An analysis of modified human teeth at Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Turkey. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Haddow, Scott D.; Tsoraki, Christina; Vasić, Milena; Dori, Irene; Knüsel, Christopher J.; Milella, Marco
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 28(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Anatolia -- Near East -- Microwear analysis -- Personal adornment -- Material culture; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Research -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2019.102058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-409X

Abstract

Highlights: Three apparently modified human teeth found at Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Turkey. Multiple analyses confirm intentional modification and usewear in two of three teeth. First documented cases of artificially modified human teeth in prehistoric Near East. Teeth manufactured using same techniques/toolkits used to produce other bead types. Confirmed cases derive from non-burial contexts. Abstract: The use of human teeth for ornamental purposes is archaeologically documented from the European Upper Palaeolithic, and, sporadically, during the subsequent Mesolithic, Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods. To date, no examples of this practice are available for the Near East during this timeframe. This contribution presents three human teeth from Neolithic Çatalhöyük (Central Anatolia, Turkey; 7100–6000 cal BC) that appear to have been modified for use as pendants. Macroscopic, microscopic and radiographic analyses confirm the modification and use of two out of three of these finds. The two confirmed pendants were likely extracted from the skeletonised remains of mature and old adults, carefully drilled, and worn for a variable period of time. The rarity of such artefacts in the prehistoric Near East suggests a profound symbolic meaning for this practice and these objects, and provides new insights into the funerary customs and symbolic importance of the use of human body parts during the Neolithic of the Near East.