Ankara — Archaeologists in Türkiye have uncovered remarkable stone animal figurines believed to date back thousands of years, shedding light on the roots of prehistoric storytelling traditions in Anatolia.The figurines, carved with notable detail, were discovered during excavations at an ancient settlement site. Experts suggest they were not merely decorative objects but served as symbolic tools in rituals, oral traditions, and early forms of storytelling among prehistoric communities.According to the research team, the depictions of animals — including wild cattle, deer, and predators — reflect the strong relationship between humans and nature in that era. The artifacts are thought to have been used to convey myths, hunting experiences, and moral lessons, functioning as a primitive “language of symbols” long before the advent of written records.Dr. Mehmet Özkan, one of the lead archaeologists, noted: “These figurines provide a unique window into how prehistoric societies shared knowledge and culture. Storytelling through objects like these may have been central to community bonding and survival strategies.”Scholars emphasize that such discoveries highlight Anatolia’s importance as a cradle of civilization, where art, communication, and collective memory first began to take shape.
