Ancient City Reveals Vibrant Funerary Practices
In the heart of Central Anatolia, Turkey, lies Çatalhöyük, often hailed as the world’s oldest city. This 13-hectare Neolithic settlement, dating back 9,000 years, has long fascinated archaeologists with its densely packed mudbrick buildings and intriguing burial practices. Now, new research has shed light on the colorful and complex funerary rituals of its ancient inhabitants.
A Palette of the Past
Recent studies, including work by an international team with participation from the University of Bern, have uncovered a fascinating link between colorants and symbolic activities in Çatalhöyük. The research, published in Scientific Reports, reveals that:
- Red ochre was the most commonly used pigment, found on adults of both sexes and children
- Cinnabar was associated with male burials
- Blue/green pigments were linked to female interments
The Dance of Life, Death, and Art
Perhaps the most intriguing discovery is the connection between burials and the application of colorants in living spaces. Dr. Marco Milella from the University of Bern explains, “When they buried someone, they also painted on the walls of the house.” This practice suggests a deep intertwining of life, death, and artistic expression in Neolithic Çatalhöyük.
Bones That Speak
The research also unveiled a practice of skeletal circulation. Some individuals’ remains were exhumed, kept within the community for a time, and then reburied. These secondary burials were often accompanied by new layers of wall paintings, further emphasizing the link between the dead and the decoration of living spaces.
Mysteries That Endure
While these findings offer unprecedented insights into Neolithic funerary practices, they also raise new questions. The criteria for selecting individuals for colored burial or skeletal circulation remain elusive, adding another layer of mystery to this ancient society.
As we continue to unravel the secrets of Çatalhöyük, one thing becomes clear: visual expression, ritual performance, and symbolic practices were deeply ingrained in the fabric of this 9,000-year-old community, painting a vivid picture of life and death in one of humanity’s earliest cities.
