Shamanism at Early Neolithic Göbekli Tepe, southeastern Turkey. Methodological contributions to an archaeology of belief

A new methodological framework for identifying shamanism in the archaeological record emerges from Göbekli Tepe, one of the most studied Early Neolithic sites (9600–7000 BCE) in southeastern Turkey. The study challenges the use of a universal 'one-size-fits-all' approach to interpreting early belief systems by analyzing iconographical evidence with cultural context. It argues for a more nuanced understanding of shamanism, avoiding oversimplified explanations while acknowledging its potential presence in Early Neolithic societies. The research contributes to broader debates on the archaeology of belief, emphasizing the need for rigorous contextual analysis when applying anthropological concepts like shamanism to ancient sites.

Dietrich, O. (2023). Shamanism at Early Neolithic Göbekli Tepe, southeastern Turkey. Methodological contributions to an archaeology of belief. Praehistorische Zeitschrift, 99(1), 9–56. https://doi.org/10.1515/pz-2023-2033