Grog, Petrology, and Early Transcaucasians at Godin Tepe

Abstract

Godin Tepe was the site of excavations by the team from the Royal Ontario Museum between 1965 and 1973 (see Fig. 1). It has subsequently become one of the definitive type-sites of the central western Iran, owing principally to its extensive stratigraphic sequence, which spans the Chalcolithic Age through to the Iron Age (Young 1969, Young and Levine 1974). Seven main phases of occupation were recognised from excavations at Godin, the earliest Level VII up to Level I. Petrographic analysis of pottery from this sequence is aimed at providing a general characterisation of the wares from the site, identifying exotic or imported ware, and most particularly examining the changing use of raw materials through time and across typological and functional categories. This is a long-term project, with research only partly completed to date on pottery from Level III (Middle and Late Bronze Ages) and Level II (Iron Age). Final publication is planned to follow the completion of analysis of the entire sequence. Petrographic analysis of pottery from Level IV, however, has provided some information that may be of use to others concerned with the study of the Early Transcaucasian culture and the possible significance of this ceramic to the theoritical debate concerning the relationship between pottery and ethno-cultural affinity. Hence it was considered worthwhile to publish this short note.