Archaeologists in Turkey have discovered tiny carved animals that may represent one of the earliest examples of storytelling. The set, which includes a fox, a vulture, and a wild boar, was unearthed at the Karahantepe archaeological site in southeastern Turkey.
Dating back around 11,500 years, the figurines are believed to be the first known objects arranged deliberately to convey a narrative. Experts say this shows that prehistoric communities used art not only for decoration but also to share common memories and ideas.
Necmi Karul, head of the Karahantepe excavations, explained that carving stories into stone suggests the existence of early artists. “These narratives must have been the social bonds that held this new order together,” he said.
The artefacts were found late last year and are now on display at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. Each figurine, measuring about 3.5 centimeters, was carefully placed in a limestone ring inside a container sealed with a stone lid. This arrangement reflects a planned composition, different from earlier two-dimensional carvings typically found on walls and pillars.
Karahantepe is considered one of the oldest Neolithic settlements, dating back to 9,500 BC. Excavations have revealed communal structures, decorated pillars, and even a human head carved directly into bedrock. The discovery of these tiny carved animals adds a new dimension to understanding how early societies developed narrative traditions.
The site is part of a broader project known as Tas Tepeler, or “Stone Hills,” which also includes the famous Gobeklitepe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While only a small section of Karahantepe has been excavated, findings so far highlight the artistic and cultural sophistication of early settlers.
Karul emphasized that such discoveries challenge modern assumptions about prehistoric life. “Karahantepe shows us how successful people were in art and storytelling 11,000 to 12,000 years ago,” he said. The tiny carved animals are now seen as one of the most important finds from a prehistoric perspective.
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