Zoomorphic ceramics of the Sarvantepe settlement

Ancient people have always pondered the question of when and how the human species emerged. Answers to this question were often sought in the animal world that surrounded humans, leading to the assumption that humanity's great ancestors may have descended from certain animals or that a spiritual or mystical connection existed between humans and these creatures. Consequently, animals were sanctified, and their images were depicted on ceramics, metal, stone, wood, and other materials. This article examines the zoomorphic decor of ceramics discovered at the settlement of Sarvantepe (Rustepe), dated to the Late Bronze–Early Iron Age (2nd half of the 2nd millennium – early 1st millennium BCE). It provides a characterization of the images and addresses questions regarding the semantic significance of the decor. Zoomorphic images were created using techniques such as scratching and incision, though the molding method was predominantly employed.