Ochre Processing and Utilization in Cave: A Case Study From İnönü Cave, Northern Anatolia

This study seeks to enhance the comprehension of ochre utilization and its processing in the Chalcolithic Age, particularly for the community residing in the İnönü Cave on the northwestern coast of Anatolia. Ochre has been extensively utilized for diverse applications since the Early Palaeolithic Period, with red being the most favored hue among its spectrum, which includes shades from red to brown and yellow. Archaeological and contemporary sources verify that this mineral was utilized not only for its pigmentation qualities but also for its symbolic and legendary significance, in addition to practical applications such as antibacterial and antiviral uses, leatherworking, and food preservation. Nevertheless, there is scant data demonstrating the entire production process. This study examines the significance of ochre in Chalcolithic Anatolia through a comprehensive methodology that incorporates analytical techniques within archaeological methodologies. Within the cave context, ochre samples, which demonstrate its alteration stages, were studied by SEM–EDX and XRD analyses to ascertain their chemical compositions.