- Prehistoric Archaeology, Upper Paleolithic, Levant Prehistory and Protohistory, Neolithic Archaeology, Epipalaeolithic, Lithic Technology, and 27 moreNeolithic, Lithics, Settlement & Landscape research, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Stone tools, Lithic Refitting, Archaeology of Ritual and Magic, Computer Applications & Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), Archaeology, Archaeological Method & Theory, Near Eastern Archaeology, Archaeological GIS, Chaîne Opératoire, Natufian culture in the Levant, Mesolithic/Epipalaeolithic Archaeology, Mesolithic technology, Aurignacian, Lithic Analysis, The Neolithic Revolution, PPNA /PPNB /PPNC, Neolithic Transition, Climate Change and Adaptation, Balkan prehistory, Religion and ritual in prehistory, Mediterranean prehistory, Upper Palaeolithic, and Prehistoryedit
At the time of writing, the lithic assemblage from Deir el-Balaª was one of the few collections of its kind from the Late Bronze Age. As such, it can provide important information on the technology... more
At the time of writing, the lithic assemblage from Deir el-Balaª was one of the few collections of its kind from the Late Bronze Age. As such, it can provide important information on the technology of.that.period.and.on.the.replacement.of.flint.tools. by metal ones. Furthermore, the sample is large enough to allow fairly reliable interphase and intersite comparison. Since the site is stratigraphically unmixed and has been reliably dated to the 13th and 14th centuries BCE, the assemblage provides a relatively unbiased. sample. of. the. flint. tools. used. in. that. period. Although sediments were not sieved, all flints.recognized.were.collected..Since microliths. are not a major component of Late Bronze Age assemblages, it may be assumed that the sample is not.significantly.biased. DESCRIPTION Of. the. 658. flints. recovered,. 293. show. signs. of. intentional.modification.and.were.classified.as.tools.
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Anatolia was home to some of the earliest farming communities. It has been long debated whether a migration of farming groups introduced agriculture to central Anatolia. Here, we report the first genome-wide data from a 15,000-year-old... more
Anatolia was home to some of the earliest farming communities. It has been long debated whether a migration of farming groups introduced agriculture to central Anatolia. Here, we report the first genome-wide data from a 15,000-year-old Anatolian hunter-gatherer and from seven Anatolian and Levantine early farmers. We find high genetic continuity (~80–90%) between the hunter-gatherers and early farmers of Anatolia and detect two distinct incoming ancestries: an early Iranian/Caucasus related one and a later one linked to the ancient Levant. Finally, we observe a genetic link between southern Europe and the Near East predating 15,000 years ago. Our results suggest a limited role of human migration in the emergence of agriculture in central Anatolia.
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Anatolia was home to some of the earliest farming communities. It has been long debated whether a migration of farming groups introduced agriculture to central Anatolia. Here, we report the first genome-wide data from a 15,000-year-old... more
Anatolia was home to some of the earliest farming communities. It has been long debated
whether a migration of farming groups introduced agriculture to central Anatolia. Here, we
report the first genome-wide data from a 15,000-year-old Anatolian hunter-gatherer and
from seven Anatolian and Levantine early farmers. We find high genetic continuity
(~80–90%) between the hunter-gatherers and early farmers of Anatolia and detect two
distinct incoming ancestries: an early Iranian/Caucasus related one and a later one linked to
the ancient Levant. Finally, we observe a genetic link between southern Europe and the Near
East predating 15,000 years ago. Our results suggest a limited role of human migration in the
emergence of agriculture in central Anatolia.
whether a migration of farming groups introduced agriculture to central Anatolia. Here, we
report the first genome-wide data from a 15,000-year-old Anatolian hunter-gatherer and
from seven Anatolian and Levantine early farmers. We find high genetic continuity
(~80–90%) between the hunter-gatherers and early farmers of Anatolia and detect two
distinct incoming ancestries: an early Iranian/Caucasus related one and a later one linked to
the ancient Levant. Finally, we observe a genetic link between southern Europe and the Near
East predating 15,000 years ago. Our results suggest a limited role of human migration in the
emergence of agriculture in central Anatolia.
