Emerging Bees: Identification and Possible Meanings of Insect Figures at Göbekli Tepe

Researchers have identified bee or wasp-like insects depicted on bas-reliefs at Göbekli Tepe, challenging prior assumptions that some of these figures represented spiders. By analyzing arthropod anatomical features, the study found striking similarities between the Göbekli Tepe depictions and those from Körtik Tepe, suggesting a shared symbolic representation linked to early Neolithic beliefs about death and postmortal existence. The findings contribute to understanding the complex 'system of symbols' in Pre-Pottery Neolithic A artworks, where insect figures may hold deeper cultural significance.

Walter, S., & Benecke, N. (2021). Emerging Bees: Identification and Possible Meanings of Insect Figures at Göbekli Tepe. Archaeozoology of Southwest Asia and Adjacent Areas XIII, 233–244. https://doi.org/10.5913/aswaxiii.0130301