Is there religion at Çatalhöyük…or are there just houses?

A critical examination of interpreting religious significance at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük reveals the risks of attributing modern meanings to ancient artifacts. The study highlights how social anthropologists, despite their theoretical expertise, may inadvertently repeat historical interpretative errors if they lack deep archaeological knowledge. Bloch argues that while archaeologists possess superior contextual and technical expertise, anthropologists can contribute unique insights—such as alternative theoretical frameworks and ethnographic comparisons—if they rigorously self-critique to avoid misleading attributions. By drawing on Madagascan cultural parallels, the research underscores the need for disciplined, interdisciplinary collaboration to prevent anachronistic interpretations of prehistoric sites.

Bloch, M. (2010). Is there religion at Çatalhöyük…or are there just houses? Religion in the Emergence of Civilization, 146–162. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511761416.006