Metal fishing hjook from the seaside of southwestern Georgia

Abstract

The paper deals with fishery-related artefacts found in the coastal zone of
southwestern Georgia. In particular, the fishing lead sinkers of copper, bronze and iron found in
the Hellenis-tic era cemetery of Kobuleti-Phichvnari, in the inner fortress of Petra-Tsikhisdziri
and in the vicinity of the fortress are discussed. The earliest traces of Bobokvati are found in the
dune sites of bronze, which date back to VIII-VII centuries BC. The largest numbers are found
in the Hell-e¬n¬istic cemetery of Phichvnari, where they were buried with the lead sinkers
of fishing nets bur-ied in the grave. Phichvnari bronze fishing hooks are dated back to IV-III
BC. The fishing hooks found in Tsikhisdziri are made of iron and bronze. We can date Petra-
Tsikhisdziri fishing hooks to VI A.D.