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At the end of the Pleistocene (25,000-15,000 BP), there is a shift to more arid conditions in the Negev and the Sinai corresponding to the Last Glacial Maximum. For the Nile Valley and the Levant, the lowering of the Mediterranean sea... more
At the end of the Pleistocene (25,000-15,000 BP), there is a shift to more arid conditions in the Negev and the Sinai corresponding to the Last Glacial Maximum. For the Nile Valley and the Levant, the lowering of the Mediterranean sea level, the expansion of the Sahara and the desiccation of some major eastern African lakes had important consequences on: (1) the general behaviour of the River Nile; (2) the landscape around the Nile Delta; and (3) sand dune mobilisation. Despite this shift to more arid conditions, there is abundant evidence for human occupation in the Egyptian Nile Valley and in the arid zone of the Southern Levant at this time. In addition, contacts between these two regions have sometimes been suggested, mainly by genetic studies, including early ‘Back-to-Africa’ dispersals.
This paper focuses on the analysis of six terminal Pleistocene (ca. 25,000-15,000 BP) lithic assemblages from the western Negev Desert dunes in Israel, attributed to the Early and Middle Epipalaeolithic. The analysis relies on the chaîne opératoire approach combined with attribute analysis that enables quantification of typo-technological differences. Results of this analysis allows comparisons with assemblages from the Egyptian Nile Valley analysed in the same way previously. This comparative analysis is then used to discuss hypotheses of potential technical diffusions between these two regions. Current archaeological evidence therefore does not support any contacts between populations between the Levant and the Nile Valley at the end of the Pleistocene.
This paper focuses on the analysis of six terminal Pleistocene (ca. 25,000-15,000 BP) lithic assemblages from the western Negev Desert dunes in Israel, attributed to the Early and Middle Epipalaeolithic. The analysis relies on the chaîne opératoire approach combined with attribute analysis that enables quantification of typo-technological differences. Results of this analysis allows comparisons with assemblages from the Egyptian Nile Valley analysed in the same way previously. This comparative analysis is then used to discuss hypotheses of potential technical diffusions between these two regions. Current archaeological evidence therefore does not support any contacts between populations between the Levant and the Nile Valley at the end of the Pleistocene.
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The site of Har Qeren 15 is a small tabular scraper quarry and campsite attributable to the Timnian culture complex, 6th–3rd millennium Cal BCE, perhaps in the earlier part of the span. Analyses of the lithic materials and their spatial... more
The site of Har Qeren 15 is a small tabular scraper quarry and campsite attributable to the Timnian culture complex,
6th–3rd millennium Cal BCE, perhaps in the earlier part of the span. Analyses of the lithic materials and their spatial
distribution offer a picture of non-intensive production reflecting the production of tabular scrapers and ad hoc tools,
perhaps linked to the seasonal round of local pastoral groups. Combined with other sites from the region, this picture of
extensive, almost opportunistic production, contrasts with some of the models of intensive production of tabular scrapers
based on sites in Jordan. This suggests either that several modes of manufacture operated during this long period, that
the large sites of Jordan represent long, extended periods of exploitation rather than some intensive and specialized
system of production, or chronological shifts in the intensity of production.
6th–3rd millennium Cal BCE, perhaps in the earlier part of the span. Analyses of the lithic materials and their spatial
distribution offer a picture of non-intensive production reflecting the production of tabular scrapers and ad hoc tools,
perhaps linked to the seasonal round of local pastoral groups. Combined with other sites from the region, this picture of
extensive, almost opportunistic production, contrasts with some of the models of intensive production of tabular scrapers
based on sites in Jordan. This suggests either that several modes of manufacture operated during this long period, that
the large sites of Jordan represent long, extended periods of exploitation rather than some intensive and specialized
system of production, or chronological shifts in the intensity of production.
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There is a general consensus that the Ahmarian techno-complex represents an endemic Upper Palaeolithic entity that emerged in south-western Asia. Its entrenchment in the region is apparent over a long chronological span and a wide... more
There is a general consensus that the Ahmarian techno-complex represents an endemic Upper Palaeolithic entity that emerged in south-western Asia. Its entrenchment in the region is apparent over a long chronological span and a wide geographic range, as is most especially apparent in the Levant. Notwithstanding diachronic and synchronic variability, its basic parameters have been widely recognized since it was first defined over 30 years ago. The Ahmarian characterization is based on certain intrinsic features as well as on the absence of hallmarks of other Upper Palaeolithic entities identified in the region.
