The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism released a statement on Tuesday that Archaeologists had uncovered a unique complete female figurine.
The discovery represents a significant find, even from the Neolithic (new stone age) site of Çatalhöyük, which has been produced numerous artifacts offering insight into early human civilisation.
It is likely that the marmoreal stone figurine – which is 17 cm tall – was used for some form of ritual.
Press in Turkey reveal our latest discovery of a large Neolithic figurine excavated this summer. https://t.co/neyyFzrhvk
— Çatalhöyük (@catalhoyuk_arch) September 13, 2016
According to the Çatalhöyük Research project website:
Today all that is visible on the surface of Çatalhöyük is two mounds: the smaller and more recent to the west of the site and the larger and more ancient to the east. However, scratch beneath the surface and the remnants of one of the most complicated societies of its time are revealed! A team of experts from around the world are currently working together to understand the lives of the people who lived here.
The site is situated in central Anatolia.