Life-Size Human Statue Found at Göbeklitepe

GÖBEKLITEPE, TURKEY—Dating back more than 12,000 years, the Neolithic site of Göbeklitepe is considered the world’s oldest monumental religious sanctuary. It is famous for its enigmatic enclosures featuring T-shaped pillars, some of which are carved with anthropomorphic images of animals. However, Türkiye Today reports that archaeologists have now uncovered a life-size human statue at the site. While similar artworks have been found at the contemporary site of Karahantepe, this is the first of its kind to have been recovered at Göbeklitepe. The statue was discovered during a recent restoration project that combines both preservation and excavation. Experts believe that the sculpture was positioned horizontally and deliberately embedded in the base of a wall between two buildings known as Structure B and D. Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said that the object was likely left as a votive offering, one of the few direct examples of a ritual gift being incorporated into the sacred architecture of the site. “This new find from Göbeklitepe will shed light on the rituals and belief systems of the Neolithic era,” he said. For more, go to "Last Stand of the Hunter-Gatherers?"

Sign up for our monthly e-Update which includes highlights of the current issue, links to special collections from the magazine’s archive, and opportunities available only for subscribers.