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With the advance of sedentism during the late Epipalaeolithic Natufian the sense of territoriality was amplified. Archaeological evidence testifies to an increase in group identity and processes of intensifying self-identity can be... more
With the advance of sedentism during the late Epipalaeolithic Natufian the sense of territoriality
was amplified. Archaeological evidence testifies to an increase in group identity and processes
of intensifying self-identity can be observed at the community level. Still, groups were bound to share
a viable gene pool through different social mechanisms, in accordance with the changes in subsistence
modes. Through time there was both an increase in human populations, yet also an increase in the variety
and quantities of material culture. This necessitated repeated and steady intercourse with neighboring
groups and communities. The processes reflecting these phenomena, observed from the Epipalaeolithic
to the Neolithic, portray an intermediate scenario that cannot be explained either through reconstructed
Palaeolithic modes or through the established rules of the later, fully fledged late Neolithic agricultural
societies of the Near East.
was amplified. Archaeological evidence testifies to an increase in group identity and processes
of intensifying self-identity can be observed at the community level. Still, groups were bound to share
a viable gene pool through different social mechanisms, in accordance with the changes in subsistence
modes. Through time there was both an increase in human populations, yet also an increase in the variety
and quantities of material culture. This necessitated repeated and steady intercourse with neighboring
groups and communities. The processes reflecting these phenomena, observed from the Epipalaeolithic
to the Neolithic, portray an intermediate scenario that cannot be explained either through reconstructed
Palaeolithic modes or through the established rules of the later, fully fledged late Neolithic agricultural
societies of the Near East.
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Aurochs played a prominent role in mortuary and feasting practices during the Neolithic transition in south-west Asia, although evidence of these practices is diverse and regionally varied. This article considers a new concentration of... more
Aurochs played a prominent role in mortuary and feasting practices during the Neolithic transition in south-west Asia, although evidence of these practices is diverse and regionally varied. This article considers a new concentration of aurochs bones from the southern Levantine Pre-Pottery Neolithic site of Kfar HaHoresh, situating it in a regional context through a survey of aurochs remains from other sites. Analysis shows a change in the regional pattern once animal domestication began from an emphasis on feasting to small-scale practices. These results reveal a widely shared practice of symbolic cattle use that persisted over a long period, but shifted with the beginning of animal management across the region.
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Research Interests: Palaeoclimatology, Paleoanthropology, Geomorphology, Palaeoenvironment, Mediterranean prehistory, and 12 morePalaeolithic Archaeology, Mesolithic/Epipalaeolithic Archaeology, Aeolian Geomorphology, Palaeoecology, Levantine prehistory, Upper Paleolithic, Near Eastern Prehistory, Upper Palaeolithic, Epipaleolithic, Terminal Pleistocene, Paleanthropology, and Archaeology of the Negev and Sinai
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The pioneering prehistoric investigations during the early 20th century mainly in the Carmel and Judean desert caves provided the basic data sets to define the broad outlines of the prehistoric sequence in the Near East. Nevertheless,... more
The pioneering prehistoric investigations during the early 20th century mainly in the Carmel and Judean desert caves provided the basic data sets to define the broad outlines of the prehistoric sequence in the
Near East. Nevertheless, recent perusal of those collections indicate the presence of then unrecognized entities. Though most such elements are sparse, they nevertheless throw light upon the continued use of such localities beyond Palaeolithic times, most particularly during phases of the Epipalaeolithic and Neolithic periods. This repetitive phenomenon is detailed and preliminary suggestions are proposed to explain it.
Keywords. Epipalaeolithic, Neolithic, Levant, Caves, History of research.
Near East. Nevertheless, recent perusal of those collections indicate the presence of then unrecognized entities. Though most such elements are sparse, they nevertheless throw light upon the continued use of such localities beyond Palaeolithic times, most particularly during phases of the Epipalaeolithic and Neolithic periods. This repetitive phenomenon is detailed and preliminary suggestions are proposed to explain it.
Keywords. Epipalaeolithic, Neolithic, Levant, Caves, History of research.
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A refitted naviform knapping sequence from a late Middle PPNB level at Kfar HaHoresh is presented. The sequence includes all knapping stages, from initial preparation of a flint nodule to abandonment of the exhausted core. Though limited... more
A refitted naviform knapping sequence from a late Middle PPNB level at Kfar HaHoresh is presented.
The sequence includes all knapping stages, from initial preparation of a flint nodule to abandonment
of the exhausted core. Though limited to only one knapping sequence, analysis of the refits provides an opportunity
to examine, for the first time, the “live” practice of southern Levantine PPNB naviform flint technology,
as well as a range of associated technological behaviors and products. The sequence seems to represent a
single, complete knapping episode in one of the most “symbolically charged” areas of the site. Other lines of
evidence also indicate that this particular core may not have been knapped within a purely utilitarian context.
