Bronze Age idols found in western Anatolia

"The idols are made of diverse materials, including marble, bone and terracotta, and shed new light on the religion of Bronze Age Anatolia and on sculpture production techniques. The team unearthed seven of the idols, all made of clay crafted in roughly anthropomorphic shape, laid side by side around a hearth in the center of a building. Archaeologists hypothesize that their deliberate placement"

"and human shapes may reference social relationships and religious practices centered around the fire of the hearth, which in addition to providing food and warmth to the household, was also used for offerings and ritual ceremonies. Alongside the idols, excavators also uncovered unfinished ceramic vessels, shedding light on Bronze Age production methods. These artifacts demonstrate how raw clay was shaped and fired, linking household spirituality with economic life."

Small ritual figures dating to 4,500 years ago were discovered at Tavsanl Mound in western Anatolia. Idols at the site include materials such as marble, bone, terracotta, and clay. Seven clay anthropomorphic idols were found laid side by side around a hearth in the center of a building. The placement and human forms point to social relationships and hearth-centered religious practices, with the hearth used for food, warmth, offerings and ceremonies. Excavators also recovered unfinished ceramic vessels that reveal how raw clay was shaped and fired. The coexistence of ritual objects and workshop materials indicates the site functioned as a settlement, production center, and religious hub. Excavations continue, aiming to reveal urban layout and regional connections.

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