Kura-Araxes Culture
Archaeological Discoveries in Georgia
The Kura-Araxes culture was preceded by the Shulaveri-Shomu culture (approximately 6000–4000 BCE). In turn, the Kura-Araxes culture significantly influenced the subsequent Trialeti culture (circa 2200–1500 BCE). According to V. A. Safronov, one of the creators of the Kura-Araxes culture were Kartvelian-speaking (Georgian) tribes.
The idea of the Caucasus as the land of ancient metallurgy has long existed. A vivid example of this is the popular Greek myth of Prometheus. The rich archaeological finds from the Bronze Age also confirm the tradition of metal production in Georgia, known as the Kura-Araxes culture.
The Kura-Araxes (Mtkvari-Araxes) culture was widespread in the South Caucasus, Eastern Anatolia, and Northwestern Iran. It is known for its long-standing traditions and unique cultural "packaging"; ceramic, stone, and metal figurines from the Kura-Araxes have a distinctive style that makes them easily recognizable.
A notable artifact from this culture is a golden lion figurine, discovered in a lavish cairn tomb near Tsnori during excavations conducted in 1974 under the leadership of archaeologist Kiazo Pitskhelauri in the Alazani Valley in Kakheti. The figurine dates to the second half of the 3rd millennium BCE and is one of the outstanding examples of small-scale sculpture from the Early Bronze Age. It is believed that the figurine was used as an ornament for a funeral chariot. Although the depiction of the animal is unrealistic, its stylized mane and muzzle skillfully convey the lion's character. The ornamental motif displayed on the statue is one of the key defining elements of the decor of those jewelry examples created in Eastern Georgia.
This is supported by the luxurious burial mounds of the so-called Bedeni-Alazani group from the second half of the 3rd millennium BCE. The lion figurine has no counterparts outside Georgia, either in its type of sculpture or its decor. However, the lion motif itself, along with the phenomenon of the funeral chariot, likely came from the Near East.
The Kura-Araxes culture was preceded by the Shulaveri-Shomu culture (approximately 6000–4000 BCE). In turn, the Kura-Araxes culture significantly influenced the subsequent Trialeti culture (circa 2200–1500 BCE). According to V. A. Safronov, one of the creators of the Kura-Araxes culture were Kartvelian-speaking (Georgian) tribes.
The idea of the Caucasus as the land of ancient metallurgy has long existed. A vivid example of this is the popular Greek myth of Prometheus. The rich archaeological finds from the Bronze Age also confirm the tradition of metal production in Georgia, known as the Kura-Araxes culture.
The Kura-Araxes (Mtkvari-Araxes) culture was widespread in the South Caucasus, Eastern Anatolia, and Northwestern Iran. It is known for its long-standing traditions and unique cultural "packaging"; ceramic, stone, and metal figurines from the Kura-Araxes have a distinctive style that makes them easily recognizable.
A notable artifact from this culture is a golden lion figurine, discovered in a lavish cairn tomb near Tsnori during excavations conducted in 1974 under the leadership of archaeologist Kiazo Pitskhelauri in the Alazani Valley in Kakheti. The figurine dates to the second half of the 3rd millennium BCE and is one of the outstanding examples of small-scale sculpture from the Early Bronze Age. It is believed that the figurine was used as an ornament for a funeral chariot. Although the depiction of the animal is unrealistic, its stylized mane and muzzle skillfully convey the lion's character. The ornamental motif displayed on the statue is one of the key defining elements of the decor of those jewelry examples created in Eastern Georgia.
This is supported by the luxurious burial mounds of the so-called Bedeni-Alazani group from the second half of the 3rd millennium BCE. The lion figurine has no counterparts outside Georgia, either in its type of sculpture or its decor. However, the lion motif itself, along with the phenomenon of the funeral chariot, likely came from the Near East.
