Discovery at the Ancient City of Hattusa: Ivory decorative piece found

In the 117th year of the excavations, an artifact that could provide information about the art of the Iron Age was unearthed on the northwestern slope of the Great Castle (Büyük Kale) area of the ancient city.

The ivory piece, which is approximately 30 centimeters long and 10 centimeters wide, features a sphinx (a statue with a human head and animal body), a lion, and two tree-of-life figures drawn on a polished surface.

Scientific studies are ongoing regarding the piece, whose figures can be seen under appropriate lighting conditions due to the layer on its surface.

'THOUGHT TO BE A FURNITURE ORNAMENT'

Excavation head Prof. Dr. Andreas Schachner told an AA reporter that the artifact was found in the Iron Age layer of the Hattusa archaeological site, which bears the traces of many civilizations.

Stating that the well-preserved piece is approximately 2,800 years old, Schachner said, "In its own time, it was most likely attached as an ornament to a wooden box or a piece of furniture made of wood. The artifact is broken on the right and left sides, but we have the top and bottom in their original state. Therefore, it is possible for us to estimate that it was longer."

'IT IS POSSIBLE TO SAY THAT THIS WAS A POWER CENTER'

Schachner explained the significance of the piece as follows:

"This artifact is a unique piece for Boğazköy. For the first time, we are encountering an artifact decorated with such an intense, beautifully crafted scene. Very extensive excavations have been carried out in Boğazköy regarding the Iron Age, but an artifact this detailed had not appeared before. Both in terms of the scene and the iconography and style used, we can better reveal Boğazköy's artistic relations during its own period—that is, the first millennium BC—with Southeastern Anatolia, the Southwest, and Greece."

Pointing out that the artifact provides important clues about its period, Schachner said, "If such an artifact exists, it is also possible for us to say that this place was not just a small town, but a more important one, perhaps a power center.

Because when we evaluate it with another discovery from previous years, it becomes possible for us to say whether it points to a complex social structure or a hierarchical social structure. We are gradually gaining better information about the social statuses of that period," he said.

'WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED SUCH AN ARTIFACT FOR THE FIRST TIME'

Indicating that the object has excited the excavation team, Schachner said, "We are very happy and excited to have found that artifact. We are encountering such an artifact for the first time, which gives us information about the art of that period. It is a truly important object."

Schachner added that the artifact will be exhibited in the Boğazköy Museum after the scientific studies are completed.