TEHRAN - A recent archaeological study published in the journal Anthropozoologica sheds new light on the sophisticated craftsmanship and resource strategies of early human societies on the Iranian Plateau.

The research, conducted by Iranian and French archaeologists, focuses on the use of red deer antlers by Neolithic and Chalcolithic communities, revealing a story of adaptation, skill, and cultural exchange.

Led by Laura Manca of the French Ministry of Culture and Marjan Mashkour of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris and the University of Tehran, the study provides the first comprehensive analysis of antler tools from three key archaeological sites in Iran: Tepe Abdul Hosein in Lorestan (aka Luristan), Tepe Sang-e Chakhmaq in Semnan, and Tepe Zagheh in the Qazvin Plain.

The findings indicate that while the exploitation of red deer declined with the rise of agriculture and domesticated animals, antler remained a valued material for toolmaking, especially for items requiring durability and precision.

The research highlights a clear evolution in antler use over time. At Tepe Abdul Hosein, dating back to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic (7200–6500 BCE), antler exploitation appears to have been opportunistic, with limited evidence of on-site working. In contrast, Tepe Sang-e Chakhmaq, a Ceramic Neolithic site, shows a highly organized and standardized antler industry. Here, craftspeople used advanced techniques like grooving, sawing, and percussion to produce finely shaped tools, likely used for processing leather and other soft materials.

At Tepe Zagheh, a Late Neolithic to Chalcolithic site, the focus shifted to heavy-duty tools such as hammers and axes, made from large, carefully selected antlers—possibly sourced from forested regions near the Caspian Sea. These tools were often perforated for hafting, indicating a high degree of functional design.

The study also offers clues about the ancient environment and human adaptation. Antlers were mostly collected after being naturally shed by deer, suggesting seasonal gathering practices rather than intensive hunting. This reflects a nuanced relationship between early pastoral communities and wild fauna, even as domestic animals became central to their economy.

The full article, “Red deer (Cervus elaphus) antler exploitation strategies and technical skills among Neolithic and Transitional Chalcolithic communities of the Iranian Plateau,” is available in Anthropozoologica Vol. 61(2), published on February 3, 2026.

AM