Kurgan No. 1 of Sariyokhush Valley
Location: Jeyranchol, Valley of Kurgans, “Keshikchidagh” State Historical and Cultural Reserve.
Discovery Period: June 15, 2021 – July 30, 2021.
Historical Period: Transition period from the Middle Bronze Age to the Late Bronze Age.
The Sariyokhush Valley extends from the south-eastern shores of the Azerbaijani portion of Lake Jandargol along unnamed low mountain ranges. The kurgans in this area were registered during archaeological surveys and rescue operations conducted in the Karvan and Galtan valleys between December 2020 and January 2021. Kurgan No. 1 is situated approximately 7 km from the road branching off the 39th kilometer of the Aghstafa–Poylu–Georgia border highway toward the reserve. The kurgan measures 16 m (north-south) by 14 m (east-west). Excavations were led by archaeologist Parviz Gasimov (PhD in History, Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS). In the burial chamber, five black-polished ceramic vessels with geometric patterns were found arranged around the skull. Due to the weight of the stone cover, most were fragmented. The excavation yielded 8 arrowheads: 6 made of obsidian, 1 of purple flint, and 1 of bronze. A unique petal-shaped arrowhead was found embedded in the jaw of a high-status warrior. Radiocarbon dating places these finds in the 16th–15th centuries BC, suggesting the wound was a likely cause of death. A significant discovery was a 44.5 cm bronze sword with a mushroom-shaped pommel, typical of the transition period weaponry. The human skeleton was found in a crouched “prayer position” on its right side, oriented north. Osteological remains of small cattle suggest ritual animal sacrifices. The richness of the grave goods indicates that the site belonged to a warrior of high social standing.
Coğrafi koordinatlar: 41°23’38.2″N 45°16’44.7″E
