Incredible Artifact Discovered at Göbekli Tepe

By Derek Olson

Göbekli Tepe (‘Potbelly Hill’ in Turkish) is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in recent decades. Most famous for its 15+ foot tall 50 ton T-shaped pillars, it continues to reveal incredible artifacts.

Recent excavations at the UNESCO World Heritage Site have resulted in a unique discovery – the unearthing of a life-sized wild boar statue. Now on display at the Şanlıurfa museum, it is estimated to be at least 11,000 years old.

Upon close observation, black and white pigment can still be seen on the statue’s surface. The tongue of the boar still features red colouring. Despite its ancient age, the boar still possesses amazing detail as seen by its tusks, tongue, teeth, spine, eyes, snout, etc. It displays a very ferocious appearance.

Author Andrew Collins pointed out that the boar appears to be clutching something between its hooves. Andrew theorizes that it is an abstract human head. He believes the boar represented the transition of the person’s spirit from this world to the next. Therefore, the boar may be symbolic of releasing the human’s spirit to go on its proper journey to the afterlife.