POTTERY FINDS FROM THE 2024 EXCAVATIONS AT AZIKH CAVE

Abstract

This article examines the ceramic finds uncovered during the 2024 excavations carried out by the international archaeological expedition at Azykh Cave. The Azykh International Palaeolithic Expedition was established and operates in line with the vision expressed by the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, during his visit to the cave. This paper represents the first comprehensive study of ceramic materials from this ancient settlement. Although ceramic fragments had previously been discovered in Azykh Cave, they were often only briefly mentioned in earlier publications. In this study, the pottery is categorised by period, and the clay composition, morphology, and decoration traces are discussed. The results are visualised through tables and diagrams.
Our analysis shows that, in addition to serving as a habitation and refuge for prehistoric humans during the Stone Age, Azykh Cave was later used as a shelter by local semi-nomadic populations.