Figurine Distribution at Çatalhöyük

By examining the distribution and density of figurines at Çatalhöyük, we hope to be able to observe the changing patterns of figurine distribution throughout time and also to hopefully pinpoint physical locations on the site where figurines are concentrated in order to discern the potential relevance of these locations to Çatalhöyük's inhabitants. By associating Çatalhöyük's figurines with one another in specific spaces, we are able to add a larger physical dimension to how these artefacts are conceptualized and begin to relate them to the architecture and layout of the site as a whole.

Of the areas that have been excavated at Çatalhöyük, we have directed our attention to the buildings and the middens in which figurines have been found. Soon to follow hopefully will be spaces between buildings, but for the time being we are dealing only with these two clearly-defined categories. Currently, the charts shown here do not indicate any change in figurine distribution according to the levels in each space, but rather show the accumulated volume and artefact density throughout the lifespan of the space.

All charts and diagrams shown here were produced by Rachel King (rsking@stanford.edu) from the Çatalhöyük Excavation Database.

Building Volume

Midden Volume

* Of the units labeled as being in middens, several were not assigned space numbers and as such cannot be associated with one particular midden:

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Building_Volume.jpg	65.83 KB
Midden_Volume.jpg	32.8 KB
Units_Without_Spaces.jpg	35.67 KB