LATE NEOLITHIC CERAMICS OF KULTEPE I (On the basis of the archaeological materials found in 2015-2016)

Abstract

In article, ornamental features of Neolithic ceramics of Nakhchivan have been analyzed. Researches show that ceramics are important for creation representation about certain the period. From this point of view are important, ceramics of the Late Neolitic period to Kultepe I, which have been found as a result of archeological excavations of 2013- 2015. The research objective is to track a way of life of local tribes, development of craft and art, to find out local features of Neolitic culture of Nakhchivan,. This research determined that the settlement of Kültepe I was one of the most ancient Neolithic sites in the South Caucasus. Analyses from the lower Neolithic horizons of the settlement of Kültepe I showed 6070- 6014 BC. The archaeological materials revealed at Kültepe I allow us to track features of late Neolithic culture, and also observe changes in ancient life ways. The majority of archaeological finds are represented by pottery. Most of the ceramics were made with chaff tempered clay and fired in different shades of red. The core visible in the sherd profile is sometimes grey or black, indicating incomplete firing. Ornaments have been presented, with tape reliefs, round to sticks, round holes, extended hollows and the incised patterns. Some of them coincide with ornaments of synchronous monuments East Anatolia, Mesopotamia and South Caucasus, but relief belts and the extended hollows reflect local nature of Neolitic culture of Nakhchivan. Pottery of Kültepe I is similar to materials found in settlements throughout the South Caucasus, including Azerbaijan. Close parallels are known from Shomu Tepe, Molla Nagi Tepesi, Gey Tepe, Haji Firuz and other sites. Apparently, settled and nomad tribes on the valley Nakhchivançay became populated at the end of the Neolithic period.