Exceptional artifacts include polished copper nugget and 351 decorated specimens. 351 decorated specimens representing humans and animals found Monumental elongated building 10m long and 5m wide with three divisions Communal structure or shrine located next to four animal and 24 human graves
Tell Qaramel yielded extraordinary finds: 351 decorated specimens depicting humans and animals, plus a polished copper nugget (52x40x26mm) — one of the earliest metal objects ever found! Malachite at the site suggests local copper sources. A communal shrine building was found next to animal and human graves, containing limestone figurines, a stone carving of Oruro Buchananii, and a lunar-shaped bone pendant. Two human figurines closely resemble examples from Jericho, Jerf el-Ahmar, and other famous sites.
Key Facts
- 351 decorated specimens representing humans and animals found
- Monumental elongated building 10m long and 5m wide with three divisions
- Communal structure or shrine located next to four animal and 24 human graves
- Foundation deposits include flint axe and complete female limestone figurine
- Circular building contains large stone stylization of Oruro Buchananii
- Four real Oruro Buchananii found in round pit with pebbles
- Lunar-shaped bone pendant with hole and parallel incisions discovered
- Most decorative objects made from chlorite pebbles
- Two limestone human figurines similar to Jericho, Morabet Nali, and Jerf El-Ahmar
- Zoomorphic figurines include snakes, catfish, bird heads, and gazelle
- Polished copper nugget 52x40x26mm found in H2
- Copper nugget is one of earliest metal finds at any archaeological site
- Malachite (copper carbonate) found at site indicating local copper source
Related site: Tell Qaramel — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: 12,890-Years-Old! YOUNGER DRYAS Settlement of Tell Qaramel | Ancient Architects by Ancient Architects