Face-less 8,000-Year-Old Figurines Found in Cave Sheds Light on Early Human Culture

A fascinating archaeological discovery in Azerbaijan is shedding light on the evolution of ancient cultures. A sandstone figurine, found in the Damjili Cave, dates back to between 6,400 and 6,100 B.C. The artifact, now considered the oldest known human figurine from the Mesolithic period, was uncovered by researcher Ulviyya Safarova and her team. The discovery, detailed in the Archaeological Research in Asia journal, raises more questions than answers about the beliefs and artistic practices of the early societies in the South Caucasus.

A Mysterious and Unique Artifact

This small sandstone figurine depicts a human form, but notably lacks facial features, making it a highly unusual find. The figure is finely detailed, with a distinct hairstyle and a belt. The absence of a face and the inability to determine its gender suggest that the artifact could have had a symbolic or ritualistic purpose. The figurine was found buried beneath layers of ash and soil, which likely preserved it for millennia. While some red pigmentation was visible on the surface, further testing has failed to confirm whether it was painted.

The team used advanced scientific techniques, including computed tomography analysis, X-ray fluorescence, and scanning electron microscope analysis, to study the figurine. These tests revealed several stylistic differences between the figurine and others from the Neolithic period in the region, suggesting that this object could represent a distinct cultural phase during a period of significant transition.

Understanding the Transition from Mesolithic to Neolithic

This ancient figurine is more than just an artistic artifact; it provides critical insight into the cultural shift from the Mesolithic to the Neolithic era. The detailed representations of the hair and clothing, which stand apart from the Neolithic style, point to a divergence in artistic expression. Researchers believe that this divergence is indicative of the ideological and cultural transformations that occurred as communities evolved from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to more settled, agricultural ways of living.

According to the researchers, the Neolithization of the South Caucasus—meaning the transition from Mesolithic to Neolithic lifestyles—did not happen suddenly but occurred gradually over several stages. This gradual transformation was influenced by exchanges and migrations from the Fertile Crescent, a region known for its early developments in agriculture and pottery. While pottery began to spread across the Fertile Crescent in the 7th millennium B.C., the communities in Damjili Cave continued to live in an aceramic (pottery-free) lifestyle well into the early stages of the Neolithic.

Cultural and Symbolic Importance of the Figurine

Given that no similar human figurines have been found in the region, the Damjili figurine might have held a deeper symbolic or ritualistic significance. The figurine’s position and the clear representation of its hairstyle suggest that it might have been used in religious ceremonies or as a representation of a deity, ancestor, or cultural hero. Its lack of facial features could imply an abstraction, symbolizing a more universal or collective identity rather than an individual.

Insights into the Neolithic Transition

The Damjili Cave offers researchers a rare opportunity to study the early stages of the Neolithic period in the South Caucasus. Stratified excavation reveals that the cave was continuously used from the late Mesolithic to the early Neolithic, providing a critical lens into the cultural transformation that took place. Despite the introduction of pottery in the Fertile Crescent, the inhabitants of the cave resisted this trend, highlighting how indigenous practices intertwined with external influences in shaping their culture.

The research team points out that while the Fertile Crescent’s influence was a factor in the Neolithic transition, the indigenous people of the South Caucasus also played a pivotal role in adapting and integrating new technologies and cultural practices over time.

Unveiling a Complex Cultural Landscape

This discovery underscores the complexity of cultural evolution during the transition from the Mesolithic to the Neolithic. The absence of facial features and the distinct artistic choices made in the creation of this figurine offer researchers a unique glimpse into the ideology of the time. While many questions remain about the specific meaning of the figurine, it is clear that this artifact, along with others found in the Damjili Cave, offers valuable insights into how early human societies evolved and adapted through various stages of cultural change.

The discovery of the 8,000-year-old figurine provides a compelling look at a society that existed long before written history. By analyzing objects like this, archaeologists continue to piece together the story of human civilization and its journey toward the complexities of modern society.