Analyzing Animals as A Subject: Economic and Symbolic Role of Animals at Tape Qeshlaq, A Chalcolithic Settlement in the Central Zagros, Iran

Authors

1 M.A. in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran (Corresponding Author)

Abstract

Tepe Qeshlagh represents a Chalcolithic settlement that was excavated as part of a larger archaeological survey conducted between 2011 and 2013. This study investigates the role of animals during the Chalcolithic period (ca. 5000–3500 BCE) in the Central Zagros region of Iran, utilizing data obtained from the excavations at Tepe Qeshlaq. By examining both organic and inorganic data, the research aims to elucidate the subsistence and non-subsistence dimensions of human-animal interactions, thereby assessing how biological data can enhance the understanding of cultural data. The primary objective of this investigation is to ascertain the environmental conditions of the area through faunal data and to explore the cultural implications of the animal species present for the inhabitants during the Chalcolithic era. Faunal remains from Tepe Qeshlaq have been collected and stored at the Archaeological Laboratory of Bu-Ali Sina University, where they are analyzed according to Stiner’s coding system (2004) and Von den Driesch’s (1976) measurement techniques. Statistical evaluations of the organic data reveal that the faunal assemblage from Tepe Qeshlaq comprises 550 specimens, which include 474 bones, 41 teeth, 22 horns, and 13 shells. The category of large ungulates includes the fragmented remains of Bos taurus (cattle) and equids, specifically wild horses and onagers. Morphological and dental analyses reveal that approximately 70% of the equid remains are attributed to the onager, Equus hemionus, or the Asiatic wild ass. This study examines both the practical and relational dimensions of these animals, emphasizing their economic and symbolic significance at Tepe Qeshlaq. The dominance of goats, sheep, cattle, and onagers as primary livestock underscores the necessity of varied pastoral strategies in response to the environmental challenges characteristic of steppe regions. Furthermore, the essential role of animal bones in tool production is underscored, highlighting their functional utility. The presence of non-organic artifacts, including zoomorphic figurines, horn-shaped tokens, and decorative pottery, reveals additional cultural dimensions of these animals, illustrating their role not only as vital resources but also as cultural symbols that inspired artistic expression and contributed to the social structure of Chalcolithic communities in western Iran.

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Main Subjects

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pazhoheshha-ye Bastan shenasi Iran
Volume 14, Issue 41
English Articles
September 2024
Pages 97-113

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