Magic Figurines? Some Remarks About the Clay Objects of Nevalı Çori

Abstract: The excavations of Nevali Cori in the Taurus foothills in Southeast Turkey have revealed a large PPNB site with remarkable architecture and monumental carved sculptures. In addition, 1289 clay objects were found. The large number of objects and the extended excavations allow a very detailed analysis including typology, statistics, context and technological aspects. As a result, there are several possibilities to interpret the use of the figurines. Whether they were toys, narrative or magic figurines embedded in a complex religious system cannot be said with absolute certainty, but it is very doubtful that they are goddesses.