Home is Where the Hearth is: What a Multi-scalar Approach to Fireplaces from Çatalhöyük, Turkey, Can Reveal About Cooking Practices in Neolithic Households

Christine Fuchs-Khakhar

Environmental Archaeology, 2022, vol. 27, issue 1, 93-110

Abstract: This study investigates fireplaces in the Neolithic settlement of Çatalhöyük in Anatolia, Turkey (levels South L–S and 4040 G–H, 6700–6100 BC). Taking a holistic view with a contextual, multi-scalar approach, I consider spatial and temporal dimensions: Large-scale landscape resources and small-scale material assemblages associated with food processing provide the context for the fireplaces, and I observe the changes over the long-term, the 600 years of my study, and the short-term impact of daily practice. Firstly, I determine the criteria for identifying different types of fireplaces, their practical function and uses. I then look at the construction of ovens and hearths in Çatalhöyük and their internal and external locations. I find individual variations between households and alterations over time and challenge interpretations that emphasise uniformity and seek trends and a grand narrative of symbolic meaning in the fireplaces. I find the abandonment of fireplaces is mainly guided by practical considerations, while the few symbolic deposits suggest the importance given to food preparation. I argue that not only natural resources and culture, but also daily practice impacts on landscape, architectural features and artefacts. I conclude that fire installations enabled households to be self-sufficient and therefore ovens and hearths had special significance.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1080/14614103.2018.1550950

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