LATE BRONZE-EARLY IRON AGE GRAVE MONUMENTS AND BURIAL CUSTOMS OF GORANBOY

Abstract

The late Bronze-early Iron Age, covering the XIV-VIII centuries, differs distinctly from previous periods. Beginning from the mid of the 2 nd millennium B.C, the social and property inequality within the community steps to its highest stage of development. Rich material culture samples were revealed during the study of numerous grave monuments discovered in Goranboy district of Ganja-Gazakh region of Azerbaijan. Due to the results of archaeological excavations, along with the sociopolitical life of the era, we can speak about the natural and geographical conditions and climate of that period. Grave monuments, which are very interesting in terms of studying ourethnic, economic, spiritual and political history, also enable us to follow the rooted processes that take place in the life of society. Grave monuments are different in types and are more suited to natural and geographical conditions. Dozens of kurgans, stone boxes, soil graves were explored and interesting information on burial customs was collected. Among the numerous archaeological monuments located in the region, the grave monuments belonging to the late Bronze-early Iron Age are important in particular. Large archeological researches were carried out in the area of the region related to the period- the kurgans of Tatarli, Rustamli, Safikurd, Borsunlu, Qarqujaq, Shadyli, Qaradaghli and MunjuqluTepe necropolis and Qarqujaq stone capped graves. Kurgans in the territory of Goranboy district are commonly found in the areas near the river and ancient valley beds, in the vicinity of settlements. The grave monuments are widely spread mainly in the foothills of the district - in Kurekchay, Qazanbulaq, Goranchay, Qarachay, Eski dere, Hajaly aryk and other areas. Kurgans are quite dense in the mentioned area. Owing to archaeological excavations carried out in late Bronze-early Iron Age grave monuments of Goranboy numerous material culture patterns have been revealed. These archeological materials can be divided into three groups based on their function and principles of development.
- Household items
- Wepons
- Decorations (if it is precious – jewelry)
Summarizing all the above-mentioned ideas, it can be concluded that late
Bronze-early Iron Age tribes of Goranboy had an interesting burial customs.