The geopolitical context of the flax crop in the ancient Colchis

Abstract

1.6.1.2.6. The geopolitical context of the flax crop in the ancient Colchis. /D. Lomitashvili/. West Coucasus - Archaeological Context. – 2020. – #1. – pp. 13-26. – geo.; abs.: geo., eng., rus.

The finds of Nokalakevi expedition provided noteworthy material with regard to the development of flax production in Colchis. The central and eastern sections of the lower terrace of Nokalakevi city-site (where certain concentration of archaeological sites dated to the 8th -1st cc BC are observed) yielded a number of pyramidal clay weights of a vertical weaving loom alongside the spindle-whorls of many different shapes and material. Dated from the II millennium BC to the Hellenistic period including, the items obtained through archaeological excavations and listed in the present article support the opinion that the pyramidal ceramic loom weights discovered in Colchis at the sites of different period are actually the weights of vertical weaving looms. In terms of time, archaeological data give priority to the vertical looms. As far as the horizontal weaving looms are concerned, they, indeed, coexist alongside the vertical ones from a certain period. The finds revealed at Nokalakevi city-site can be considered to be another proof of the hypothesis that the Georgian weaving looms, which are characterized by originality, developed and improved over time. The process of their development did not take place separately. The looms with their original forms are among the cultural achievements of ancient peoples. Ref. 39.

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