Report on archaeological expedition of Kvemo Machakheli, Kedkedi village (Sindieti) (2021year)

Abstract

Kvemo Machakheli Archaeological Expedition conducted research works in the
village of Kedkedi (Sindieti), Khelvachauri Municipality, in order to study the cellar spotted
during observations. It is located in the property of a private citizen - Suliko Dzneladze. The pit
is directed towards north and the cellar is directed towards east. We conducted archaeological
works in the southern direction of the cellar. In the I square of sector NO, after removing humus,
we cleaned drily built stone formations of 6 meter length and different sizes, which is a direct
continuation of so called “storeroom”, it had a rounded 1,40 santimeters enterence. The walls of
interior space are straightened on purpose, which seemingly creates the impression of a tank. We
have cleaned three lines of Kvevris, located in the central area of the cellar. The largest Kvevris
are surrounded by medium-sized Kvevris and for the first time, we found two small sized Kvevris.
So far we have discovered twelve Kvevris. We cleaned their mouths, necks and shoulders. All of
them are strengthened with a layer of limestone and small sized stones. They belong to a plain
type of Kvevris decorated with relief stripes. Similar Kvevris are widespread in different cellars of
Georgia, they date back to the twelfth century. The eighth Kvevri is distinguished. It is decorated
with a ring-shaped relief belt, followed by circular stripes. Similar Kvevris can be found on the
monuments of Ajara, as well as imports and locally made samples.
The cellar discovered in the village of Sindieti can be pre-dated to XII-XVI centuries.
It belongs to the terrace-type complex on the slope, for the reinforcement of which a stone
formation and dense rock are used. In addition to the Kvevris, the winepress and tandoor are also
a part of the cellar. We will continue to study them in the future as well.