Bird Symbolism in The Pre-Pottery Neolithic in Upper Euphrates and Anatolia

Abstract

The oldest Neolithic societies in upper Euphrates and Anatolia witnessed an increase in the representation of symbols, especially with their social and economic development, the emergence of monumental architecture, and diverse ritual practices. Ancient man represented most of the animals surrounding him in his environment, especially birds, which had an important symbolic status for him, as they impressed him while flying in the sky and in their ability to pass between land, water, and air. People often saw them as spirits or messengers to and from the spiritual world. Their representations were found in all PPN sites, either like a skeletal remains in which he focused on wings, or in the form of engraved or drawn artistic materials, which confirm that he focused in his representations on birds of prey (eagles), owls, and water birds (cranes). By studying this archaeological evidence, this article will answer questions about the symbolism of birds in the pre-pottery Neolithic what is their ritual status?