Seated Woman Reveals Catalhöyük’s Spiritual Heritage

The 8,000-year-old female statue discovered at Catalhöyük stands out with its depiction of the Mother Goddess.

This unique Neolithic artifact, displayed at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, is a fascinating stop for those wanting to trace the remnants of prehistoric cults.

The fired clay statue known as the "Seated Woman," discovered at a Neolithic settlement in Konya, now greets visitors at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara.

The statue depicts a naked female figure sitting on a throne. Believed to represent the Mother Goddess iconographically, this piece is considered a symbol of fertility, abundance, and the strong connection with nature.

According to experts, this figure highlights the sacred significance prehistoric societies attributed to the female body and fertility. The artwork bears similarities to prehistoric goddess figures, such as the globally recognized Venus of Willendorf, but holds a unique place within the cultural heritage of Anatolia.

Museum officials note that this rare artifact has sparked great interest among visitors. According to the statement from the Director of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, the statue is regarded not only as an archaeological object but also as a window into the oldest belief systems in human history.