Sariyokhush Deresi Kurgan No. 2
Location: Jeyranchol, Keshikchidagh Kurgan Valley
Date of Discovery: 15.06.2021 – 30.07.2021
Period: Late Bronze – Early Iron Age (Khojaly-Gedebey Culture)
Sarıyoxuş Dərəsi Kurgan No. 2 is situated approximately 20 meters northeast of Kurgan No. 1. The burial mound stands 7 meters high and has an overall diameter of approximately 18 meters. After the removal of the stone covering, a burial chamber measuring about 6 meters in length and 2 meters in width was uncovered, extending from the southwest to the northeast. The chamber was symmetrically covered with large stone slabs.
The burial chamber was divided into two sections. In the southwestern section, a sacrificial altar was found containing large and medium-sized black-polished pottery vessels, including jugs and cups adorned with chevron and “nail” motifs. Additionally, the remains of various large and small domesticated horned animals were discovered, indicating ritual offerings. A divider made of hackberry wood separated the altar from the primary burial.
It is believed that an individual of high social status was laid to rest on a wooden platform in the northeastern section of the chamber. The platform was bordered on all four sides with wooden beams. Beside the skeletal remains, a bronze sword, the bronze tip of a scabbard, arrowheads made of obsidian and flint, and a well-preserved lidded jar were found. Among the burial artifacts, beads made of carnelian and faience were discovered, along with a cylindrical seal, which was widely used in the Ancient Near East at the time.
