Introduction a Unique Archer Soldier Statue Found at Kalmakareh Cave, Lurestan, Iran

Abstract

Kalmakareh treasure was discovered in 1989 by a local hunter. the Kalmakareh cave, is about 20 km to the northwest of Pol-e Dokhtar, Lurestan Province. The collection is consisted of different metal objects including vessels, rhytons, animal and human figurines, masks, plaques, adornments and etc. The presence of neo-Elamite scripts on some artifacts makes it unickly easy to date. The names on the scripts indicates a close connection to the cultural horizon of Neo-Elamite period. The inscriptions deciphered by Lambert, Vallat and Bashash alongside with archaeological analysis by the author revealed a new unknown local dynasty in Lurestan, concurrent with neo-Elamite period; which opens a new discussion in investigating archaeological issues and art history of this period in western Iran. Discovered objects are mostly made of silver. It is here aimed to introduce, discuss and investigate one of the particular human statue of the mentioned collection. This small statue, which is now in the museum of Falak-Al Aflak castle, was made by casting method and then decorated by chasing. Here we try to recognize the statue's motives, its comparisons and then we will have som further interpretations. Objects are show a local tradition affected by different exotic issues, especially those of Elam and Assyria.