Tell Abada: An Ubaid Village in Central Mesopotamia

In 1978, an archaeological campaign was launched in the Hamrin Basin area of Iraq to salvage many archaeological sites before their flooding due to the construction of a large dam. Two of the sites, Tell Abada and Tell Rashid, dating back to the Ubaid period in the fifth millennium BC, were excavated. Tell Abada is an almost complete village with three occupational levels, including residential houses, buildings, and industrial workshops. The discovery of pottery-making equipment, fire installations, and large, varied, and richly decorated pottery products provides insight into daily life, settlement patterns, craft specialization, religious practices, and socioeconomic status during the Ubaid period.

Format: Hardback
Length: 588 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2022
Publisher: Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures

In the winter of 1978, a comprehensive archaeological campaign was initiated in the Hamrin Basin area, situated in the east-central part of Iraq, with the primary objective of rescuing numerous archaeological sites from impending flooding caused by the construction of a massive dam. This remarkable volume serves as a record of the excavations conducted at two sites, Tell Abada and Tell Rashid, both dating back to the Ubaid period in the fifth millennium BC.

Tell Abada, the first site investigated, holds immense significance. It is an almost complete village that has been unearthed, revealing three distinct occupational levels. Numerous residential houses and buildings, adorned with distinctive architectural features, stand exposed. Moreover, industrial workshops dedicated to the production of pottery vessels are present, showcasing the craftsmanship and technological advancements of the time. One of the most exciting discoveries at Tell Abada was the first-time identification of pottery-making equipment, notably the potter's wheel. This groundbreaking find not only sheds light on the pottery-making process but also provides valuable insights into the artistic and technological capabilities of the Ubaid civilization.

Another remarkable discovery at Tell Abada was the presence of numerous fire installations specifically designed for the burning of pottery vessels. These fire installations, characterized by their size and intricacy, add to our understanding of the cultural practices and technological advancements of the Ubaid period. The pottery products found at the site are enormous, varied, and richly decorated, reflecting the aesthetic preferences and skill of the artisans. The well-stratified sequence in which the pottery is discovered enhances our comprehension of Ubaid pottery, clarifies its chronological classifications, and establishes cultural connections with other Ubaid sites in the region.

Among the other noteworthy discoveries made during the excavations at Tell Abada are numerous infant burial urns, granaries, water ducts, and proto-tablets. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the daily life, settlement patterns, craft specialization, religious practices, and socioeconomic status of the Ubaid civilization. They shed new light on the Ubaid period in general and contribute to our understanding of the complex and diverse cultural landscape of Mesopotamia during this time.

In conclusion, the excavations conducted at Tell Abada and Tell Rashid in the Hamrin Basin area of Iraq have yielded a wealth of cultural material that provides profound insights into the Ubaid period and the broader cultural landscape of Mesopotamia. The discoveries made at these sites, including the pottery-making equipment, fire installations, and various artifacts, contribute to our understanding of the technological advancements, artistic practices, and social structures of the Ubaid civilization. These excavations serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations and their contribution to the rich tapestry of human history.

Weight: 2738g
Dimension: 298 x 229 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781614910688