Karahantepe continues to unveil the secrets of Neolithic daily life and its symbolic world. In the 2024 excavation season, a significant discovery was made, distinct from previous findings: a stone slab depicting a running wild donkey.
Unearthing Symbolism in Neolithic Daily Life
In 2024, excavations at Karahantepe focused on the communal buildings and dwellings surrounding the central communal structure. During these excavations, a stone-paved floor was uncovered at the base level of one of the dwellings. The floor featured stones with small depressions used for grinding, along with a phallic-shaped grinding tool. However, the most remarkable find was the stone slab with a running wild donkey figure, discovered right next to the grinding stones.
The wild donkey figure on the slab is approximately 20 centimeters long. Yet, what makes it extraordinary is not its size but the way it is depicted in motion, proportionately crafted to fit the stone surface. This demonstrates the skill and artistic ability of Neolithic craftsmen. Additionally, this is the first time such a figure has been encountered on a building floor at Karahantepe, suggesting the potential for similar finds in the future. Many dwellings have yet to be excavated down to their base levels, and ongoing investigations continue to explore these structures in greater depth. Other areas also hold the promise of significant discoveries as excavations progress.
A New Perspective on Neolithic Art
The running wild donkey figure on the stone slab is the first of its kind found at Karahantepe. This figure provides new clues for understanding animal iconography and the relationship between humans and their environment during the Neolithic era. Prof. Dr. Necmi Karul, the coordinator of the Stone Hills Project and head of the Karahantepe excavations, explains that animal depictions from this period typically fall into two main categories:
- Fierce Wild Animals: Depicted aggressively, with a strong emphasis on their sharp teeth.
- Consumed and Symbolically Charged Animals: Birds, snakes, wild sheep, and wild donkeys, which were both consumed and imbued with cultural significance.
The wild donkey held a prominent place both symbolically and as a source of food. The stone slab's depiction of the animal in motion highlights the period's artistic sensibilities and the cultural importance of animals in Neolithic society. Similar animal figures have been previously discovered on building floors at Göbeklitepe; however, the wild donkey motif is a unique find at Karahantepe, marking a new addition to this artistic tradition.
The Intersection of Symbols and Daily Life
The presence of symbolic elements and standing stones alongside grinding tools in the same space reveals how symbolic practices were integrated into daily living areas. This demonstrates that symbolism in the Neolithic era played a vital role not only in ritual spaces but also in everyday environments.
The Contribution of Karahantepe Discoveries to Neolithic Research
The 2024 Karahantepe excavations are providing new perspectives on Neolithic art, symbolism, and daily life. The running wild donkey figure on the stone slab stands out as a striking find, broadening our understanding of prehistoric rituals and social structures. Similar figures have been seen at Göbeklitepe, but this is the first time a wild donkey has been discovered in this context, indicating the potential for more such discoveries. Finds like this one at Karahantepe continue to piece together the puzzle of the prehistoric world, offering valuable insights into our ancient past.
