Image Details

Vincent J. Musi/National Geographic Stock

SHADOWS OF A MAN. Some of the massive T-shaped standing stones at Göbekli Tepe are carved with stylized anthropomorphic details, such as this 17.5-foot-tall pillar. The fingers of his two hands wrap around the corners of the pillar above the buckle of a decorated belt. The hind legs and tail of a fox pelt dangling from the belt serve as a loin cloth. The excavator believes this pillar may represent a priest—or possibly a deity.