This adds more questions to the intriguing and complex nature of Early through Late PPNB cult practices at this
mortuary site.
Keywords. PPNB lithics, Bidirectional (naviform) technology, Refitting, Reduction sequence, Knapping
proficiency,
Symbolism.
The sequence includes all knapping stages, from initial preparation of a flint nodule to abandonment
of the exhausted core. Though limited to only one knapping sequence, analysis of the refits provides an opportunity
to examine, for the first time, the “live” practice of southern Levantine PPNB naviform flint technology,
as well as a range of associated technological behaviors and products. The sequence seems to represent a
single, complete knapping episode in one of the most “symbolically charged” areas of the site. Other lines of
evidence also indicate that this particular core may not have been knapped within a purely utilitarian context.
This adds more questions to the intriguing and complex nature of Early through Late PPNB cult practices at this
mortuary site.
Keywords. PPNB lithics, Bidirectional (naviform) technology, Refitting, Reduction sequence, Knapping
proficiency,
Symbolism.
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Systematic refitting studies of a small, ephemeral Early Ahmarian assemblage located at the edge of the Negev lowlands are described. Chaînes opératoires analyses enabled reconstruction of various aspects of the technological organization... more
Systematic refitting studies of a small, ephemeral Early Ahmarian assemblage located at the edge of the Negev lowlands are described. Chaînes opératoires analyses enabled reconstruction of various aspects of the technological organization of flint knapping by the occupants. Five specific knapping patterns were identified, all part of a broader 'N-fronted', Y-shaped knapping concept for the serial production of targeted symmetrical pointed blade/let blanks. Other blanks (either cortical flakes or core tablets) for different tool categories (scrapers and burins) were byproducts derived from setting-up the preform or core maintenance. This concept is characteristic of the Early Ahmarian and continues a long tradition of predetermination. The technological and other characteristics of the Nahal Nizzana XIII assemblage are compared and contrasted with other sites in the Negev, Sinai and southern Jordan in order to investigate Early Ahmarian technological variability.
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It is widely agreed that a pivotal shift from wild animal hunting to herd animal management, at least of goats, began in the southern Levant by the Middle Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period (10,000–9,500 cal. BP) when evidence of ritual... more
It is widely agreed that a pivotal shift from wild animal hunting to herd animal management, at least of goats, began in the southern Levant by the Middle Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period (10,000–9,500 cal. BP) when evidence of ritual activities flourished in the region. As our knowledge of this critical change grows, sites that represent different functions and multiple time periods are needed to refine the timing, pace and character of changing human-animal relationships within the geographically variable southern Levant. In particular, we investigate how a ritual site was provisioned with animals at the time when herd management first began in the region. We utilize fauna from the 2010–2012 excavations at the mortuary site of Kfar HaHoresh—the longest continuous Pre-Pottery Neolithic B faunal sequence in the south Levantine Mediterranean Hills (Early–Late periods, 10,600–8,700 cal. BP). We investigate the trade-off between wild and domestic progenitor taxa and classic demographic indicators of management to detect changes in hunted animal selection and control over herd animal movement and reproduction. We find that ungulate selection at Kfar HaHoresh differs from neighboring sites, although changes in dietary breadth, herd demographics and body-size data fit the regional pattern of emerging management. Notably, wild ungulates including aurochs and gazelle are preferentially selected to provision Kfar HaHoresh in the PPNB, despite evidence that goat management was underway in the Mediterranean Hills. The preference for wild animals at this important site likely reflects their symbolic significance in ritual and mortuary practice.
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It is widely agreed that a pivotal shift from wild animal hunting to herd animal management, at least of goats, began in the southern Levant by the Middle Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period (10,000–9,500 cal. BP) when evidence of ritual... more
It is widely agreed that a pivotal shift from wild animal hunting to herd animal management, at least of goats, began in the southern Levant by the Middle Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period (10,000–9,500 cal. BP) when evidence of ritual activities flourished in the region. As our knowledge of this critical change grows, sites that represent different functions and multiple time periods are needed to refine the timing, pace and character of changing human-animal relationships within the geographically variable southern Levant. In particular, we investigate how a ritual site was provisioned with animals at the time when herd management first began in the region. We utilize fauna from the 2010–2012 excavations at the mortuary site of Kfar HaHoresh—the longest continuous Pre-Pottery Neolithic B faunal sequence in the south Levantine Mediterranean Hills (Early–Late periods, 10,600–8,700 cal. BP). We investigate the trade-off between wild and domestic progenitor taxa and classic demographic indicators of management to detect changes in hunted animal selection and control over herd animal movement and reproduction. We find that ungulate selection at Kfar HaHoresh differs from neighboring sites, although changes in dietary breadth, herd demographics and body-size data fit the regional pattern of emerging management. Notably, wild ungulates including aurochs and gazelle are preferentially selected to provision Kfar HaHoresh in the PPNB, despite evidence that goat management was underway in the Mediterranean Hills. The preference for wild animals at this important site likely reflects their symbolic significance in ritual and mortuary practice.
