Modified human crania from Göbekli Tepe provide evidence for a new form of Neolithic skull cult

Archaeological evidence from Göbekli Tepe, dating back approximately 11,000 years, reveals a previously undocumented form of Neolithic skull cult. Carved and drilled human crania fragments, discovered at the ritual site, suggest sophisticated practices involving skull modification, distinct from known Neolithic traditions. The study, conducted by Gresky et al., employed detailed analysis of these artifacts to uncover their significance within the broader context of Pre-Pottery Neolithic cultures in southeastern Anatolia. This discovery challenges existing narratives about early human rituals and social structures, hinting at complex symbolic behaviors during a pivotal period in human history.

Gresky, J., Haelm, J., & Clare, L. (2017). Modified human crania from Göbekli Tepe provide evidence for a new form of Neolithic skull cult. Science Advances, 3(6). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1700564