An Evaluation of the Unsealed Clay Stopper from İkiztepe

Year 2025, Issue: 28, 579 - 598, 26.12.2025

Aslıhan Beyazıt

https://doi.org/10.47589/adalya.1849548

Abstract

This study focuses on an unsealed clay stopper unearthed during the excavations at İkiztepe. Clay stoppers were used to seal containers made of organic or inorganic materials, storage units, or doorways, and were associated with daily practices such as transport, storage, or protection of contents. While the majority of these objects bear seal impressions, there are also unsealed examples. Seal-impressed stoppers, commonly referred to as cretulae, often display stamp impressions representing individuals of hierarchical status or institutional authority, and are typically associated with administrative functions. In contrast, clay stoppers lacking seal impressions appear to fall outside this formal system and may initially seem “less significant.” However, such unsealed stoppers may offer insights into the early phases of organizational systems. Though lacking seal marks, these examples were produced using similar materials and techniques as their sealed counterparts. This study evaluates the technical features and potential functions of an unsealed clay stopper found at İkiztepe.

Keywords

Black Sea , İkiztepe , clay stopper , Late Chalcolithic Age

Thanks

I would like to thank Prof. Dr. Gülsün Umurtak for her suggestions regarding the article; Prof. Dr. Recep Karadağ and the staff of the Istanbul-DATU Laboratory for analyzing the find; the illustrator Burhan Gülkan for drawing the clay stopper; Burçin Afşar for photo editing; and Ali Oğuz Bozkurt for English translation of this study.

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