Newly discovered human-tooth jewelry raises questions in Çatalhöyük

Archeologists working in Çatalhöyük, Turkey, discovered jewelry made of human teeth. The find—made public in November 2019—has raised questions about the beliefs of these Neolithic people. Çatalhöyük, was a popular city center between 7,100 and 5,500 BCE. Archeologists have been digging at the site since the 1960s. This discovery marks the first time human-teeth pendants have been found in the Near East. Scientists believe the teeth came from adults. They were probably extracted after the individual died. Wearing them could symbolize the importance of the deceased person, or it could be part of a burial ceremony.