The only known location: Researchers have found a center for producing obsidian mirrors in Anatolia (photo).

Recently, researchers examined the production and use of obsidian mirrors at Tepechik-Çiftlik, an archaeological site in Anatolia, Turkey. These mirrors, crafted from volcanic glass, are rare artifacts associated more with symbolic and ceremonial roles than practical uses, writes Arkeonews.

The study revealed that obsidian mirrors are extremely scarce: only 56 known samples have been found across six sites in Central Anatolia and one in the Levant.

These mirrors were likely symbols of status or ceremonial items rather than functional tools. Their discovery in burial and ritual contexts suggests a deeper symbolic significance, possibly linked to spiritual beliefs or social hierarchy.

Tepechik-Çiftlik, inhabited from the Neolithic to the early Chalcolithic period (approximately 7000 to 6000 BC) and located on the Melendiz plain in Cappadocia, played a key role in the production of these mirrors.

Excavations uncovered not only finished mirrors but also blanks at various stages of production, allowing researchers to reconstruct the manufacturing process. This makes Tepechik-Çiftlik the only site where local production of obsidian mirrors has been reliably documented, while other locations likely imported finished products.

The production process was intricate and involved at least eight distinct stages. It began with selecting a piece of obsidian with a flat surface and semi-circular shape. The edges were then shaped, and the surface polished using increasingly finer abrasives, particularly sand or ash mixed with water, fat, and skin. Some mirrors were further polished with soft fabrics to enhance their shine.

The discovery of mirrors in various contexts indicates their multifunctional role. For instance, in Çatalhöyük, mirrors were found alongside vibrant pigments in graves, suggesting their use in rituals related to death and the afterlife.

Some researchers propose that these mirrors were not only decorative but could also serve as signaling devices or tools for redirecting light. However, the prevailing view is that they were status symbols, reserved for elite individuals due to their intricate production and limited distribution.

The movement of these mirrors between regions also indicates the existence of early trade networks. Most mirrors found in Anatolia were likely made in Tepechik-Çiftlik and transported to settlements like Çatalhöyük and Akarçay Tepe, as evidenced by the absence of mirror blanks at these sites.

In contrast, mirrors found in Domuztepe and Tel Kabri, far from natural sources of obsidian, testify to long-distance trade, demonstrating the value of these items in ancient societies.

To study the mirrors, researchers employed advanced technological analysis, examining impact traces and wear patterns to understand production techniques and potential functions. Stereoscopic and metallographic microscopes with magnifications ranging from 10x to 500x were used to identify traces of production and use.

The study provides important insights into the technological knowledge and cultural practices of ancient Anatolian societies. These findings highlight the significance of interdisciplinary approaches in archaeology and open new avenues for the exploration of ancient societies.

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