STONE INDUSTRY OF LEILATEPE CULTURE

Abstract

One of the characteristic features of Leilatepe archaeological culture of the Chalcolithic period (end of the 5th millennium BC - first half of the 4th millennium BC) is a unique stone product. This culture was studied mainly on the basis of monuments in the territory of Azerbaijan. Extensive excavations were carried out in Leilatepe, Beyuk Kesik I, Poylu II, Galayeri settlements belonging to the Leilatepe culture and numerous stone tools were discovered. Similar tools were also discovered as a result of the limited excavations carried out in residential areas – Agili Dere, Selakhan, etc. belonging to this culture. The bearers of this culture led a sedentary life and were mainly engaged in agriculture and cattle breeding. The discovered stone tools and their purpose of use gives us reason to come to such a conclusion. Thus, during the excavations a large number of quern stones, graters, sickle teeth, etc., typical for early farming, made of different types of stones, were found. The explorations showed the superiority of flint tools over obsidian products in all other monuments belonging to the Leilatepe culture, except for the Galayeri settlement. Along with these, other tools and products made of stone – a detail of a potter’s wheel, maces, scepters, balance weights, etc. was found from the mentioned Leilatepe culture monuments. The stone industry of the Leilatepe culture is closely related to the traditions of Eastern Anatolia and Northern Mesopotamia. At the same time, close analogies of some specific stone samples of Leilatepe culture were found in Maikop culture monuments.