A microbotanical and microwear perspective to plant processing activities and foodways at Neolithic Çatalhöyük

PLoS One. 2021 Jun 10;16(6):e0252312. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252312. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Çatalhöyük is a renowned archaeological site in central Anatolia, best known for its Neolithic occupation dated from 7100 to 6000 cal BC. The site received worldwide attention early on for its large size, well-preserved mudbrick architecture, and elaborate wall paintings. Excavations at the site over almost three decades have unearthed rich archaeobotanical remains and a diverse ground stone assemblage produced by what once was a vibrant farming community. The study presented here adds to our understanding of crops and plant processing at Çatalhöyük by integrating phytoliths and starch analyses on grinding implements found at three domestic contexts attributed to the Middle (6700-6500 cal BC) and Late (6500-6300 cal BC) period of occupation. Our results reveal a rich microbotanical assemblage that testifies the use of a wide range of geophytes and wild seasonal resources previously unknown at the site. Moreover, by comparing results from the microbotanical proxies and microscopic wear patterns on artefacts, we are also able to discern various plant processing practices the analysed artefacts were employed for. In sum, this work further expands our understanding of plants and crop processing activities performed by the inhabitants of Neolithic Çatalhöyük.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture / history
  • Archaeology*
  • Crops, Agricultural / history
  • History, Ancient
  • Humans
  • Plants
  • Starch
  • Turkey

Substances

  • Starch

Grants and funding

This work was funded by the following: The Çatalhöyük Research Project (http://www.catalhoyuk.com/); CaSEs – Quality Research Group of the Catalonian Government SGR-212 (https://www.upf.edu/web/cases); Raindrops ERC starting grant (Grant agreement ID: 759800) CL, MM; Ph.D. Scholarship (PIPF-UPF-PhD), Department of Humanities Universitat Pompeu Fabra (https://www.upf.edu/web/humanitats/) CG.S-M; CRAFTS Marie-Curie Intra-European Research Fellowship (Grant agreement no. PIEF-GA-2012-328862) CT.