Projectile Points, Hunting and Identity at Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Turkey

At the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, stone projectile points were not only tools for hunting but also played a significant role in shaping social identities. Analysis of these artifacts revealed two distinct groups: one used for hunting, showing clear signs of wear and damage, while the other remained pristine and was likely reserved for ceremonial purposes. This distinction suggests that hunting at Çatalhöyük was more than a subsistence activity; it was an arena for symbolic expression and social negotiation. The study, led by Dr. Lilian Dogiama, employed a comprehensive analysis of depositional context, use wear, impact damage, fragmentation, raw material, and techno-morphological characteristics to draw these conclusions.

Dogiama, L. (2023). Projectile Points, Hunting and Identity at Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Turkey. https://doi.org/10.30861/9781407358246