An unprecedented composite sculpture, dating back approximately 11,000 years, has been brought to light at Karahantepe in Şanlıurfa, considered one of the most significant centers of the Neolithic period. This extraordinary discovery, announced by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, depicts a human figure seated on the back of a leopard. The find has generated immense excitement within the scientific community due to its potential to redefine the belief systems, artistic understanding, and human-animal relationships of the Neolithic era.
The sculpture, standing approximately 70 centimeters tall, was discovered within a special structure measuring 3 meters in diameter, with its floor paved with flat stones. The artwork was found to be placed on a stone bench extending along the structure's wall. Archaeologists consider it an extraordinary stroke of luck that the sculpture has been preserved in its original state from approximately 11,000 years ago.
The Mysterious Figure on the Leopard's Back
Karahantepe has become one of the most important archaeological focal points in human history in recent years [4]. Excavations at the site previously yielded a T-shaped obelisk with the first-ever depiction of a human face, a discovery that garnered significant attention [3]. Findings from the region show direct parallels with the monumental temples and figurative artworks at the neighboring site of Göbeklitepe, providing evidence that Neolithic communities shared a common symbolic language [5].
This latest discovery of a composite sculpture once again highlights the profound surprises held within the ongoing work of the Taş Tepeler project. Experts indicate that detailed examinations of the sculpture will open the door to entirely new questions about the mental world and rituals of Neolithic people. For additional context and further reading that strengthens this understanding, see [1] [2].