International Journal of the Society of Iranian Archaeologists Vol. 2, No. 4, Summer- Autumn 2016

An Analytical Study on the Bronze Age Cultures of , Province ()

Parisa Naseri University of Shahrekord Mohammad Eghbal Chehri Islamic Azad University

Received: May, 30, 2016 Accepted: October, 21, 2016

Abstract: Despite the fact that the prehistoric period and particularly the Bronze Age in Central Zagros have been well studied and identified to some extent, no systematic research has been conducted by foreign or Iranian archeologists on the subject of Harsin County. A total of 29 sites belonging to the Bronze Age have been identified in the archeological investigation of the region between 2002 and 2010. Based on the surface findings, all of these sites belong to the Middle and Late Bronze Age. Furthermore, it was discovered that most of these sites formed on the banks of permanent and seasonal rivers and lakes. As for the extent of residential sites of Bronze Age in the region and their location, it is implied that there were rather important and large sites along with small villages, indicating close relationships with the neighboring regions at the end of the third millennium and the beginning of the second millennium b.c. (Middle Bronze Age). The significance of the current study lies in the fact that no evidence was obtained from the Early Bronze Age (Yanik Culture), while the region has maintained numerous cultural relationships with the neighboring areas such as with ceramics such as Godin III, Mahidasht and Lorestan from the Middle to Late Bronze Age. In addition to discussing several assumptions, as well as the analysis and typology of ceramics, it was found that only geometric patterns are visible on painted potteries of Bronze Age in Harsin County. Surprisingly, the most striking similarity has been witnessed among the region’s potteries, Lorestan potteries and eastern Pish-e Kuh. A large number of ceramics probably had local and native patterns.

Keywords:Bronze Age, Harsin County, pottery.

Introduction

Spanning from approximately 3000 b.c. until 1500 b.c., the second millennium b.c. The geographical distribution of Bronze Age of the Central Zagros is similar to Godin phases Godin III ceramics can be determined based on limited III-IV bearing the tradition of monochromic painted Godin data (Talai 2007:103). pottery which has lasted more than a millennium as the most As a matter of fact, the term “Lorestan” and Lorestan important Central Zagros pottery tradition in Bronze Age bronze artifacts, as used by archaeologists, reflects a Central Zagros and has spread along this area (Henrickson wider geographical area with its northern side limited 1986, 1987b). Specific to this era, the archaeological data to Kermanshah and Harsin regions (Potts 2013: 203). have been obtained from important sites such as Therefore, Harsin County has played a key role as an Tepe, Godin Tepe, Jamshidi Tepe, Cheshme Mahi , Chogha important bridge between Kermanshah and Lorestan in Sabz and Sorkh Dom in Lorestan over a long period of respect of the cultural exchanges among different areas of time (Talai 2007: 13). TheArchive majority of the data related to Central of Zagros. AccordingSID to the archaeological surface the Bronze Age of this region originate from Godin Tepe findings obtained from the sites, one of the most thriving and Giyan Tepe covering the Bronze Age timeline (approx. eras, particularly in the prehistoric period, belongs to the 3000 to 1450 b.c.) in phases III-IV in addition to one part Bronze Age which has not been studied despite the rich of layer II of Tepe Giyan (Contenau 1935). With respect archaeological findings. to Godin III, the layers have been divided into six phases, where III6 is considered the most ancient phase of period Parisa Naseri III (Henrickson 1987b: 205-206). Although the sequence Department of Archaeology, University of Shahrekord, Chāhār of Godin III reveals a particular culture at Central Zagros Mahāl va Bakhtiyāri, Iran. spanning an entire millennium, a short-term gap of one [email protected] to two centuries is noticed between phases 3-4 and 4-5. Mohammad Eghbal Chehri Nevertheless, the sequence and continuity of Godin III has Department of Archaeology, Islamic Azad University, Central provided the basis for chronology of cultural development Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran. in Central Zagros from the half of third millennium to the [email protected]

