Archaeologists have uncovered ancient tablets carved in the shape of owls on the Iberian Peninsula, and some researchers believe these objects may have served as children’s toys. The discovery was reported in Scientific Reports, highlighting a compelling new chapter in how these artifacts are understood.
In total, researchers identified around 4,000 tablets buried in tombs and pits, dating back roughly five millennia. Earlier theories suggested the tablets played roles in rituals or depicted deities and the dead. A growing interpretation now places them in the hands and homes of children as dolls, toys, or protective amulets. This view aligns with the idea that many of the figurines could have been made for play or as charming, everyday objects used in daily life across ancient Iberia.
The researchers reached this understanding by examining a sample of 100 tablets alongside hundreds of drawings of owls created by children aged four to thirteen in the present day. A striking number of similarities emerged between the owl representations and the tablet imagery. Several tablets feature two small holes at the top, but these holes show no wear or signs of lacing. The team proposes that real owl feathers were inserted into these holes, transforming the tablets into tactile, interactive pieces that could be carried or worn. The combination of animal form, feather embellishment, and the absence of functional wear on the holes points toward a use beyond simple display, hinting at personal or social significance within ancient communities in the region. This interpretation invites a fresh perspective on Iberian childhood, daily life, and the cultural meanings attached to animal figures in prehistoric times, suggesting that play and protection may have been woven into the daily fabric of early societies. The findings emphasize how material culture can reflect intimate, everyday practices alongside broader ritual or ceremonial roles. The study adds a nuanced layer to our understanding of how ancient families might have engaged with symbolic objects, blending craft with childhood experiences in ways that resonated across generations [CITATION: Scientific Reports, 2023].