The metallic finds from Çatalhöyük: a review and preliminary new work.

The metallic artifacts from Çatalhöyük are of particular importance as they constitute some of the earliest examples known. Metal finds have been recovered from as early as Level IX (South K), spanning to Level II, with VII and VI (South M-O) being the most productive (Mellaart 1964, 111). Radiocarbon dating of the archaeological sequence at Çatalhöyük suggests an occupation phase from c.7400–6200 cal BC, which was further reined by a programme of AMS radiocarbon dating to the range c.7400–5600 BC (Bronk Ramsey et al. 2009; Cessford 2001; 2005c; Mellaart 1964). The concentration of metallic finds from Levels South M-O has been dated to c.6600–6450 BC. Despite receiving a great deal of attention, very little research has been conducted on these finds (Neuninger et al. 1964; Sperl 1990).
Starting a new approach, three Neolithic copper-based artifacts from recent excavations were selected for further investigation. Before introducing the study of these artifacts, a brief overview will be presented of evidence for early metallurgy in Anatolia in order to contextualize the finds from Çatalhöyük. The finds from Mellaart’s excavations will be reviewed before introducing those resulting from recent excavations. Finally, the preliminary investigation into the three copper-based artifacts will be presented with a discussion of the results.