Experts to uncover the secret of the monumental and three-dimensional  Urartian statue found on Garibin Tepe

ArmInfo.In an area where rescue excavations were conducted last year, archaeologists discovered a basalt stone statue from the Urartian period that weighed approximately one tonne during the archaeological excavations in Van's Tusba district, Arkeonews reports.

In 2023, archaeologists found the first monumental statue of its kind  in the region during rescue excavations at Garibin Tepe. This  fascinating discovery, which is roughly 2 meters long and 1 meter  wide, was discovered in a historical site only 3 kilometers from  Ayanis Castle and 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from the city center.

This year, the excavation was concentrated on the southern portion of  the hill and was headed by Van Museum under the scientific direction  of Professor Mehmet Is?kl? from the Department of Archeology at  Ataturk University.

Professor Is?kl? stated: "This is a monumental three-dimensional  statue that we have never encountered before. We are very excited,  and after preliminary studies, we hope to gain more detailed  information."

The statue, believed to have a broken neck, is noted for its  impressive size and craftsmanship. After detailed examinations by a  team from Ankara, the mystery of the basalt statue is expected to be  solved.

Professor Is?kl? stated that the Urartian civilization is one of the  least understood areas because it has very few known sculptural  works.

Is?kl? said, "In Urartian art, there are very limited works related  to plastic arts, namely sculpture. We are working with only a few  examples. In metal or stone, we don't have much data in terms of  sculpture. In this regard, pieces of an object related to a lion  statue were previously found in the excavation area. This year,  however, we encountered a find that surprised us greatly. A striking  example of Urartian plastic art made of basalt was unearthed."

He also mentioned earlier finds in the region, mentioning a statue of  a lion that was discovered in 1995 while conducting rescue  excavations. This new finding broadens our knowledge of the  Urartians' creative practices.

"This is a statue carved as a solid block. We cannot say anything  definitive at the moment about what it represents, as it is highly  stylized, approximately 2 meters long and 1 meter wide, and  monumental. The statue is being transported to the Van Museum, where  preliminary studies and interventions will take place.  After  restoration, we will gain more insight. It is a striking find in an  area with very few unique Urartian artifacts."

Is?kl? continued, "We are encountering such a monumental,  three-dimensional statue for the first time. We hope to gain more  detailed information after the initial studies. It resembles a figure  with a carved base, a stylized head, a square prism-shaped body, and  indiscernible facial features. It appears monumental.  Whether it  represents a divine or royal figure is very hard to determine. We  even considered if it was a postmodern statue."

Emphasizing that Garibin Tepe is an exciting site, Is?kl? stated that  the discovery makes a significant contribution to the Urartian  heritage in Turkiye.