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New archaeological discovery reported near Lama Cemetery in SW
During a visit to the historic Lama Cemetery, archaeologist Ahmad Azadi reviewed the history of archaeological investigations in the area and highlighted the importance of accelerating rescue excavations at the newly identified location, chtn.ir wrote.
Azadi said archaeological research in Lama dates back to the late 1990s, when construction of the Yasuj-Isfahan Road led to the accidental discovery of several ancient graves after a bulldozer struck burial remains.
Following reports from local residents, road construction was halted, and a team of archaeologists led by Hassan Rezvani carried out six months of rescue excavations at the site.
During the first excavation season, more than 60 ancient graves were uncovered, demonstrating Lama’s considerable archaeological importance and its value for understanding ancient burial practices, Azadi said.
A second excavation season, also directed by Rezvani in the mid-2000s, investigated additional graves and resulted in the publication of the scientific findings from both excavation seasons. The results were released in a final excavation report together with a comprehensive catalogue of the site’s archaeological discoveries, providing valuable documentation for future research and heritage conservation.
The third and most recent excavation season was directed by Mohammad Javad Jafari. Alongside the excavation of additional graves, archaeologists discovered a seal engraved with the image of an ostrich, a find that Azadi said could provide important insights into the cultural, artistic, and symbolic traditions of past communities in the region.
Azadi also referred to a recent development in Lama village, saying that about three months ago a bulldozer apparently uncovered another ancient grave while road construction was underway at a location some distance from the previously excavated cemetery.
According to Azadi, the grave closely resembles those previously excavated at Lama, raising the possibility that another ancient cemetery exists in the area.
Following reports from local residents, work at the site was suspended, and heritage authorities are now expected to initiate rescue excavations to determine the archaeological significance of the discovery.
Azadi stressed that the experience at Lama once again demonstrates the necessity of conducting archaeological assessments before implementing development projects in historically significant areas. He warned that neglecting cultural heritage considerations during infrastructure works could result in the irreversible loss of valuable historical and cultural resources.
With three excavation seasons, dozens of ancient burials, and significant archaeological discoveries already documented, the Lama Cemetery has become one of the most important archaeological sites in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province. The possible discovery of a new burial ground nearby could open a new chapter in archaeological research in Dena.