Geo- and ethnoarchaeological investigations of a cave in the Northern Zagros Mountains (Ashkawta Rash, Iraqi Kurdistan)

Abstract

Ashkawta Rash Cave was investigated in two short excavation campaigns in 2018 and 2021. Hundreds of anthropogenic layers testify to the use of the cave over the last three millennia. In this article, we combine ethnoarchaeological and measurement technology related issues with the excavation results. After reviewing the archaeological and ethnographical literature we describe various economic practices, such as the stockpiling of dairy products, which can be demonstrated or at least made probable in the cave and its immediate surroundings. We catalogue different uses of the cave and date them wherever possible. Furthermore we describe general modes of cave use within the pastoral economy of northern Zagros, namely the phases of site formation with deposition and accumulation, followed by systematical removal of cave sediments and cultural layers. Grazing initially brings considerable amounts of material into the cave, then these layers, several metres thick, are removed again and again. As a result, future investigations can identify from remote wheter caves in the area yield potential undisturbed strata sequences or not. At the same time, this recognises an important process in the formation of the specific cultural landscape.