A number of small ritual figures dating back 4,500 years have been discovered at the Tavşanlı Mound in western Anatolia. The idols are made of diverse materials, including marble, bone and terracotta, and shed new light on the religion of Bronze Age Anatolia and on sculpture production techniques.
The team unearthed seven of the idols, all made of clay crafted in roughly anthropomorphic shape, laid side by side around a hearth in the center of a building. Archaeologists hypothesize that their deliberate placement and human shapes may reference social relationships and religious practices centered around the fire of the hearth, which in addition to providing food and warmth to the household, was also used for offerings and ritual ceremonies.
Alongside the idols, excavators also uncovered unfinished ceramic vessels, shedding light on Bronze Age production methods. These artifacts demonstrate how raw clay was shaped and fired, linking household spirituality with economic life.
The dual presence of ritual objects and workshop materials indicates that Tavşanlı Höyük functioned not only as a settlement but also as a religious and cultural hub with skilled production.
Excavations at the site are ongoing and are expected to continue into December. Archaeologists hope to find material remains of the settlement that will clarify the urban layout and evidence of connections to other communities in the region.
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