Description
The city, which was known as far back as the 5th century AD, was a trade and craftsmanship centre of ancient Arran area, part of current Azerbaijan. The city was ruined a number of times and its name was changed, but after regaining independence, the Azerbaijani government restored the city’s historic name. The examples of craftsmanship found in Shamkir convey a clear picture of the culture, daily life and world-view of the ancient people who lived in Azerbaijani territory.
It is assumed that these finds reflect special ceremonies or religious rituals: deer antlers depicted on the finds signify power, while a swastika connotes the sun, a wheel suggests infinity, and spiral lines are a sign of eternity, of time and immortality.
