Dog molars as personal ornaments in a Kura-Araxes child burial (Kalavan-1, Armenia). (19th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Poulmarc'h, Modwene; Christidou, Rozalia; Bălășescu, Adrian; Alarashi, Hala; Le Mort, Françoise; Gasparyan, Boris; Chataigner, Christine
• Is Part Of: Antiquity. Volume 90:Number 352(2016)
• Page Start: 953
• Page End: 972
• Publication Date: 2016-07-19
• Subjects: Armenia, -- Early Bronze Age, -- Kura-Araxes burial, -- perforated dog molar, -- micro-wear analysis; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Antiquities -- Periodicals; 930.05
• DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2016.132
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-598X

Abstract

Abstract: Abstract : Two perforated dog molars were found directly associated with a Kura-Araxes child burial from the third millennium BC in Armenia. Both teeth show trimming of the root ends and boring of a biconical hole through the lingual root with a hand-held stone tool. Expedient manufacture, the anatomical location of the hole and use-wear suggest that the molars were suspended in order to display their crowns as part of a necklace that also included two stone beads. This is an unusual type of personal ornament and the first of its kind reported in the South Caucasus. Its use in a Kura-Araxes burial is interpreted as an active modification of the funerary symbolism during this period.