A neolithic archaeological site exists in Jordan. Near the capital city of Amman.

One of the most remarkable finds at Ain Ghazal is a series of plastered statues, some of which represent human figures
One of the oldest large-sized statues ever discovered. These statues are considered among the earliest examples of human sculpture. Indicative of social and artistic talents of the people who lived at in this region.

8300 to 7550 years ago was pre-pottery neolithic
Around 7000 BC the site was inhabited by 3000 people

Near the Zarqa river. Up at 720 meters. It is located Between oak park woodliand and desert steepe in the east.

As an early farming community, the ʿAin Ghazal people cultivated cereals (barley and ancient species of wheat), legumes (peas, beans, lentils and
chickpeas).

Earlier levels at ʿAin Ghazal there are small ceramic figures that seem to have been used as personal or familial ritual figures
Figurines of both animals and people.

Anthropomorphic statues with ritual functions?
The half sized human statues are modeled in white plaster around a core of bundled twigs. The figurines have painted clothes, and hair. In some cases, ornamental tattoos or body paint.

The site has provided valuable information about the transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture. And, the development of early urban centers. It is subject to extensive archaeological research. Preserving its historical significance and contributing to our understanding of neolithic civilizations.

Bibliography: Rollefson, G. O.; et al. (1998). “Invoking the Spirit Prehistoric religion at Ain Ghazal”. Archaeology Odyssey.

The Neolithic Period 10.200-5000 BC (Jordan) (http://doa.gov.jo/en/inside.php?src=sublinks&SlID=5027&MlID=5024) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20171024095741/http://doa.gov.jo/en/inside.php?src=sublinks&SlID=5027&MlID=5024#) 2017-10-24 at the Wayback Machine doa.gov.jo – Jordan Department Of Antiquities

Graeme Barker; Candice Goucher (16 April 2015). The Cambridge World History: Volume 2, A World with Agriculture, 12,000 BCE–500 CE (https://books.google.com/books?id=Ri07CQAAQBAJ&pg=PT426). Cambridge University Press. pp. 426–. ISBN 978-1-316-29778-0.