Luxury and prestige objects have existed in all human societies, and the Neolithic was no exception. Among the most intriguing artifacts of this period are the obsidian mirrors, finely crafted pieces whose function remains a subject of debate. Recent archaeological studies have allowed researchers to reconstruct their manufacturing and distribution process in Southwest Asia, particularly in Central Anatolia, where findings at the Tepecik Çiftlik site suggest that it may have been the key center for the production of these unique objects.

The mirrors, circular and highly polished, were not utilitarian tools but items with a strong symbolic component. Their rarity is remarkable: to date, only 56 specimens have been discovered throughout the Near East, distributed across six archaeological sites in Anatolia and one in the Levant.

Their presence in funerary and ritual contexts suggests that these artifacts were more than mere reflective objects: they may have been status symbols, ceremonial instruments, or even held spiritual significance.

Tepecik Çiftlik: A Neolithic Mirror Factory

Among the sites where these mirrors have been found, Tepecik Çiftlik stands out as a key location for understanding their production. Located in the Melendiz Plain, in the Cappadocia region, this settlement was occupied from the Neolithic to the Early Chalcolithic, between 7000 and 6000 BCE. Its proximity to natural obsidian sources, such as the Nenezidağ and Göllüdağ deposits, enabled its inhabitants to develop a specialized industry in cutting and polishing this volcanic material.

neolithic obsidian mirrors near east
Map showing the localisation of Anatolian sites where obsidian mirrors were found (black circles) and the Cappadocian obsidian sources (red stars). The numbered sources are: 1 – Nenezi Dağ and 2 – Göllü Dağ. Credit: Alice Vinet

Excavations at Tepecik Çiftlik have uncovered not only finished mirrors but also preforms in various stages of manufacture, allowing researchers to reconstruct step by step their production process. These findings make the site the only place where the local production of obsidian mirrors has been conclusively documented, whereas in other sites, only finished pieces have been found, suggesting that they may have been imported.

The manufacturing process of these mirrors was not simple. Based on the analysis of the discovered pieces, archaeologists have identified at least eight stages in their production. A fragment of obsidian with a relatively flat surface and subcircular shape was selected, sharp edges and ridges were removed, contours were polished, and a coarse-grained stone was used to begin smoothing the surface. Then, finer abrasives, such as sand or ash mixed with water, fat, and leather, were applied to refine the texture. Finally, it is suspected that some mirrors may have been rubbed with fat and soft fabrics to enhance their shine.

The result was a portable object with a reflective surface capable of mirroring the image of the observer. However, it seems they were not used for that purpose, or at least not solely for that, so their exact function remains a mystery.

The discovery of these mirrors in different contexts suggests that their use went beyond mere practicality. At Çatalhöyük, one of Anatolia’s most important Neolithic sites, mirrors have been found in tombs alongside pigments in colors such as red, yellow, blue, and green, leading researchers to speculate that they may have been painted or used in rituals related to the beautification of the deceased.

neolithic obsidian mirrors near east
Finished and unfinished mirrors, found at Tepecik Çiftlik. Credit: Alice Vinet

Other studies suggest that mirrors may have also served as signaling instruments or even tools to redirect light. However, the most accepted theory is that these objects were status symbols, used by high-ranking individuals within their communities. The complexity of their production and their limited distribution reinforce the idea that they were not for common use but reserved for special contexts.

The distribution of Neolithic obsidian mirrors raises another question: how did these objects travel between different regions? The analysis of the pieces suggests that most of the mirrors in Anatolia were made at Tepecik Çiftlik and then transported to other settlements, such as Çatalhöyük and Akarçay Tepe. The absence of preforms at these sites indicates that they were not produced locally but arrived already finished, likely through exchange networks.

In the case of the mirrors found at Domuztepe and Tel Kabri, which are much farther from the obsidian sources, the situation is even more enigmatic. At Domuztepe, researchers have discovered other obsidian objects, such as beads and containers, suggesting that its inhabitants had access to exotic materials and mastered polishing techniques. However, the exact origin of the mirrors remains unconfirmed.

Tel Kabri, on the other hand, is located in the Levant region, far from natural obsidian sources. The only mirror found there may have been imported from Anatolia, indicating that these objects traveled long distances, possibly as prestige goods in early trade networks.

These seemingly simple objects hold a complex history of production and distribution, revealing the ability of Neolithic peoples to skillfully work materials, establish trade relationships, and imbue everyday objects with symbolic meaning.

SOURCES

Alice Vinet, Neolithic obsidian mirrors from Southwest Asia: A reflection on their diffusion and manufacture. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, Volume 62, April 2025, 105047. doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105047

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