological sites, and to recognize inter and intraregional connections of the ancient settlements of this plain and other ceramic production centers. The present research aims answer the question of to what extend settlements of the Neyriz Plain find cultural relation to other Iranian Islamic settlements? And how much study of ceramic fragments will reveal such relationships? Primary investigation of historical sources indicates interregional cultural ties between Neyriz and Shiraz (on the west), and Kerman and Sirjan provinces (from the east). Furthermore, considering the location of Neyriz Plain on the main route between Shiraz to Kerman corridor, vast cultural ties can be imagined between Neyriz Plain settelement and eastern Iranian cities, such as Sirjan, Kerman and even Nishabour on the northeast of Iran. The present research adopts a descriptive-analytical method in both fieldwork and bibliographical studies. Fieldworks consist of pottery findings, typology, and classification of findings (based on similarities of their forms, and decorative elements), while bibliographic activities include literature survey, similar findings, and suggestive dating. Although there have been efforts in investigating pottery data of northern coasts of the Persian Gulf, there is little information on regional data, especially areas between Fars, Kerman, and Mokran (northern area of Persian Gulf) during early Islamic periods. Neyriz, located at the eastern Fars Province on the Shiraz to Sirjan trade corridor, is a marvelous ancient region with remarkable sites. Further to identification of 63 sites at Neyriz Plain, some 911 potsherds recovered from the Bakun to late Islamic periods. The authors focus on 440 Islamic fragments, which were generally divided into two unglazed (214 pieces), and glazed (226 pieces) sherds. Considering their form, temper, impurity and decorations, they were categorized to eight main groups, towards chronological comparison against other similar samples. Unglazed potteries include two slipped ones and potteries with incised and stamped decorations, which are characteristically the majority in the collection and consisted of two groups of thickly slipped potteries (Figure 2). Glazed samples include six main groups of monochrome, Sgraffito, splashed, slipped painted, underglaze painting, and painting on glaze ceramics. The potteries reveal information about patterns of production, consumption, and distribution of pottery during different periods. Thick slipped potteries date to Sassanid to early Islamic periods (3-8 centuries AD). Considering incised designs under slips and color of slips within the group, it appears that all four groups are from the same period. The first group, with thick slip and fine temper, from Williamson Collection, date to 2nd century BC to 7th AD century (Priestman, 2005: 232-234, 402, Pl. 82-84). It appears, considering incised designs with similar themes, they are later than the other three groups, while they date to a same period. It is confirmable following absence of the same findings from two other Parthian sites in Neyriz Plain. Potteries with incised designs frequently associated with potteries with stamped, and cylindrical designs, similar to findings from Sirjan and Qasr-i-Abu Nasr (Whitcomb, 1985: 122, 135). However, turquoise glaze is the most common monochrome glaze; it is the most abundant one. On the other hand, there are other monochrome glazes that characteristically are significant in the pottery studies. The white mono chrome pottery that is one of the particles of the “Samarra Horizon”, has several production centers including Sirjan (Williamson, 1987: 15), which appears an indication of a bigger pattern of relations, comparing to previous period. The green mono chrome glazed pottery that is very similar to the same color Sgraffito is reported also as findings of eastern coasts of Africa. The turquoise mono chrome glaze with earthen temper, vastly range many forms and quality of glaze that date as wide as Sassanid to Late Islamic periods, for continuity of production and consumption. The other type is stone paste that mainly appears as open form vessels and date to 11-13 century. Slip painted wares of Neyriz are similar to the findings from Sirjan, which appears, as a characteristic pottery within 10th and 11th centuries AD, as an indication of more relations to Sirjan. Potteries with splashed and Sgraffito glaze are chronologically and technically similar, which indicate a penetration of Sirjan to Neyriz. Pottery with underglaze paintings from group 1 are similar to findings from other centers including Kashan, Gorgan, and Soltan Abad that had commercial relations. Such pottery can be found in other areas of Iran as well. The underglaze painted Potteries from group 2 indicate commercial relation to the regions such as Nishapur and Samarqand, of which productions have found in other regions including southern Africa. Black painting under turquoise glaze potteries are of common types dated to 13-17 centuries. Blue and white potteries produced at various centers, the closest one Kirman. Turquoise & Black Underglaze-Painted Ware, Blue and White Underglaze-Painted are similar to findings from Keram and Sistan that indicate vast inter regional cultural relation. The absence of some mostly known Islamic potteries including moulded Celadon, and luster ceramics are of the other issues, significant in studies of potteries of Neyriz Plain, which probably is for lack of production and circulation of the wares in the region.