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It is widely agreed that a pivotal shift from wild animal hunting to herd animal management, at least of goats, began in the southern Levant by the Middle Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period (10,000–9,500 cal. BP) when evidence of ritual... more
It is widely agreed that a pivotal shift from wild animal hunting to herd animal management, at least of goats, began in the southern Levant by the Middle Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period (10,000–9,500 cal. BP) when evidence of ritual activities flourished in the region. As our knowledge of this critical change grows, sites that represent different functions and multiple time periods are needed to refine the timing, pace and character of changing human-animal relationships within the geographically variable southern Levant. In particular, we investigate how a ritual site was provisioned with animals at the time when herd management first began in the region. We utilize fauna from the 2010–2012 excavations at the mortuary site of Kfar HaHoresh—the longest continuous Pre-Pottery Neolithic B faunal sequence in the south Levantine Mediterranean Hills (Early–Late periods, 10,600–8,700 cal. BP). We investigate the trade-off between wild and domestic progenitor taxa and classic demographic indicators of management to detect changes in hunted animal selection and control over herd animal movement and reproduction. We find that ungulate selection at Kfar HaHoresh differs from neighboring sites, although changes in dietary breadth, herd demographics and body-size data fit the regional pattern of emerging management. Notably, wild ungulates including aurochs and gazelle are preferentially selected to provision Kfar HaHoresh in the PPNB, despite evidence that goat management was underway in the Mediterranean Hills. The preference for wild animals at this important site likely reflects their symbolic significance in ritual and mortuary practice.
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Animal husbandry emerged as an important subsistence strategy at various tempos and trajectories across the southern Levant during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (ca. 8500–6500 cal BC). Here, we explore temporal variation in the emergence of... more
Animal husbandry emerged as an important subsistence strategy at various tempos and trajectories across the southern Levant during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (ca. 8500–6500 cal BC). Here, we explore temporal variation in the emergence of animal management strategies, in particular those that alter the composition of the animal diet, west of the Jordan Valley, through carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) isotopic analyses of mountain gazelle, bezoar goat and aurochsen bone collagen from the funerary complex of Kfar HaHoresh. Analyses presented here show an extended range of carbon isotope values in the collagens of Late Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) goats relative to Middle PPNB goats, which are also enriched in 13 C relative to contemporaneous gazelle. This shift may reflect a greater catchment from which morphologically wild goats derived or that some of the goats at Kfar HaHoresh were provided with some fodder. If the latter is the case, then the use of fodder by 7500 cal BC at Kfar HaHoresh is a relatively late development, emerging several hundred years after goat husbandry strategies emphasising a juvenile harvest and fodder provisioning that first came into use in the Mediterranean region of the southern Levant. There is a pronounced enrichment of nitrogen isotopes in Early PPNB aurochsen, ritually important animals derived from a unique feasting deposit, relative to that of gazelle and goats. Though this may reflect more specialised feeding behaviour in aurochsen compared to the other two bovid groups, an alternative interpretation is that the aurochsen ingested enriched 15 N from manured pasture, following restriction of their movement by people. These isotopic data support the documented pattern of a delayed adoption of goat husbandry in the lower Galilee region and may point to differential developmental trajectories where some forms of animal management emerged out of ritual rather than subsistence needs.
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One of the central questions of the transition from mobile hunter-gatherers to sedentary farming communities concerns the establishment of new social structures and group identities. Along with other important factors, such as territory,... more
One of the central questions of the transition from mobile hunter-gatherers to sedentary farming communities concerns the establishment of new social structures and group identities. Along with other important factors, such as territory, ideology or economy, biological relationships might have played a decisive role in defining social groups. We therefore systematically analyzed teeth and jaw remains from nine sites in the Near East dating from the Natufian to the Late PPNB as primary proxy data for the reconstruction of familial relationships.