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Research Questions and Hypotheses Research Background The Bronze Age of the region has never been studied In Harsin region, numerous archaeological field works despite the rich archaeological findings and the significant have been conducted by Iranian and foreign archeologists, extent of sites. This research is significant because those resulting in discovery of many sites from Paleolithic cultures have remained almost unknown. The questions period to the late Islamic era. The first survey of Harsin and hypotheses were formulated as follows: was conducted by Godard in 1931 (Hole 1987). Later on, Stein referred to the review and speculation of a few sites 1. How can one interpret the pottery findings of Bronze of Bronze Age between Telyab and Damaviz areas (Stein Age sites in the region obtained from the archaeological 1940: 355). A number of ancient sites at Harsin County surveys conducted in the Harsin County? were photographed by Schmidt in 1936 (Schmidt 1940). Carlton Coon excavated Bisitun cave in 1949 (Coon 2. Why has the Yanik culture not progressed towards 1951.). The first systematic approaches were adopted by the Bronze Age sites in Harsin, in the form of a nomadic Prehistory Project of Iran under the supervision of Robert culture, between 3000 b.c. and 2700 b.c.? Braidwood along with the former members of Jarmo project of between 1959 and 1960. The team dealt with the The era between the Middle Bronze Age and the surface investigation of the caves and prehistoric sites of late Bronze Age reflected cultural relationships with the and proceeded with the excavations neighboring areas of Kangavar and Godin III, Mahidasht by Bruce Howe in Warwasi rock shelter (Braidwood 1961: and Lorestan, among which the most striking resemblance 3-6). was observed between patterns on the potteries of the In 1965, Smith and Young identified Khar Cave in region and the potteries of Bronze Age in Lorestan and Bisitun, which reflected the upper Paleolithic period Eastern Pish-e Kuh. (Young and Smith 1966). Smith’s excavations in Ganj Darreh Tepe revealed Neolithic material in 1967, 1969, Given that no single piece of gray pottery of Yanik kind 1971 and 1974 (Smith 1976). Investigation into Harsin was was found, it is believed that the nomadic culture of Yanik conducted by Smith and Mortensen in 1977 (Smith and did not influence the region. The reason could be behind Mortensen 1980). Concerning the Bronze Age, Damaviz the social structure and lifestyle in the sites of Old Bronze was explored along the road from Harsin to Khoramabad, Age in Harsin. Considering the fact that the settlement while Smith made some speculations about a part of the pattern of the sites from this period are all small with low Bronze Age sites (Vanden Berghe 1959: 93-94). Motarjem cultural deposits and low height, there were semi-nomadic and Mohammadifar carried out a study to discover and and pasture-exploring communities not affected by the document the archeological remains and monuments at people of Yanik culture. Harsin in 2002 (Motarjem and Mohammadifar 2002). Finally, the overview project of the region was completed Methodology by Chehri in 2010 (Chehri 2010). The research method was hypothetical-deductive, Geographical location of Harsin involving a review of relevant studies. In order to examine the hypotheses, this paper explored the surface findings Harsin is located 45 km southeast of Kermanshah. The after outlining the situation of the region. Accordingly, the county is bounded to the north by County, to the east Bronze Age cultures of the region were first identified and by County, to the south by Lorestan Province, studied based on the potteryArchive findings and then the potteries and to theof west by KermanshahSID County. The county is were compared with excavated sites like Godin III in subdivided into two different districts of plain in the south order to establish a relative chronology and regional or and mountains in the north (Figure 1). The most important trans-regional link. The statistical sample of this research mountains of the region include Parow, Shirez and Gonban consisted of data obtained from archeological surveys and in the north, Golzard in the east, Siahkamar, Zarinkooh, review projects conducted in Harsin County. During the Imamzade and Chaman Ismael mountain in the south and two seasons of archeological survey at the region carried Derazkooh in the west (Motarjem and Mohammadifar out by Motarjem and Chehri in 2002 and 2010 (Motarjem 2002: 1). The highest peak of Parow is called Sheikh-Ali- and Mohammadifar 2002; Chehri 2010), it was discovered khan, 3,375 meters high, while the peak located in the that 29 sites had cultural material of Bronze Age, which north of Bisotun is 2,794 meters high (Rahimi 2000: 1-2). forms our statistical sample. This paper intended to explore Shirez Mountain of Harsin is 2,708 meters high (Armed the evolution of Bronze Age in the region based on the Forces Geographical Organization 2000) and the area has pottery findings obtained from field inspection and then a cold semi-arid climate. Harsin is 1,582 meters above sea examine the settlement patterns of the region. level. As a matter of fact, water is abundant in this province

