Losing One's Head in the Neolithic: On the Interpretation of Headless Figurines

Abstract

This report deals with the problem of interpreting and understanding anthropomorphic figurines without heads, which are a common feature at Neolithic sites in the Levant. As an example, headless human figurines from Tell Sabi Abyad I are discussed. The large majority of these statuettes were associated with sealings and tokens, probably indicating that they functioned in administrative contexts related to storage and exchange. The removal of the figurine heads is explained as a ritual act aimed at providing mnemonic aids with regard to economic transactions, as well as the release and manipulation of supernatural powers beneficial to the goods and persons being linked by such transactions. In the conclusion five aspects with regard to the study and interpretation of (headless) figurines and the Neolithic in general are foregrounded: contextuality, multi-dimensionality, holism, head symbolism, and socio-cultural complexity.