Archeologists have succeeded in discovery of an earthenware statuette in Qalaichi Tepe in Boukan which is believed it was an oblation to Qalaichi temple.

Tehran, 17 August 2006 (CHN) -- Archeological excavations in Qalaichi Tepe in Boukan led to discovery of an earthenware statuette of a woman. This naked earthenware statuette is 20 centimeters in height.

"The statuette has no dress and it was made by clay with her arms on her chest. We found this statuette which its head is broken near a brick raised platform. In addition to this statuette a large number of turquoise, yellow, and white beads have been also found during the archeological excavations. All the discovered evidence show that most probably this statuette was an oblation to the temple," said Reza Heidari, archeologists of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Department of West Azarbaijan province and member of Qalaichi Tepe excavation team.

According to Heidari, identifying the architectural evidence of Manian ethnic groups was one of the most important accomplishments during the eight seasons of archeological excavations in Qalaichi Tepe. "This is the first time that archeological excavations have been carried out on Manian ethnic groups in Qalaichi Tepe and some important evidence including the architectural style of Manian ethnic groups and the materials and colors which were used by them in architecture and the way they were being used, have been discovered during eight seasons of excavations in Qalaichi Tepe," added Heidari.

Manian civilization was a great Persian empire during the pre-historic period, the extent of its domain was mostly in northwest of Iran. During their excavations, archeologists have concluded that Zirtoo must have been the most important capital city of Manian in Qalaichi.

There is not much information about the characteristics of Manian ethnic group and the method of their living. Prior to this, American archeologists believed that Hasanlou historical hill was the central capital of Manian powerful empire during the first millennium BC.