Tell Halaf, Clay Fertility Idol, circa 5,000 BC. Ancient Near East, Anatolia (central Turkey) and Northern Syria, Tell Halaf. The Halaf culture of Anatolia and ancient Syria came about in approximately 5000 BCE and created female figurines with particular fertility attributes that are displayed in this example. Note how the figure sits with upraised knees and legs extended, with both of her arms cradling and supporting her protruding breasts.