ABSTRACT
This chapter describes one of the most remarkable discoveries made at Gonur Depe, the main Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) center in Turkmenistan; namely, mosaic compositions. They were used as wall decoration, or on different large boxes, as well as on game boards. The motifs are either geometrical or figurative, the latter consisting of compositions with griffins, snakes, animals, and humans. The Gonur mosaics differ from earlier known examples because they combine two techniques – painting and inlays – and also because the inlays are made of a specific artificial mineral preparation. This chapter discusses and compares the manufacturing processes and the composition theme with other sites.