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Fig. 1: Geographical location of Harsin County. with lakes and springs. Moreover, its most important rivers Harsin County. The most significant sites include Tepe include Gamasiab, Dinvarab and Gazerood. Among its Nâzelyan, Kharizgah, Cheshme Ghanbar, Bagherabad, most important lakes, Najoobaran, Barnaj, Bisitun, Harsin Aroo, Ghoozivand, Parchinkoo, Chia Khazine Ganjovan, and Cheshme Sohrab can be pointed out. The high plain Shadabad-e-sofla. Each site will be briefly discussed in the of Harsin lies between mountains with fertile soil, suitable following section (Figure 2). climate and rich waterArchive resources. Moreover, its arable of SID land can be used for agriculture, and human societies have Tepe Nâzelyan always been interested in the area since a long time ago. There are settlements in the region, which range in date Tepe Nâzelyan is located in Nâzelyan village, a rural from the Paleolithic era to the present day. Moreover, there community of Bisitun district in Harsin County in are two main roads in this county, serving as a link between Kermanshah Province. As for its geographical location, the Tehran and Kermanshah. In addition, the main road site can be found at E 47 ˚23',32 and N 34˚ 30ʹ,7ʺ, and between Khorramabad and Kermanshah passes through 1,482 meters above sea level. this area. In terms of topography, the mound slopes are uneven. Moreover, it has an elliptical base which is 73 meters in width, with a length of 103 meters, and is 14 meters Overview of Bronze Age sites in the region higher than the surrounding lands. What makes the mound According to the archeological surveys in 2002 and 2010, geographically unique is its situation along the bank of a series of prominent Bronze Age sites were identified in Dinvar Ab River. The continuation of settlements for a

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ArchiveFig.2: Distribution of Bronze Age sitesof at Harsin. SID long period of time was another unique feature of the site them mainly from the Middle Chalcolithic Period to the (Motarjem and Mohammadifar 2002: 71-72). The best way Contemporary Era. to access the hill is through the asphalted road of Bisitun to Pottery Type J of the Old Chalcolithic Age, Chalcolithic Dinvar at the crossroad of Nâzelyan village. Considering pottery types which include: 1) Dalma-like pottery which the environmental condition of the site and Dinvar Ab indeed is a local imitation of marked Dalma pottery and River, the hill is widely regarded as one of the residential the potteries of Seh Gabi phase; 2) Black-on-Buff Pottery areas along the river basin. which has black pattern with a beige background and the During the investigation of the hill surface and the patterns are glass or silica-like which is another feature hillsides, different types of pottery and some other cultural of Seh Gabi pottery; 3) Pottery type Red-on-Buff with types were observed. Furthermore, a few pieces of these a geometric pattern similar to Dalma and Seh Gabi with archeological data were gathered through sampling. By straw and vegetable temper, comparable with geometric sampling and studying the potteries, Motarjem considered pattern of pottery from Neolithic period especially in Tepe