Evaluation of X-Ray Microprobe Nondestructive Analysis for Characterization of Chemical Composition of Ancient Glazes

Somayeh Noghani; Fahimeh Shirani; Mohammad Mehdi Karimnejad

Volume 9, Issue 2 , April 2018, , Pages 193-210

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2018.203938.142279

Abstract

Investigation and evaluation of historical object's properties and their components with respect to structural, technical and pathological point of view through nondestructive testing ... Read More

The Influences of Islamic Beliefs on the Structural Patterns of Residential Areas: A Case from Golchinan Sectors of Yazd City

hamid azizi; hassan karimiyan

Volume 10, Issue 2 , January 2019, , Pages 205-220

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2018.208157.142295

Abstract

According to many researches, the beliefs are the Influential factors in the architectural elements and city spaces through which the cities are known as reflection of resident’s ... Read More

A Preliminary Report on the Petrographic Analysis of Bakun A Potteries of Fars Province

Maryam Maani; MohammadReza Saeedi Harsini; ahmad chaychi

Volume 11, Issue 1 , May 2019, , Pages 217-232

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.71115

Abstract

The Fars Region, as an internal watershed with several permanent rivers and waste water streams especially Kor and Sivand Rivers, had created many types of settlements. For this reason, ... Read More

Classification and Typology of Late Chalcolithic Period's Pottery Culture of Northern Central of Iran's Plateau in light of Northern Mound's Findings of MeymanatAbad Tepe

rohola yosefi; majid zeighmi; saeed baghizadeh

Volume 10, Issue 1 , August 2018, , Pages 227-246

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2018.219039.142346

Abstract

In terms of synchronic studies, the Late Chalcolithi period is characterized by Sialk IV1 cultural horizon at on the northern edge of the central desert. The final feature of proto-literate ... Read More

The Study of Symmetrical Motifs and Patterns in the Hittite Bas-Reliefs

nushin kabutary; Alireza Hejebri Nobari

Volume 11, Issue 2 , October 2019, , Pages 227-244

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2019.73115

Abstract

Symmetry is an analytical tool, used in recognition of intercultural relations as well as artistic objects comparison. It was first appeared in archaeological research since 1900’s ... Read More

Population Estimate in Sistan on the Basis of Ethno-archaeological Studies

Zohair Vasegh Abbasi; Rahmat Abbasnejad Seresti; Hamid Reza Ghorbani; Mohamad Sadegh Roostaei

Volume 8, Issue 2 , March 2017, , Pages 229-243

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2017.61780

Abstract

From the end of 1960’s decade when Processual Archaeology was emerged until now, Ethno-archaeology has reconstructed economicو social, technological and ideological structures ... Read More

An Epistemological Approach to Concept of Material and Meaning in Archaeology

Volume 9, Issue 1 , August 2017, , Pages 233-250

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2017.64014

Abstract

This paper demonatrates an Epistemological approach to the concept of material and meaning in archaeology. The starting point and the basic objective of this article is briefly concentrated ... Read More

Volume 16 (2024)

Volume 15 (2023)

Volume 14 (2022)

Volume 13 (2021)

Volume 12 (2020)

Volume 11 (2019)

Volume 10 (2018)

Volume 9 (2017)

Volume 8 (2016)

Volume 7 (2015)

Volume 6 (2014)

Volume 5 (2013)

Volume 4 (2012)

Volume 3 (2011)

Volume 1 (2009)

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