Early evidence of body perforation found in Turkey!

In a groundbreaking discovery shedding light on ancient human adornment practices, archaeologists have uncovered a treasure trove of stone personal ornaments dating back 11,000 years. These remarkable findings, unveiled at the early Neolithic site of Boncuklu Tarla in Turkey, offer a fascinating glimpse into the rituals and cultural significance surrounding body piercing in South-west Asia.

Photo Credit: Antiquity

The revelation comes from a recent study published in the prestigious journal Antiquity, which details the unearthing of over 100 earring-like ornaments from adult burials at the site. These ornaments, meticulously crafted from materials such as limestone, obsidian, and river pebbles, were found positioned next to the ears and chins of the skeletal remains.

What makes this discovery particularly intriguing is the indication that these ornaments were not merely decorative but served a deeper cultural and ritualistic purpose. Through careful analysis of wear patterns on the skeletal remains, researchers have inferred that these ornaments were likely used for body perforation, specifically in ear and lower lip piercings known as labrets.

Remarkably, the study reveals that these piercings were exclusively worn by adults, suggesting a significant social and ceremonial role. Unlike child burials, which showed no evidence of such ornaments, the presence of piercings among adults hints at their symbolic importance, possibly marking a rite of passage into adulthood.

Photo Credit: Antiquity

Dr. Baysal, Associate Professor at Ankara University, emphasizes the profound implications of these findings, highlighting the continuity of ancient traditions in contemporary society. "It shows that traditions that are still very much part of our lives today were already developed at the important transitional time when people first started to settle in permanent villages in western Asia more than 10,000 years ago," Dr. Baysal notes.

Furthermore, these discoveries underscore the intricate ornamentation practices of ancient societies, which extended beyond mere aesthetics to encompass a rich symbolic language expressed through the human body. From beads to bracelets and now intricate piercings, these artifacts speak volumes about the cultural sophistication of our ancestors.