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This is a model of part of a house found at the site of Jarmo, Iraq. During the early Neolithic period, Jarmo is believed to have had a population of 150-200 people occupying 20-30 houses like this one, spread over an area of 1.3 hectares (3.2 acres). The houses at Jarmo were multi-roomed rectangular structures built of mud (known as tauf), which was plentiful in the region. The thick mud-brick walls helped to keep the houses cool in summer and warm in winter. The floors were made of earth compacted on beds of reeds, while the roofs were made of reed mats and clay laid over logs that spanned the rooms. Clay-lined depressions in the floors may have served as hearths or ovens. Some houses had domed ovens, built of mud with clay chimneys that were used outside in the walled courtyard.

 Grinding Stone and Pestle

Name: Jarmo House Model

Material: Plaster

Size:
Height: 18 cm (7.1 in)
Length: 41 cm (1 ft 4 in)
Depth: 38 cm (1 ft 2.9 in)

Date: 7500 BCE - 7000 BCE

Place of Origin: Jarmo, Iraq

Location: Oriental Institute Museum

Source and Registration#: Oriental Institute Museum. OIM C1638 Link to resource (accessed April 27, 2010)

Gil Stein

Director of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago