Dzedzvebi, Grave 9

3D Model

Grave 9 from Dzedzvebi, Georgia.

The biggest surprise during the 2015 field campaign in Georgia was the discovery of Grave 9. The grave was discovered next to the ritual structure II.7 and dates to the Bronze Age Kura-Araxes period (ca. 5000 BP).

The round chamber grave was constructed as dry stone wall and was covered with basalt pillars which resemble wooden beams on a house roof. The pillars in turn were covered with smaller stones.

Four individuals were buried in the grave, all of them men. One skeleton was laid down in a crouched position, the other individuals were piled up to a collective burial at the side of the grave.

The grave goods allow us to gain a vivid image of this Kura-Araxes grave: together with the male in the crouched position, small metal items, interpreted as personal belongings, and four lamp heads were deposited, as well as ceramic grave goods. Some offerings also took place at the grave: on top of the grave we also excavated some ceramic vessels and a broken stone hammer.