Clay objects constituted a fundamental component of daily life in the Neolithic Period. Beyond typological and technological analyses, clay objects occasionally preserve epidermal ridge impressions, offering a rare opportunity to explore the identities of individuals involved in production. This study presents the analysis of 21 finger and palm prints preserved on two clay objects from the Neolithic site of Bademağacı Höyük (southwestern Anatolia), to assess age-related characteristics of the makers. The Mean Epidermal Ridge Breadth (MRB) calculations obtained from the objects were evaluated using two established age estimation models (KAmod and PM1). The results derived from both age estimations indicate that adolescents or young adults might have produced both objects, with an age range of 15 to 16 years old (±2.36 years). Overall, the study demonstrates the value of fingerprint analysis as a methodological approach for accessing otherwise invisible aspects of labor organization and social participation in Neolithic communities.
Aysel Arslan (2026) studied this question.