Mahtoutabad III (Province of Kerman, Iran): An “Uruk-Related” Material Assemblage in Eastern Iran

Abstract

During recent excavations in the third-millennium BC plundered graveyard of Mahtoutabad, next to Konar Sandal (Kerman, Iran), the authors excavated layers with Uruk-related ceramics. The types include bevel-rim bowls, flowerpots, low-sided trays, nose-lugged jars and other types previously encountered at several other contemporary sites in highland Iran. This new material is presented here with some preliminary comments on the general picture of the Uruk-related sites and pottery assemblages across the Iranian plateau of the mid- and late fourth millennium BC. We suggest that the related elements of the material culture of these contexts should be considered as open single questions, rather than as part of a monolithic cultural pattern awash with demanding historical or even ethnic implications.

Keywords:

• Mahtoutabad site
• Konar Sandal
• Halil Rud culture
• Uruk phenomenon on the Iranian plateau
• ancient ceramic technology