A lead figurine from Toprakhisar Höyük: magico-ritual objects in the Syro-Anatolian Middle Bronze Age. (13th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Akar, Murat; Kara, Demet
• Is Part Of: Anatolian studies. Volume 72(2022)
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 36
• Publication Date: 2022-07-13
• Subjects: Excavations (Archaeology) -- Turkey -- Periodicals; Turkey -- Antiquities -- Periodicals; 956.1
• DOI: 10.1017/S0066154622000023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0066-1546

Abstract

Abstract: This article examines supra-regional trends in magico-ritual objects through a mould-made lead figurine in the form of a foundation peg found in a disturbed Early Bronze IVB to Middle Bronze I transitional deposit at Toprakhisar Höyük (Altınözü, Hatay). The stylised object is interpreted as a bull standing atop a peg, pointing to the adoption of hybrid Syro-Anatolian and Mesopotamian technological, iconographic and apotropaic values. It is suggested the object is ritual paraphernalia, likely in relation to the cult of the Storm God, used in a foundation ritual. Together with this peculiar metal product, the presence of other magico-ritual objects that point to northern Mesopotamian connections at the small hinterland site of Toprakhisar Höyük, on the outskirts of the Amuq valley, is considered to be a possible material reflection of new groups in the region, including Hurrians and Amorites, which contributed to the unity and regionality of the cults and rituals of Syro-Anatolian communities of the Middle Bronze Age.