Oval Points and Cattle-Hunting Practices in Central Anatolia during the 8th Millennium BC

Abstract

The 8th millennium BC in Central Anatolia, so far as is known, is represented by few sites. An evaluation of the present data asserts that the oval-shaped points are a characteristic element of this period, while cattle bones are also abundant. Musular is a special activity site related to pre- and post-hunting activities there were accompanied by certain rituals. The site gives reliable contextualized information about the activities and rituals related to cattle hunting. Ethnographic studies have shown that large game hunting carries a certain importance for contemporary, traditional hunter gatherer communities. This article aims to give a general overview of oval-shaped points from 8th millennium BC sites in Central Anatolia in the context of cattle hunting. Their technological, typological, and contextual analyses are evaluated as well as their possible social implications, inspired by the theoretical depth that ethnographic studies can provide.