Plant Food Processing Tools at Early Neolithic Goebekli Tepe

The book Plant Food Processing Tools at Early Neolithic Göbekli Tepe reconstructs plant food processing at this key Pre-Pottery Neolithic site, with an emphasis on cereals, legumes, and herbs as food sources, on grinding and pounding tools, and on stone containers through use-wear and residue analyses. The corpus amounts to more than 7000 objects, and the spectrum of tools and processed plants is broad, with porridges and beers predominating over bread-like food. Cooking took place around the monumental buildings, and feasting was also likely.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 23 December 2021
Publisher: Archaeopress

The excavation of Early Neolithic Göbekli Tepe, a pivotal Pre-Pottery Neolithic site (9600-8000 BC), provides valuable insights into plant food processing during this ancient era. The study focuses on cereals, legumes, and herbs as primary food sources, examining the tools used for grinding and pounding these ingredients, as well as the vessels associated with meal consumption. Through comprehensive functional investigations and use-wear and residue analyses, the book delves into the intricate processes of grinding and pounding, shedding light on the techniques employed by the Neolithic inhabitants.

The extensive collection of over 7000 objects, representing the largest published collection from the Neolithic of Upper Mesopotamia, provides a comprehensive view of the tools and processed plants utilized during this time. The spectrum of tools encompasses a wide range, from simple handstones to specialized mortars and pestles. However, it is noteworthy that porridges composed of cereals, legumes, and herbs, as well as beers, predominate in the food repertoire. The find contexts reveal that cooking took place around the prominent monumental buildings, while the abundance of tools suggests that feasting was also part of the daily culinary practices.

This excavation not only contributes to our understanding of plant food processing in the Neolithic but also provides valuable insights into the social and cultural aspects of this ancient civilization. The meticulous attention to detail and the use of advanced scientific techniques showcase the remarkable achievements of early human societies in utilizing and adapting natural resources to sustain their lives.

Weight: 870g
Dimension: 205 x 290 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803270920