Archaeologists have found ancient tablets carved in the shape of an owl that could have been children’s toys in the Iberian Peninsula. there was work published in Scientific Reports.
In total, scientists found about 4,000 tablets in tombs and pits. The artifacts are about 5,000 years old. Earlier, archaeologists had suggested that the tablets were used in rituals and represented gods or the dead. However, now researchers are considering another version: the finds can be used as dolls, toys or amulets. Probably made by children.
The scientists came to this conclusion by comparing 100 tablets with hundreds of drawings of owls by modern children aged 4 to 13 years. They found many similarities between the owl images. Many tablets have two holes at the top. These holes were not used for laces – they are very small and show no signs of wear. Scientists suggest that real owl feathers were inserted into them.