Phytoliths and Basketry Materials at Çatalhöyük (Turkey): Timelines of growth, harvest and objects life histories

A groundbreaking analysis of phytoliths and clay impressions from Çatalhöyük reveals definitive evidence of basketry production during the Neolithic period. The study demonstrates that basketry was a significant craft at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering insights into the technological sophistication and material culture of its inhabitants. By integrating phytolith analysis with the examination of basketry fragments, researchers reconstructed timelines for plant growth, harvest, and the lifespan of basketry objects, providing a rare glimpse into ancient human resource management and artifact lifecycle.

Wendrich, W., & Ryan, P. (2012). Phytoliths and Basketry Materials at Çatalhöyük (Turkey): Timelines of growth, harvest and objects life histories. Paléorient, 38(1), 55–63. https://doi.org/10.3406/paleo.2012.5458