Investigating the function of Pre-Pottery Neolithic stone troughs from Göbekli Tepe – An integrated approach. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dietrich, Laura; Götting-Martin, Eva; Hertzog, Jasmine; Schmitt-Kopplin, Philippe; McGovern, Patrick E.; Hall, Gretchen R.; Petersen, W. Christian; Zarnkow, Martin; Hutzler, Mathias; Jacob, Fritz; Ullman, Christina; Notroff, Jens; Ulbrich, Marco; Flöter, Eckhard; Heeb, Julia; Meister, Julia; Dietrich, Oliver
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 34:Part A(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Neolithic -- Near East -- Experimental archaeology -- Stone vessels -- Residue analysis -- Use-wear; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Research -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2020.102618
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-409X

Abstract

Highlights: More than 600 stone vessels were found at Early Neolithic Göbekli Tepe. A group of large troughs of up to 165 l volume stands out. Combined contextual, use-wear, scientific and experimental methods were used to analyze their functions. Results hint at a function as cooking pots for cereal porridges. Abstract: An integrated approach using contextual, use-wear, scientific and experimental methods was used to analyze the role of stone troughs of up to 165 l capacity at the Early Neolithic site Göbekli Tepe in the context of other stone containers found there. Around 600 (mostly fragmentary) vessels from the site constitute the largest known assemblage from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic of the Near East. Besides the large limestone troughs, it encompasses middle-sized, coarsely made limestone vessels, finely executed platters and 'greenstone' vessels. All lines of evidence taken together indicate the use of limestone troughs for the cooking of cereals.