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Sarab; 4) Pottery type J, Old Chalcolithic and also a painted sites. When exploring the hill surface and the hillsides, Godin III pottery of Bronze Age. different types of pottery and architectural remains were recovered and a few pieces of these archeological data Tepe Balasan-e Sofla were gathered through sampling. Motarjem argued these artifacts originated from Godin VII, VI and III period. The Tepe Balasan-e Sofla is located in the central district of discovery involved rough potteries with thick red slip clay Harsin in Kermanshah province. Geographically, the site from Godin VI and VII, beige-painted typical potteries is situated at E 470 32' 45" and N 340 20' 12", 1660 meters from Godin III. above sea level. In terms of topography, the hill has regular slope with oval base of 100 m length and 70 m width, Tepe Khorizgah 5 meters higher than the eastern lands (Motarjem and Mohammadifar 2002: 147). There is a river on the north Tepe Khorizgah is located in Farash, a rural community of the hill, between rural road and the ancient hill. Jihad of Chamchal village in Bisitun district of Harsin in Organization has recently constructed an artificial dam on Kermanshah province. Geographically, this site can be the hill. Currently, the land is covered by wheat farmlands. found at E 470 25' 48.4" and N 340 21' 04.8", 1,296 meters The best way to access the hill is through the southern part above sea level. In the southern area of Chamchal plain and of the road from Balasan-e-Sofla to Balasan-e-Olia at the the eastern bank of Gamasiab river, the village is situated south of the road. Given the environmental conditions of 400 m from the northeast wing among agricultural lands. the location and presence of a small river at the side of The area of this hill is 2.5 hectare and it is 276 m long, the hill, Tepe Balasan-e-Sofla can be considered one of stretching across the north-south direction and 92 m to east- the residential sites along the river. This river currently west direction. The highest point of the land is 3.5 m relative flows to the north of the hill. When exploring the hill to the adjacent lands. Topographically, the hill looks like surface and the hillsides, different types of pottery were a narrow oval and the longitudinal axis is in southwest– observed and some pieces of these archeological data were northeast direction. The highest point of the land is 3.5 m gathered during sampling. Based on the obtained pottery relative to the adjacent lands (Chehri 2009). This hill has samples, it was concluded that they belong to Godin VI a gentle slope which is 5 degrees in eastern and southern and III, Parthian era and medieval Islam period (Personal parts. However, the slope in the western and northern parts communication with Motarjem). The discovery involved goes up to 10 to 15 degrees. The entire surface of the area is rough clay pottery from Godin VI period with a thick red currently under cultivation of rain-fed cereal. The surface clay coating (Red slip), beige-painted Godin III pottery, layers, however, have been damaged due to agricultural Parthian painted pottery with red geometric pattern on activities. Ceramics are scattered in the whole area, even beige background and normal pottery of medieval Islam. though the majority were discovered in the central part of the hill. The extent and period of settlement in the hill are Tepe Daman-e Kohcholal its unique features covering the upper Chalcolithic, Bronze and Iron Age as well as the Parthian Period. Therefore, This hill is located at Zazarm-e-Sofla, in the central district this site can play a key role in the investigation of cultural of Harsin County in Kermanshah province. Geographically, periods owing to the abundance of pottery. This hill is this site can be found at E 470 39' 31.3" and N 340 18' called Khorizgah because Tepe Khorizgah has once been a 00.8" and it is 1,810 meters above sea level. In terms of treasury, where valuable items were stored (Chehri 2009). topography, this site is located in an ancient formation The best road to access the site passes through Farash which is formed on Kohcholal ridge as a mountain-top village and a dirt road in the agricultural land to the north of settlement. The base hasArchive a rectangular shape 120 m long the village.of The surfaceSID findings from cultural samples of and 50 m wide, 150 m higher than the surrounding lands this site were categorized into four groups: 1) ceramics of (Motarjem and Mohammadifar 2002: 198). This site the Late Chalcolithic period which are thick with a red slip is located on the east-west axis and the thickness of the clay coating, a gray matrix, and inadequate firing, similar monuments varied from 1 to 3 meters formed in the steep to Godin VII pottery (Motarjem and Mohamadifar 2002); mountains, so that Khatal Raas rock was also samples 2) Ceramics of Bronze Age which include medium wheel- and the site is located in the central axis of a cliff. This made utensils with beige background and black pattern. place seems to have been a permanent settlement, because The temper of these open-mouthed utensils is sand and extensive remains of architecture can be seen in the hills. gritty with lime particles, similar samples of which have The best way to access the hill is through Zazarm-e-Sofla been observed in Godin III period sites and some of the road to Ghalajoogh, an abandoned village. Concerning the utensils of Tepe Giyan (Henrickson 1985); 3) gray pottery environmental conditions of the place and a spring about of Iron II which are simple polished wheel-made pottery 400 m southeast, the site is regarded as one of the residential with mineral temper and medium sizes; 4) Ceramics of the