This paper presents the results of morphological analyses on the teeth of the individuals from Kfar HaHoresh, one of the investigated Pre-Pottery Neolithic B sites. Kfar HaHoresh is located in the Nazareth hills of Galilee (32°42'20'' N 35°16'28'' E), Israel. Different statistical methods were applied to our data of epigenetic traits with the aim of determining biological relationships within the community, whereby the data of the eight other sites were used as cross-references. Our comparison of the traits of all individuals from Kfar HaHoresh indicates a rather heterogeneous community, but clearly shows one cluster
belonging to a quite homogenous group, suggesting close biological relations between females and sub-adults. Interestingly, none of the male individuals belongs to this cluster, although their number outweighs that of the female individuals. This might suggest matrilocal residence patterns. However, due to the incomplete preservation of the teeth along with several other uncertainties, our conclusion must be seen as preliminary. A cross-examination of the results on skeletons excavated after our investigation should also be taken into consideration.
This paper presents the results of morphological analyses on the teeth of the individuals from Kfar HaHoresh, one of the investigated Pre-Pottery Neolithic B sites. Kfar HaHoresh is located in the Nazareth hills of Galilee (32°42'20'' N 35°16'28'' E), Israel. Different statistical methods were applied to our data of epigenetic traits with the aim of determining biological relationships within the community, whereby the data of the eight other sites were used as cross-references. Our comparison of the traits of all individuals from Kfar HaHoresh indicates a rather heterogeneous community, but clearly shows one cluster
belonging to a quite homogenous group, suggesting close biological relations between females and sub-adults. Interestingly, none of the male individuals belongs to this cluster, although their number outweighs that of the female individuals. This might suggest matrilocal residence patterns. However, due to the incomplete preservation of the teeth along with several other uncertainties, our conclusion must be seen as preliminary. A cross-examination of the results on skeletons excavated after our investigation should also be taken into consideration.
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The Aceramic Neolithic (PPN) in the Near East corresponds to revolutionary transformations in the human condition, setting the stage for later developments prior to the emergence of urban life. Theoretical constructs to explicate these... more
The Aceramic Neolithic (PPN) in the Near East corresponds to revolutionary transformations in the human condition, setting the stage for later developments prior to the emergence of urban life. Theoretical constructs to explicate these processes vary from climatic determinism, through human vitalism, to demographic and social triggers, co-evolutionary symbiotic human-plant relationships, linguistic, psychological and multi-factor models. Yet, such models frequently preceded the hard data available.
In recent decades the situation has improved markedly with numerous field projects conducted throughout the Near East including the southern Levant, an area characterised by a mosaic of ecological zones often located in close proximity to one another. The nature and intensity of climatic change during the course of the terminal Pleistocene and early Holocene throughout the region and their effects on socio-cultural developments including shifts in settlement patterns remains ambiguous.
Locally, the period witnessed significant demographic growth. It is possible that in part this reflects changes in lifeways and population movements, when small settled PPNA village communities were established, subsisting initially on cultivation and foraging, and then on agriculture and herding in large 'megasite' villages during the course of the PPNB; and finally on dispersed agro-pastoralism during the Late Neolithic. Yet, in order to understand the nature of transformations associated with 'Neolithisation' processes, it is crucial to note that many seminal ideological and other developments first commenced earlier during the course of the Epipalaeolithic Natufian. Furthermore, in addition to plant and animal domestication, these Neolithisation processes also involved such technological innovations as the management of fire, water and plastic materials, as well as the intensification of ritual and social interactions. Still, it is important to note that these 'first time' processes were neither linear nor directed. Wide-ranging cultural interaction spheres emerged throughout the Near East, of which the southern Levant formed but one component of broader systems. Subsistence shifted unevenly in time and space to domesticates, with foraging commonly still being important in some areas. Indeed, in recent years debates arose concerning the presence of polycentric developments as opposed to a single centre for plant and animal domestication within the Near East. The 'desert and the sown' dichotomy, already present earlier, continued, whether in the marginal zones of eastern Transjordan or in the Negev and Sinai.
