For the first time, traces of lime graves have been discovered in Jiroft, Kerman province (Iran), during archeological activities in the region. "A unique grave was discovered during the fifth season of archeological excavations in Jiroft. Discovery of this grave which had already been looted in the ancient times resulted in identifying a unique and small cemetery. What makes this cemetery different compared to the other ones which have been discovered so far is the unique burial method implemented in it, so that the corpses were buried under a hard layer of lime. The burial gifts inside the graves indicate that the cemetery must have belonged to people from the higher stratum of the society," said Nader Soleimani, archeologist from the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Department of Kerman province during the Art and Archeology Symposium.
     According to Soleimani, the graves are like cubbyholes having entranced and a number of stairs on the southern part. The corpses were buried in the eastern parts of the graves, except for one case which has a different architectural style. "Evidence shows that the cemetery was plundered in the ancient times; and only some clay bowls have been remained in this cemetery. Existence of animal bones in these bowls shows that the people of the region believed in life after death," added Soleimani.
     Regarding the styles used in making the earthenware discovered in Konar Sandal hill, Sedigheh Piran, expert of Iran’s National Museum explains: "Architectural and archeological evidence bring into light the existence of a unique culture which developed in the course of the history in northern and southern parts of Konar Sandal prehistoric site. The hill is surrounded by small satellite hills which point to continual constructions in the region. Based on architectural evidence, the architectural structures of south Konar Sandal can be divided into two groups: memorial and residential buildings. The majority of the clay vessels which were discovered intact belong to the residential area and enjoy more diversity compared to those unearthed in the memorial buildings."
 
Source: CHN (7 March 2007)