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Parthian period which can be divided into two groups: a) application were produced in different shapes for about open-mouthed large crock utensils which have rough body a thousand years. The geographical distribution of Godin and gritty temper. The main feature of these potteries is III potteries is specified based on limited data (Henrickson that the design focuses on the outer part of the utensils and 1984, 1986). The distribution of sites can be explained abandons the inner part with an uneven surface. On the in six geographical areas: the east of Garin Mountain outer part of the pottey, there are stripes with rope-shaped (Kangavar valley, Asadabad, Sahne, Nahavand, decoration and nails dug. They are usually covered with and Boroojerd), the east of Pishkooh between Garin thick beighe clay; b) normal-to-medium untensils with an Mountain and Sefid Mountain (Kakavand, Chavari, Khave, arched body and outer surface in dark ocher color with Aleshtar valleys and Khoramabad), the west of Pish-e Kuh geometric patterns. (Holeilan Valley, Koohdasht, Roonshegan, Tarhan and Seimareh), Mahidasht Valley, Poshtkooh, Khuzestan and Analysis and typology of pottery findings in Bronze- Mesopotamian Plain (Henrickson 1987b: 205-209). Age Sites of the Region In Harsin and Kakavand Valley, Godin III:5 was identified at six sites, Godin III:4 at three sites and Godin Harsin district was the first trade center in Lorestan III:3 at twelve sites (Henrickson 1986: 20). The ceramics in the Bronze ages. Many passages cross the Zagros in the studied area are characterized as wheel-made, with mountain range. The accolade of Khorkhor and Dar adequate firing, mineral temper in brown, beige and red Baloot Passages in particular, seem to be ancient cemetery fabrics. They feature geometric patterns in black and red sites (Schmidt et al. 1989: 225). In the west and east of color. Godin III is contemporary to Giyan II-IV. The pottery Pishkooh, particularly in Harsin Kakavand, Aleshtar and of Giyan IV was alternately found behind the mountain of Seimareh Valley, many archeological sites were discovered Oiseaupeigne and in a few sites, especially in Telyab and (Mazaheri 2013: 78). Godin III has been one of the most the east of Harsin (Goff 1971: 150). flourishing periods of Central Zagros in places like The first period of Bronze Age involves pottery with Kangavar and Mahidasht. The most important valley under beige color, mineral temper and adequate firing. Painted study is Godin III in Harsin (Kakavand) mainly owing samples of the region were made in dark brown to black on to efforts made by Guff and Stein (Mazaheri 2013: 77). beige background. The patterns, production technique, and Lorestan is not a well-established geographic area, but it shapes of utensils are related to Bronze Age, coinciding is a term that archeologists in the 19th and 20th centuries with Godin III (Henrickson 1985). Pottery of Bronze Age assigned to the Harsin in Kermanshah (Potts 2013: 203). at Harsin includes average wheel-made, beige painted with One of the passages from Bronze age is Aleshtar Mirbag of geometric black patterns (Figure 3-4). The temper of these Khave Kakakvand and Harsin connected to thoroughfare open-mouthed containers is sand and gritty along with of Kermanshah to Bisitun (Henrickson 1986: 6). Identified lime particles, similar samples of which were observed in by archeological excavations, seven important settlement Godin III and Giyan sites (Henrickson 1985). The pottery periods in the Godin Tepe in west-central Iran are linked in Harsin plain are characterized by wheel-made, mineral to the third and fourth periods in the chronology of the late temper, beige to light brown colors, containing glazed clay second and third millennium b.c. (Young 1969: 287). The and thick glazed clay. No gray pottery was found with Early Bronze Age in the eastern and western Zagros had Yanik-style carved patterns. In this region, different kinds different situations. In Mahidasht, the Early Bronze Age of pottery were found i.e. bowls, jugs, plates and crock. No is known as Maran. At the end of Chalcolithic period, pottery with human and animal shapes was found in Harsin however, another phenomenon emerged in the East and district. There are different kinds of geometric patterns on Central regions of Central Zagros, which can be observed Bronze pottery of the region, e.g. zigzag, horizontal and from west end to east of Archive Sahne (Mohammadifar 2008: vertical oflines, scalloped. SID The most common patterns in the 181). A series of studies conducted in different areas of the region are geometric. Pottery No. 1 is a triangular design Central Zagros, e.g. Dasht-e-Hamedan, Malayer, Nahavand, between two horizontal lines which is comparable with Kangavar, Harsin, Asadabad, Mahidasht, Toyserkan and Giyan IV (Kambakhsh Fard 2009, Figure 36-37). Pottery Ilam, indicated the involvement of Godin IV culture and No. 2 is comparable with Susa pottery D and Godin III6 Yanik culture or the culture of the Transcaucasus in the east (Schmidt et al. 1989: 141, Young 1974, Figure 28). Pottery of the Central Zagros. According to Godin excavations, the No. 3 was introduced by Motarjem as burial painted pottery Bronze Age of the region is identified by layer IV. Five painted pottery and Susa pottery D. Pottery No. 4 was cultural layers were identified from Godin third period introduced by Motarjem as burial painted pottery painted introduced as III:1 – III:5, so that layer 1 is the latest pottery and Susa pottery D (Motarjem and Mohammadifar and layer 5 is the oldest periods of Godin III (Young and 2002). A similar pottery has been discovered in Poldokhtar Levine 1974: 19, Young 1967: 140). In Godin III, ceramics explorations (Personal communication with Mehdi were simple and uniform. Angled utensils with special Rezaei). Pottery No. 5 is the native design of Harsin Plain.

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Archive of SID

Fig. 3: Pottery painted designs in Harsin from Bronze Age (Motarjem 2002 & Cheri 2010).

