Archaeologists in Turkey have unearthed a unique collection of 4,500-year-old human-shaped idols. The discovery was made at the ancient settlement of Tavşanlı-Höyük in Kütahya province, one of the largest Bronze Age centers, as reported by Arkeonews, citing the country’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Seven idols—made of marble, bone, and terracotta—were found arranged around an ancient hearth. According to the researchers, their placement suggests they were used in religious rituals. The idols may have symbolized ancestors, spirits, or deities associated with fire. In ancient societies, the hearth represented warmth, food, and protection, and it was often the center of ceremonies.
Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, stated that the find “provides unique clues about the religious rituals, cultural life, and economic activities of Bronze Age Anatolia.”
In addition to the idols, archaeologists also discovered unfinished ceramic vessels, which shed light on the craft traditions of the period. Work at Tavşanlı-Höyük will continue until December, and experts hope for new discoveries that will help them gain a deeper understanding of early urbanization and beliefs in Anatolia.