The innate social tensions deriving from the emergence of larger sedentary communities were further exacerbated by discrepancies in the accumulation of material, social and ritual wealth within and between communities. Prestige and other items were exchanged, often over considerable distances, and there is some evidence for the emergence of incipient craft specialisation. Certain localities may have served as hubs for redistribution networks. Mechanisms for dissipating resulting 'scalar' stress involved the emergence and intensification of increasing social and ritual complexity. This is reflected in the proliferation of communal cultic installations and paraphernalia, whether in dedicated areas of settlements or as separate localities. This is also expressed in the variability of mortuary practices during the course of the PPN, ranging from single articulated burials to multiple secondary burials, the latter seemingly more common later in the period. While post-mortem skull removal, often interpreted as some form of ancestor veneration, was common it was by no means ubiquitous, having been initiated already during the Natufian. The role and intensity of inter-personal and even inter-community violence remains unclear. Furthermore, the effects of long-term sedentism and the introduction of domestic animals into villages raise issues concerning the emergence of contagious, including zoonotic diseases.
The presentation summarises the results of various recent investigations within the southern Levant during the course of the Aceramic Neolithic (PPNA and PPNB), and examine their significance concerning the nature and tempo of Neolithisation processes in the broader context of the Near East.
In recent decades the situation has improved markedly with numerous field projects conducted throughout the Near East including the southern Levant, an area characterised by a mosaic of ecological zones often located in close proximity to one another. The nature and intensity of climatic change during the course of the terminal Pleistocene and early Holocene throughout the region and their effects on socio-cultural developments including shifts in settlement patterns remains ambiguous.
Locally, the period witnessed significant demographic growth. It is possible that in part this reflects changes in lifeways and population movements, when small settled PPNA village communities were established, subsisting initially on cultivation and foraging, and then on agriculture and herding in large 'megasite' villages during the course of the PPNB; and finally on dispersed agro-pastoralism during the Late Neolithic. Yet, in order to understand the nature of transformations associated with 'Neolithisation' processes, it is crucial to note that many seminal ideological and other developments first commenced earlier during the course of the Epipalaeolithic Natufian. Furthermore, in addition to plant and animal domestication, these Neolithisation processes also involved such technological innovations as the management of fire, water and plastic materials, as well as the intensification of ritual and social interactions. Still, it is important to note that these 'first time' processes were neither linear nor directed. Wide-ranging cultural interaction spheres emerged throughout the Near East, of which the southern Levant formed but one component of broader systems. Subsistence shifted unevenly in time and space to domesticates, with foraging commonly still being important in some areas. Indeed, in recent years debates arose concerning the presence of polycentric developments as opposed to a single centre for plant and animal domestication within the Near East. The 'desert and the sown' dichotomy, already present earlier, continued, whether in the marginal zones of eastern Transjordan or in the Negev and Sinai.
The innate social tensions deriving from the emergence of larger sedentary communities were further exacerbated by discrepancies in the accumulation of material, social and ritual wealth within and between communities. Prestige and other items were exchanged, often over considerable distances, and there is some evidence for the emergence of incipient craft specialisation. Certain localities may have served as hubs for redistribution networks. Mechanisms for dissipating resulting 'scalar' stress involved the emergence and intensification of increasing social and ritual complexity. This is reflected in the proliferation of communal cultic installations and paraphernalia, whether in dedicated areas of settlements or as separate localities. This is also expressed in the variability of mortuary practices during the course of the PPN, ranging from single articulated burials to multiple secondary burials, the latter seemingly more common later in the period. While post-mortem skull removal, often interpreted as some form of ancestor veneration, was common it was by no means ubiquitous, having been initiated already during the Natufian. The role and intensity of inter-personal and even inter-community violence remains unclear. Furthermore, the effects of long-term sedentism and the introduction of domestic animals into villages raise issues concerning the emergence of contagious, including zoonotic diseases.
The presentation summarises the results of various recent investigations within the southern Levant during the course of the Aceramic Neolithic (PPNA and PPNB), and examine their significance concerning the nature and tempo of Neolithisation processes in the broader context of the Near East.
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This paper summarises typological and technological research on a small assemblage of pottery containers recovered at Kfar HaHoresh (KHH), a Pre-Pottery Neolithic B site in the Southern Levant. The majority of the sherds belong to a... more
This paper summarises typological and technological research on a small assemblage of pottery containers recovered at Kfar HaHoresh (KHH), a Pre-Pottery Neolithic B site in the Southern Levant. The majority of the sherds belong to a distinguishable fabric, composed of local marl matrix tempered with vegetal material originating from herbivore manure. Based on the scarcity and properties of the sherds, we propose that the pottery containers at KHH were rare vessels possibly produced for personal use or for use by distinctive individuals for very limited purposes.