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Fig.4: Bronze age pottery from Harsin (Motarjem 2002 & Cheri 2010).

Pottery No. 6 is the native design of Harsin. Pottery No. and Sahne Valley. The pattern is geometric, black, zigzag 7 was identified as Godin III:5 comparable with Godin and straight which is contemporary with Godin III2 pottery pottery (Henrickson 1986, Figure 11:1, 2). found in Babajan and Kazabad of Holilan (Henrickson Pottery No. 8 is comparable with painted pottery of 1986, Figure 15, 3; Goff 1976, Figure 6; Henrickson Mirvali and Abzanan valley, ancient Bronze phase, middle 1986, Figure 26, 14, Figure 28, 3; Goff 1976, Figure 11, of Pishkooh of Lorestan and Tanha Valley and Susa pottery 3). Pottery No. 16 is comparable with Godin III2 pottery. D (Haerinck 2011, Figure 1, p 100, pl. 12.3; Haerinck and It was reported in Layer IVC of Babajan in Giyan III, Overlate 2006: 124, Figure 3.11; Schmidt et al. 1989: 141, Nahavand-e-Ghobur 8:94, 89:2, 6:85 and Jamshidi Tepe Ba7). Pottery No. 9 is comparable with Giyan II pottery in Noorabad of Lorestan (Henrickson 1986, Figure 16, 21, (Contenou and Ghrishman, 1935, pl. 24). Pottery No. 10 22; Goff 1985, Figure 12-13; Contenou and Ghirshman is comparable with Lorestan Dare Tanha Valley (Haerinck 1935, p1. 26-28, p1. 75, tb 5.3). Pottery No. 17 is the native 2011: 99, Figure 2). Pottery No. 11 is comparable with design of the region. Pottery No. 18 is comparable with Gharkanji of Khoramabad pottery, Giyan III.IVC pottery pottery of Hamedan Valley and Sahne and Giyan pottery and Godin III2 pottery (HaerinckArchive 2011, Figure 1; Schmidt (Henrickson of 1986, FigureSID 27, 22; Schmidt et al. 1989: 143, et al. 1989: 143, a.14; Henrickson 1986, Figure 10, b2). Pottery No. 19 is comparable with pottery of Layer 13). Pottery No. 12 is comparable with Susa pottery D, V of Babajan Tepe site (Goff 1976, Figure viiid). Pottery Babakasim, Barafarak and Nahavand Valley (Schmidt et No. 20 is comparable with Noorabad pottery (Sajjadi and al. 1989: 141, Ba5; Henrickson 1986, Figure 24.9). Pottery Samani 1999, Figure 8.5). Pottery No. 21 is comparable No. 13 is comparable with Susa pottery D and Giyan IVC, with Godin III6 and Giyan IVC.III (Henrickson 1986: 86, III, Sahne and Nahavand Valley (Schmidt et al. 1989: pl. 50, Schmidt et al. 1989: 143, B6). Pottery No. 22 is 141; Henrickson 1986, Figure 27, 21). Pottery No. 14 is comparable with Godin III6 )Henrickson 1987a, Figure 7, identified Godin III2. The pattern is geometric, black, 1, 2, Fig 8, 2 ,3). zigzag and straight which is contemporary with Godin III2 pottery found in Babajan and Kazabad of Holeilan Conclusion (Henrickson 1986, Figure 28, 3; Goff 1976, Figure 11; Goff 1976, Figure 6). Pottery No. 15 is identified as Godin During the archeological surveys, a total of 29 Bronze III2 pottery comparable with pottery at Babajan Tepe site Age sites were identified in Harsin County. The finding

