A recent study reveals that the Neolithization of the South Caucasus occurred in phases. While the introduction of domesticated plants and animals happened quickly around 6000 BCE, some cultural elements typical of the Neolithic period appeared later. This study reports on the discovery of a stone human figurine from the Damjili Cave in Azerbaijan. It is the first example from a radiocarbon-dated context of the late Mesolithic period in the South Caucasus.  

The figurine was found in the Damjili Cave, located on the left bank of the middle reaches of the Kura River in western Azerbaijan. This region has a high density of Neolithic settlements. The cave, discovered in 1953, has undergone extensive excavations that have revealed Middle Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic occupation traces. The figurine was discovered in Unit 5.2, a layer dated to approximately 6400-6100 cal. BC.  

The Damjili figurine is an elongated gravel bar with round surfaces, measuring 51 mm in length, 15 mm in width, and 9.5 mm in thickness. It is made of hard sandstone and features engravings, possibly representing a human figure. The head is decorated with vertical lines, likely representing hair, and there are horizontal lines that may depict a hairband or cap. The lower body has three horizontal lines, possibly representing a belt, and a group of vertical lines that may represent a loincloth or apron.  

Researchers conducted several analyses on the figurine, including computed tomography (CT) analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The CT scan revealed variations in the engraving, with the upper part of the figurine showing steadier lines and the lower parts showing more varied lines. The XRF analysis indicated a higher iron content in the reddish areas of the figurine, suggesting the possible use of red pigments. However, SEM images did not provide clear evidence of residual pigment.  

This discovery is significant because it is the first Mesolithic human figurine found in the Middle Kura Valley with a well-defined radiocarbon dating context. The figurine's stylistic features differ from those of Neolithic figurines in the region, providing valuable insights into the cultural processes during the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in the South Caucasus.  

The discovery of the Damjili figurine contributes to our understanding of the symbolic and ideological aspects of the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in the South Caucasus. The figurine represents a unique artistic tradition and highlights the complexity of the cultural changes that occurred during this period. Further research in the region will continue to shed light on the rich cultural heritage of the South Caucasus.