Early Evidence for Prehistoric Weaving in Inner Western Anatolia: The Case of Ekşi Höyük
Fulya Dedeoğlu1
, Bora Temür2
1Ege University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Archaeology, İzmir/TÜRKİYE 
https://ror.org/02eaafc18
2İzmir Demokrasi University, Faculty of Science and Letters, İzmir-TÜRKİYE https://ror.org/04c152q53
Keywords: Neolithic, Ekşi Höyük, Spindle Whorls, Weaving, Inner West Anatolia.
Abstract
Ekşi Höyük is a Neolithic settlement located in the Upper Büyük Menderes Basin (Inner West Anatolia). Excavations that began in 2015 provide new data regarding the Neolithization process of the region. The findings indicate that the settlement was continuously occupied from the early 7th millennium BC to the mid-5th millennium BC. This study evaluates the data related to weaving within the context of Phase 4 (ca. 6200–6000/5900 BC) of the mound. The typology, spatial distribution, and potential functions of the 57 clay spindle whorls recovered from this phase have been analyzed. The spindle whorls are classified into three main types: spherical, biconical, and depressed/oval (ellipsoid). Spatial analysis demonstrates that the finds are concentrated particularly within apsidal buildings, suggesting that weaving held a significant place in household production. In contrast, it is observed that different production activities are more prominent in quadrangular structures. Finds such as weights, awls, needles, and possible shuttles serve as additional indicators supporting textile activities. Furthermore, it is suggested that clay figurines with painted clothing descriptions from Ekşi Höyük and Hacılar Höyük may indicate the symbolic aspects of weaving.
Citation/Atıf: Dedeoğlu, Fulya – Temür, Bora, “Early Evidence for Prehistoric Weaving in Inner Western Anatolia: The Case of Ekşi Höyük”, Höyük 17, 2026, 1-18.