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Paint Construction Surface Device Description Decorations Temper Firing number clay outer inner method out inner type Geometric Thick Godin III Mineral Buff Buff Buff wheelwright Enough muddy body I black mud Geometric Thick Godin III Mineral brown brown brown wheelwright Enough muddy body II black mud Geometric light light light Thick Godin III Mineral wheelwright Enough muddy handle III black brown brown brown mud Godin III Mineral Buff beige beige wheelwright Enough muddy muddy edge IV light Thick Thick Godin III Mineral Buff Buff wheelwright Enough edge V brown mud mud Buff Thick Thick Godin III Mineral beige beige wheelwright Enough edge VI black mud mud Geometric Thick bronze Mineral Buff Buff Buff wheelwright Enough muddy body VII brown mud Geometric light Polished bronze Mineral Buff Buff wheelwright Enough muddy edge VIII brown brown mud Geometric light Thick bronze Mineral Buff Buff wheelwright Enough muddy body IX black brown mud Geometric light light light Thick bronze Mineral wheelwright Enough muddy body X black brown brown brown mud Geometric Thick bronze Mineral Buff Buff Buff wheelwright Enough muddy body XI red mud Geometric Thick bronze Mineral Buff brown brown wheelwright Enough muddy body XII dark brown mud light light light bronze -- Mineral handle made Enough muddy muddy edge XIII brown brown brown Thick Thick bronze -- Mineral red red red wheelwright Enough edge XIV mud mud Geometric bronze Compound Buff Buff Buff wheelwright Enough muddy muddy edge XV dark brown & bed bronze -- Mineral Buff Buff Buff wheelwright Enough muddy muddy XVI body Reddish Thick Thick bronze -- Mineral Buff Buff handle made Enough body XVII brown mud mud Thick Thick bronze -- Compound Buff Buff Buff handle made Enough body XVIII mud mud

Table 1: Specifications samples Bronze Age pottery plain Harsin of artifacts of Bronze Age in the region can be categorized of pottery design. The most striking similarities of pottery into two groups- plain Archiveand painted ceramics. The painted design of at Harsin canSID be observed in Lorestan, which also ceramics display geometric pattern but no human and animal shows similarities with eastern Pish-e Kuh, Aleshtar and shapes were identified on the surface of the studied region. Noorabad. In Harsin, Godin III2-6 type pottery can be According to the comparative analysis of the ceramics, it found. Based on the assumption, the Middle and Late can be argued that the region has had interregional and Bronze Age site has had a cultural relationship with the intra-regional relationships. Considering the small area of adjacent areas of Kangavar and Godin III, Mahidasht and settlements and their location, these sites were probably Lorestan. In this respect, the most remarkable similarity of small villages used for a sedentary or semi-sedentary the local pottery patterns and shapes involved the potteries lifestyle, while the residents could make a living by at Bronze Age sites of Lorestan and eastern Pish-e Kuh. herding and agriculture. At the end of the third millennium Given that no single piece of gray pottery of Yanik kind and the beginning of the second millennium b.c. (Middle was found, it is believed that the nomadic culture of Yanik Bronze Age), a close link formed between Harsin and did not influence the region. The reason could be behind the Kangavar Valley, Nahavand valley, Lorestan and Urumia social structure and living pattern in the sites of Old Bronze lake basin which bears some similarities to Godin in terms Age in Harsin. Considering the fact that the settlement

34 www.SID.ir Vol. 2, No. 4, Summer- Autumn 2016 International Journal of the Society of Iranian Archaeologists pattern of the sites over this period are all small with low Henrickson, R. C., 1984 Godin III, Godin Tepe and Central Western Iran. Ph.D. cultural deposits and low height, there were semi-nomadic dissertation, Department of Near Eastren Studies, University of Toronto. and pasture-exploring communities not been affected by the people of Yanik culture. With regard to the patterns in 1985 The Chronology of Central Western Iran 2600-1400 B. C. shapes in Harsin pottery, the pottery tradition is comparable American Journal of Archaeology 89 (4), 569-581. with residential sites of Central Zagros including Giyan, 1986 A Regional Perspective on Godin III Cultural Development in Godin, Babajan, etc. The pottery techniques of Bronze Central Western Iran. Iran 24, 1-55. Age in Harsin plain are widely varied and many of the 1987a The Godin III Revisited Chronology for Central Western Iran pottery patterns and forms display local designs. Pottery 2600-1400 B.C. Iranica Antiqua 22, 33-116. No. 15 has been identified as Godin III2 comparable with 1987b Godin III and the Chronology of Central Western Iran ca pottery at Babajan Tepe site and Sahne Valley. The shapes 2600-1400 B.C. In: Hole, F. (ed.), The Archaeology of Western Iran, are geometric, black, and zigzagged and straight which Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington D. C., pp. 205-227. is contemporary with Godin III2 pottery of Babajan and Hole, F. (ed.), Kazabad of Holeilan in terms of design. Pottery No. 21 is 1987 The Archaeology of Western Iran. Smithsonian Institution comparable with pottery from Godin III6 and Giyan IVC. Press, Washington D. C. III.Pottery No. 21 is comparable with pottery from Godin Kambakhsh Fard, S .A., III6 and Giyan IVC.III. 2009 Ceramic and Pottery in Iran since the Beginning of the Neolithic Period to Modern Times. Qoqnoos Publication, Tehran (in Persian). References Mazaheri, K., Armed Forces Geographical Organization, 2013 A Revision of Geographical Extension of Godin III Pottery 2000 The Geographical Index of Iran Counties (Province of Sequence in Central Zagros. Payam-e Bastanshenas (Archaeologist Kermanshah). Armed Forces Geographical Organization Publications, Message) 19: 73 - 92 (in Persian). Tehran. Mohammadifar, Y., Braidwood, R. J., 2008 A Look at the Chronology of Kangavar Plain from the 1961 The Iranian Prehistoric Project 1959-1960. Iranica Antiqua 1, Beginning to the Period of Godin. Payam-e Bastanshenas (Archaeologist 3-7. Message) 3, 44 - 51 (in Persian).

