Mice, scats and burials: Unusual concentrations of microfauna found in human burials at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, Central Anatolia

Archaeological research at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük reveals that human burials contained unusually high concentrations of microfauna, including small mammal bones and scats from carnivores. Taphonomic analysis confirmed these elements passed through the digestive tracts of small predators, suggesting deliberate placement by ancient inhabitants as part of ritualistic practices. One burial (F. 513) exhibited an exceptional concentration of microfauna over the torso, further supporting this interpretation. The study proposes that small carnivores were intentionally encouraged to inhabit Çatalhöyük to control house mouse populations, indicating a sophisticated relationship between humans and wildlife in Neolithic societies.

Jenkins, E. (2012). Mice, scats and burials: Unusual concentrations of microfauna found in human burials at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, Central Anatolia. Journal of Social Archaeology, 12(3), 380–403. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469605312455765