Pages: 17-50

The paper is dedicated to the socketed two-bladed arrowheads of the Scythian type from the eastern part of the North and South Caucasus. Along with the previously published materials, some new finds and earlier unpublished archival materials from Azerbajan are presented. Based on the existing classifications, the arrowheads are divided into types and groups. Archaeological complexes (and their rituals) from which the two-bladed arrowheads originate are described. In Mingechaur and Apsheron the ceramic vessels were located near the feet of the deceased. This ritual finds parallels in Uigarak. In Shamkhor burial ground we observe Scythian ritual, with white and black stones, described in the work of Phylarchus. The most archaic rhomboid two-bladed arrowheads originate from the burials, without iron objects, in Yonjaly necropolis in Sheki. Craniometric data from the neighboring Tepebashy necropolis in Sheki shows similarity with the skulls of parallel groups of Sakas from the Aral Sea vicinity. In the same necropolis there were found collective burials with the traces of fire ritual, which find parallels in the Sacar-Chaga 6 burial ground. Based on the presented materials, the author critically analyzes opinions of the researchers who question the information about migration of the Scythians through Derbent in the early Scythian period.

Keywords: Azerbaijan, Sakar-Chaga 6, Uigarak, early Scythian period, socketed two-bladed arrowheads, migration of Scythians

Information about author:

Zaur Hasanov (Baku, Azerbaijan). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. H. Cavid Ave., 115, Baku, Az-1143, Azerbaijan
E-mail: [email protected]