Chehri, M. E., Motarjem, A. and Y. Mohammadifar, 2009 Identification and Documentation of Ancient Sites of Harsin 2002 Investigation, Identification and Documentation of the Ancient County (First Season). Kermanshah Cultural Heritage Organization Relics of Harsin County. Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of Archive (unpublished report in Persian). Kermanshah (unpublished report in Persian)

2010 Identification and Documentation of Ancient Sites of Harsin Potts, D. T., County (Second Season). Kermanshah Cultural Heritage Organization 2013 Lurestan and the Central Zagros in the Bronze Age. In: Potts, Archive (unpublished report in Persian). D. (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran, Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp. 203-216. Contenau, J. and R. Ghirshman, 1935 Fouilles du Tepe Giyan pres de Nehavand 1931 et 1932, Rahimi, K., Librairie orientaliste paul Geuthner, Paris. 2000 Harsin in History. Kosar Publication, Tehran (in Persian).

Coon C. S., Sajjadi, S. M. and N. Samani, 1951 Cave Exploration in Iran, 1949. University Of Pennsylvania 1999 The Report on Excavation at Nourabad Tepe, Lurestan. In: press, Philadelphia. Alizadeh, A., Majidzadeh, Y, and Malek Shahmirzadi, S. (Eds.), Iranian Art and Archaeology, 32 Articles in Honor of Dr. Ezatollah Negahban, Goff, C. L., Markaz-e Nashr-e Daneshgahi Publication, Tehran, pp. 85-120. 1971 Luristan Before the Iron Age. Iran 9, 131-152. ArchiveSchmidt, E.,of M. N. van Loon,SID and H. Curvers, 1976 Excavation at Baba Jan: the Bronze Age Occupation. Iran 14, 1989 The Holmes expeditions to Luristan. Oriental Institute 19-40. Publications 108, Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, Chicago.

1985 Excavation at Baba Jan: the Architecture and Pottery of level Schmidt, E., I. Iran 23, 1-20. 1940 Flights over Ancient Cities of Iran. Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, Chicago. Haerinck, E. and B. Overlaet, 2006 Luristan Excavation Documents, vol. 6: Bani Surmah, An Smith. P. E. L., 1976 Reflection on Four Seasons of Excavations at Tepe Ganj Early Bronze Age Graveyard in Pusht-i Kuh, Luristan. The Ghent th University and the Royal Museums of Art and History, Brussels. Dareh. In: Bagherzadeh, F. (ed.), Proceedings of the 4 Annual Symposium on Archaeological Research in Iran, Iranian Centre for Archaeological Haerinck, E., Research, Tehran, pp. 11-22. 2011 Painted Pottery of the First Half of the Early Bronze Age (Late 4th-First Centuries of the 3rd Millennium BC) in Lurestan, W-Iran. Smith.P. E. L. and P. Mortensen, Iranica Antiqua 46, 55-106. 1980 Three New Early Neolithic Sites in Western Iran. Current Anthropology 21 (4), 511-512.

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Stein, S. O., Royal Ontario Museum, Art and archaeology, Occasional paper 26, 1940 Old Routs of Western Iran. Green Wood Press, New York. Toronto.

Talai, H., Young, T. C. and P. E. L Smith., 2007 The Bronze Age of Iran. SAMT publication, Tehran (in 1966 Research in the Prehistory of Central Western Iran. Science Persian). 153, 386-391.

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Young, T. C. and L. D. Levine, 1969 The Chronology of the Late Third and Second Millennia in 1974 Excavation of the Godin Project: Second Progress Report, Central Western Iran as Seen from Godin Tepe. American Journal of Archaeology 73 (3), 287-291.

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