Iraqi Kurdistan survey project: Newcomers and Autochthons
Dates of work: 25 August–21 October 2016
Team:
Project Head: Prof. Dorota Ławecka (Institute of Archaeology, University of Warsaw)
Iraqi representative: Maryam Al Hamar
Archaeologist: Assist. Prof. Dariusz Szeląg (Institute of Archaeology, University of Warsaw)
The research funded by the PCMA UW within the frame of the greater UGZAR Survey Project directed by Rafał Koliński was concentrated in 2016 in the southeastern zone of the survey area, south of the Upper Zab river. Comprehensive fieldwalking complemented routine examination of satellite photos, extensive prospection and interviews with local residents. The preliminary findings reveal a low settlement density in the area for the Chalkolithic (about 4300–3000 BC), which changes in the Nineveh 5 period, when there is an evident doubling of sites (still small, averaging less than 4 ha) in both the eastern and the western parts of the surveyed area. Of particular interest is the identification of a new variety of local painted pottery, called Harir Purple Ware from the location where it was recognized first. It appears to be contempraneous with Nineveh 5 production, occurring together with that ware and having intermediary forms drawing upon both ceramic traditions.
Text: Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean 26/1