3500-Year-Old Ritual Table Unearthed in Azerbaijan’s Tava-tepe

Archaeologists from the University of Catania have made a groundbreaking discovery in the ancient settlement of Tava-tepe, located in the Agstafa district of Azerbaijan. This 3500-year-old site, dating back to the Late Bronze Age, has yielded a remarkably well-preserved and distinctive ritual table with ceramic tableware still in situ, offering new insights into the customs and daily life of the nomadic communities that once traversed this region.

The Significance of Tava-tepe

Tava-tepe is believed to have served as a vital resting point for nomadic people journeying between the Kura River basin and the Caucasus Mountains, reports Azerbaijan State News Agency, Azertac. The site’s strategic location likely made it an important stopover, providing shelter and a place for communal activities.

Excavations at the site have unveiled a concentric-circle earthen structure that includes a kitchen area and a ritual table, complete with ceramic utensils. This discovery sheds light on both the social and ritualistic practices of the ancient inhabitants, with evidence of habitation ranging from the Late Bronze Age to the Middle Iron Age (ca 1500-600 BC).

The mound excavation area at Tava Tepe, in the Agstafa region of West Azerbaijan. (University of Catania)

Unveiling the Structure

The excavated structure at Tava-tepe features a kitchen area with housings for braziers used for cooking, and a ritual table, indicating the site’s dual function as both a domestic and ceremonial space.

Traces of burning and the remains of bowls and glasses in black burnished ceramics scattered across the excavation area suggest that food was prepared and consumed in this space.

The structure itself boasts a monumental entrance supported by wooden columns and a thatched roof, which likely covered the entire complex. The circular design, highlighted by numerous post holes, suggests a diameter of approximately 15 meters (49 feet), making it a significant architectural feat of its time.

Ritualistic and Communal Aspects

The exterior of the circular area is marked by an abundance of animal bones, including those of cattle, sheep, and pigs, along with ceramic pottery, indicating that these remains were discarded as rubbish. This deposit provides valuable information about the diet and communal meals shared by the inhabitants. The presence of human figurines placed in votive pits further underscores the ritualistic nature of the site. Additionally, the ceramics on the ritual table were intentionally sealed under a thick layer of compacted earth, suggesting their significance in the ceremonial practices of the community.

Black burnished ceramics surround the central table. (University of Catania)

Future Research and Exhibitions

Archaeologists from the University of Catania are planning to present additional findings from Tava-tepe at a festival scheduled for mid-July. This event will provide an opportunity for the researchers to share their discoveries with the broader archaeological community and the public.

Furthermore, an exhibition hosted by the University of Catania in Sicily, Italy, is slated for December, where the artifacts and findings from Tava-tepe will be showcased, allowing for a deeper understanding of this fascinating site.

The discovery at Tava-tepe not only enriches our knowledge of the Late Bronze Age societies in the Caucasus region but also highlights the intricate social and ritualistic practices that were integral to their way of life. As research continues, it is anticipated that Tava-tepe will yield even more insights into the cultural and historical landscape of ancient Azerbaijan.

Top image: Aerial image of the partially excavated site at Tava-tepe, with the ritual table center  Source: GaRKAP/CAMNES

By Gary Manners