Clay,Dance, and Spirit:Echoes of Neolithic and Chalcolithic Ritual Ceremonies in Iranian Plateau using some Archaeological Evidence

Ritual ceremonies have played a central role in human societies, serving to reinforce territoriality, social cohesion, spiritual beliefs, and environmental interactions. Given their significance, traces of these practices can often be identified in archaeological remains. This study investigates the archaeological evidence of ritual activities on the Iranian Plateau during the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods. Focusing on cultural materials—including "Venus" figurines, human depictions, secondary burials, and architectural features—we analyze findings from key sites such as Ganj Dareh, Sang-e Chakhmaq, Zagheh, Tal-e Bakun, and Tappeh Sialk. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach, this research relies on published literature and archival sources to assess whether belief-related rituals are discernible in the archaeological record. The study also explores how uncovered motifs and artifacts should be interpreted and which specific rituals they may represent. By categorizing and examining potential evidence—such as symbols, figurines, and other cultural artifacts—through visual arts methodologies like compositional analysis, we demonstrate that ritual practices are indeed reflected in the Neolithic and Chalcolithic materials of the Iranian Plateau. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of early ritual behavior and its manifestations in prehistoric Iran.