THE LATE BRONZE – EARLY IRON AGE CERAMICS FROM CHOVDAR NECROPOLIS IN AZERBAIJAN: OVERVIEW AND CHRONOLOGY

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32653/CH223%25p

Keywords:

Caucasus, Khojaly-Gedabey culture, Late Bronze Age, Early Iron Age, Chovdar necropolis, ceramics, radiocarbon dating

Abstract

The present study aims to provide a systematic analysis of the ceramic complex from the Chovdar necropolis in order to determine its chronological position and to clarify its place within the developmental framework of the Khojaly-Gadabay culture of the Late Bronze–Early Iron Age in Azerbaijan. The research is based on the results of archaeological excavations conducted in 2019 in the north-western region of the country, at the site of Chovdar village in the Dashkasan district, situated at an altitude of 1,733 m above sea level. Field investigations were carried out under the direction of Dr. S.  Ashurov and Dr. B. Jalilov. During the excavation season, 156 burials were examined, resulting in the recovery of 662 ceramic vessels. Of these, 171 vessels were preserved intact, 69 were partially preserved, and 422 were reconstructed for analytical study. The methodological framework includes typological and morphological classification, comparative analysis with synchronous archaeological assemblages, elements of statistical evaluation, and laboratory-based technological analysis. The results demonstrate that the Chovdar ceramic complex is characterized by considerable morphological and functional diversity and corresponds to the developed stage of the Khojaly-Gadabay culture. The ceramic repertoire comprises storage vessels, cooking pots, jars, bowls, basins, jugs, cups, and churn-like vessels. Comparative and radiocarbon analyses confirm that the necropolis dates to the 13th–8th centuries BCE. Technological features and decorative elements indicate a high level of ceramic production during the late 2nd – early 1st millennium BCE. Overall, the materials from the Chovdar necropolis make a significant contribution to refining the chronology of the Late Bronze–Early Iron Age in Azerbaijan and enhance our understanding of the socio-economic, cultural, and technological processes in the South Caucasus during this period.

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Author Biography

  • Lola A. Huseynova, Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences
    Senior Research Fellow

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Published

2026-09-30

How to Cite

1.
Huseynova LA. THE LATE BRONZE – EARLY IRON AGE CERAMICS FROM CHOVDAR NECROPOLIS IN AZERBAIJAN: OVERVIEW AND CHRONOLOGY. ИАЭК. 2026;22(3):547-568. doi:10.32653/CH223%p