Multi-dimensional analyses of the plastered skulls from Neolithic Tepecik-Çiftlik, Central Anatolia (Türkiye)

Abstract

Plastered skulls were one of the most prominent phenomena in Southwest Asia during the Neolithic period. These cult objects observed in Anatolia and the Levant are of particular importance since they were produced from the remains of people who lived at that time. Although many studies have so far been conducted in different contexts, multi-model analyses of the samples with the help of advanced technologies are critical for developing new perspectives on the subject. This study combines bioarcheological, paleoradiological, and other archaeometrical methods to analyze seven plastered cranial elements from the archaeological settlement of Tepecik-ciftlik. This research aims to understand the formation process of these ritualistic objects with a focus on how these cult objects were produced. The plastered skulls and crania examined in this study belong to young male and female adults and a child. Results of analyses clearly indicate the important findings revealed by cut marks related to the preparation phase and the presence of restoration phases of the plastering processes. Also, many pigments (e.g., azurite and goethite) were found to have been used as colorants. In sum, the authors argue that the production and retention of such performative objects were generally influenced by various socio-cultural motivations in addition to specific regional resources, craftsmanship, and processes related to long-term use.