Pages: 155-166

This work provides an analysis of spear heads found in the antique necropolises in Azerbaijan. It discusses results of recent archaeological excavations, as well as those from older projects. The examination explores variations in the positions of the tips, which were found both horizontally (lying) as well as vertically (standing). Furthermore, in necropolises like Nuydi and Nargizava, spear heads were embedded in the ground of the burial chamber. The presence of spear heads in children’s burials calls into question the connection of this custom with the ritual of the “murdered enemy”. Additionally, in necropolises like Piboz Tepe, Nuydi and Nargizava, spear heads were found with intentionally damaged points, which is associated with ritual damage. For comparative purposes, materials from the burial grounds of various Eurasian groups were analyzed. Among these groups, both the practices of an embedded spear and ritual damage were characteristic. On the basis of the analyzed material, the multifunctionality of the spear points found in the antique burials of Azerbaijan was highlighted.

Keywords: Azerbaijan, antiquity, spear points, burials, ritual, grave goods

Information about authors:

Emil Alisakhib Iskenderov (Baku, Azerbaijan). PhD in History. Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. H. Cavid Ave., 115, Baku, Az-1143, Azerbaijan
E-mail: [email protected]
Jeyhun Tofiq Eminli (Baku, Azerbaijan). PhD in History. Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. H. Cavid Ave., 115, Baku, Az-1143, Azerbaijan
E-mail: [email protected]