Early copper production by the last hunter-gatherers

Abstract

The “Neolithic transformation” is characterized by major changes in human history, including advancements in cognitive skills, technological knowledge, social organization, and the establishment of permanent settlements with elaborate architecture. Around 12,000 years ago, Anatolia became a key region as hunter-gatherer communities transitioned to a settled lifestyle. Its rich natural resources, including lithic raw materials and metal ores, played a crucial role in supporting early human settlement and technological advancements. The origins of metallurgy have generally been classified following a sequence of technological development influenced by social and cultural organization. The artifacts related to copper production at Gre Fılla were examined using a multi-analytical approach, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), inductively coupled mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), and handheld X-ray fluorescence (pXRF). The results support the hypothesis that prehistoric experimentation likely played a role in leading to different pathways of development in each region. Our findings suggest a multifaceted picture of the early Neolithic period in Eurasia, including the spread of innovation packages, local traditions, and adaptations.