After entering the main gate of Boncuklu Höyük, one of the first work areas you see is Trench H, which is located on the northern slope of the site. Immediatley, your eyes are drawn to the large depressions cut into the marl (natural subsoil). These depressions are what are left of Neolithic burials excavated in previous field seasons. Excavation in Trench H durıng this year’s season will focus on the southen section of the trench.
We began excavation on the plaster flooring of one of the Neolithic buildings (Building 12), a process that requires great delicacy and concentration. As a result of our light trowel work, we uncovered what appeared to be red pigment on the face of one of the plaster floors. Did we just uncover evidence to suggest this thin layer of plaster flooring was once painted? One by one, each small layer of plaster flooring was planned, removed and recorded and as we excavated layer upon layer we noticed that a section of the flooring was slumping into a shallow depression. Could it be a burial? We would have to wait and see.
Hannah Corbett
Hannah and Alya excavating in Trench H.
Could this depression be a burial?
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