Archaeologists in southeastern Türkiye have unearthed an 11,000-year-old sculpture depicting a human figure seated on a leopard. The 70-centimetre-tall artwork was discovered at the Karahantepe site, within a circular structure. Experts believe this finding provides valuable insight into the artistic traditions and social structures of early Neolithic communities. The sculpture showcases advanced artistic capabilities during a period of settling human populations. This discovery bolsters existing evidence suggesting sophisticated practices were present in ancient communities. Karahantepe is rapidly becoming a crucial site for understanding the dawn of settled life and artistic expression in the region.