Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia, 45(special issue) 2002
Issue:
VOL 45(special issue) 2002
Keywords:
Ancient Armenia, birds, stelae, pottery
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The birds of ancient Armenia
Abstract:
More than 45 archaeological sites, belonging to different historic periods yielded skeletal remains of birds. The prevailing amounts of material come from the excavations at the medieval town of Dvin originating from AD 7-12 C. 200 bones were identified and are attributable to 34 wild and 1 domestic species of bird. Bird remains have been recorded among the assemblages from Lchashen, Loriberd and the Urartian town of Argishtichinili. In pellets that accumulated in the caves of the Saray-Boulagh Mountains 11 bird species have been identified. Bird depictions are the most favoured theme in the Armenian arts. Bowls and jugs originating from AD 11-13 C. show images of eagles, storks, doves, peacocks, wild ducks and other bird species. Despite their stylistic form, they are concise in their expression and are thought to serve as the prototypes for the bronze statuettes of waterfowl typical of the Late Bronze Age. Throughout the millennia the Lchashen statuettes retained their faunal diversity. Human impact, direct or indirect, has posed a threat to the many bird species which are in need of urgent attention.
