Study Reveals Mysterious Shaman Buried With Wild Animals, Research Finds: ScienceAlert

Archaeologists in southeast Türkiye have made a fascinating discovery at the ancient burial site of a female ’shaman‘. The remains of this early Neolithic woman were found at the Çemka Höyük settlement, which dates back approximately 12,000 years. What makes this grave particularly intriguing is the assortment of animal bones buried alongside her.

The woman’s grave is a unique menagerie of local fauna, including a partridge, a weasel-like mammal, a sheep or goat, a dog-like carnivore, and an extinct species of cattle known as an aurochs. The presence of these wild animals suggests a deep connection between the woman and the natural world around her.

One striking feature of the burial is the placement of an aurochs skull atop the woman’s chest. The aurochs, believed to be the wild ancestors of modern cows, were not domesticated in this region at the time of burial. This arrangement of animal bones hints at a symbolic or ritualistic significance, possibly indicating the woman’s special relationship with the animal kingdom.

The researchers from Mardin Artuklu University and Bitlis Eren University in Türkiye propose that the woman buried at Çemka Höyük may have been a revered figure within her community. The inclusion of various animal remains in her grave suggests a belief in animism and shamanism, where animals were seen as spiritual beings with symbolic meanings.

Similar discoveries in other parts of the Middle East have been interpreted as evidence of shamanic practices. In Israel, a 12,000-year-old female skeleton was found buried with a variety of animals, leading researchers to suspect she, too, was a shaman. These findings shed light on the spiritual beliefs and practices of ancient societies in the region.

The presence of butchered aurochs bones in the woman’s grave raises questions about the purpose of these animal remains. While they may have been part of a funerary feast, the specific selection of bones for spiritual purposes is intriguing. The team of archaeologists suggests that each animal bone may have held symbolic significance, representing different aspects of the natural world.

Despite the various interpretations of the grave, one thing is clear – the woman buried at Çemka Höyük was a significant figure in her community. Whether she was a shaman, a spiritual leader, or simply a respected member of society, her burial reflects a deep connection to the animal world and the spiritual beliefs of her time.

The discovery of this ancient burial site offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and spiritual practices of early Neolithic societies in Türkiye. As archaeologists continue to uncover more clues about this mysterious woman and her connection to the animal kingdom, we are reminded of the enduring power of ancient beliefs and rituals.