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Research Interests: Engineering, Archaeology, Physics, Chemistry, Culture, and 5 moreBiology, Medicine, Multidisciplinary, Humans, and PLoS one
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Field research throughout the Near East has provided a large corpus of architectural remains from the terminal Pleistocene and early Holocene periods. These differ dramatically from the architectural remains of preceding cultures and,... more
Field research throughout the Near East has provided a large corpus of architectural remains from the terminal Pleistocene and early Holocene periods. These differ dramatically from the architectural remains of preceding cultures and, rather than simply reflecting the growth of technological know-how, indicate profound changes in the more general needs of human groups. The advent of sedentism had major impacts concerning the internal and external mindsets of the communities involved. Moreover, examination of the archaeological record of the Levant reveals that sedentism had an immediate impact as evidenced by increased community sizes and social networks. Concomitantly it brought about more subtle, incremental changes that terminated in the ‘Neolithic Revolution,’ as reflected in the architecture of the PPNB koine. The latter can be considered as the sum of the transformation processes that occurred vis-à-vis the role of architecture in the various domains of the transforming communities – as dwelling and storage structures, public buildings for communal activities and ritual institutions, amongst others.
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Two modest seasons of excavation at Kfar HaHoresh in the Lower Galilee , Nazareth Hills have revealed a small I 0 dunam settlement attributable to the middle phase of the PPNB. Mechanically excavated test trenches and subsequent... more
Two modest seasons of excavation at Kfar HaHoresh in the Lower Galilee , Nazareth Hills have revealed a small I 0 dunam settlement attributable to the middle phase of the PPNB. Mechanically excavated test trenches and subsequent systematic excavations in three areas along trench I on the modest north-facing slope revealed a series of large lime plaster floored quadrilateral sructures, with fieldstone wall foundations, 60-120 em wide. In the middle area, these architectural features appear to be primarily domestic in nature, and include several distinct phases. Subsidiary installations and features include hearths and pits. In the upper and lower areas of the excavation plaster floors ~verlie human and animal interments. demonstrating the existance of highly rituallistic burial customs. The chipped lithic assemblages recovered from the excavations provide evidence con' cerning several distinct reduction sequences. Sickle blades, burins and projectile points, the latter including Amuq points made with Abu Gosh pressure retouch, are notable. Bifacials are rare. Borers and other perforators form a major element of the assembalge. Small assemblages of ground stone tools and of marine molluscs were recovered. The faunal assemblage is dominated by wild, hunted species, especially gazelles, auroch, wild boar as well as goats. The material culture remains are consistent with a date in the first half of the 9th millenium BP, and comparisons with the nearby site of Yiftahel appear most relevant. • In light of the unique and hitherto undocumented ourial practices it would appear that in addition to daily domestic functions, the PPNB settllement at Kfar HaHoresh fulfilled a major ritual role in the area. 74
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Archaeological investigations along Nahal Sekher on the eastern edge of Israel's northwestern Negev Desert dunefield revealed concentrations of Epipalaeolithic campsites associated respectively with ancient water bodies. This study, aimed... more
Archaeological investigations along Nahal Sekher on the eastern edge of Israel's northwestern Negev Desert dunefield revealed concentrations of Epipalaeolithic campsites associated respectively with ancient water bodies. This study, aimed at better understanding the connections between these camps and the water bodies, is concerned with a cluster of Natufian sites. A comprehensive geomorphological study integrating field mapping, stratigraphic sections, sedimentological analysis and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages was conducted in the vicinity of a recently excavated Natufian campsite of Nahal Sekher VI whose artifacts directly overlay aeolian sand dated by OSL to 12.4±0.7 and 11.7±0.5 ka.
Residual sequences of diagnostic silty sediments, defined here as low-energy fluvial fine-grained deposits (LFFDs), were identified within the drainage system of central Nahal Sekher around the Nahal Sekher VI site. LFFD sections were found to represent both shoreline and mid-water deposits. The thicker mid-water LFFD deposits (15.7±0.7 - 10.7±0.5 ka) date within the range of the Epipalaeolithic campsites, while the upper and shoreline LFFD units that thin out into the sands adjacent to the Nahal Sekher VI site display slightly younger ages (10.8±0.4 ka - 7.6±0.4 ka). LFFD sedimentation by low-energy concentrated flow and standing-water developed as a result of proximal downstream dune-damming. These water bodies developed as a result of encroaching sand that initially crossed central Nahal Sekher by 15.7±0.7 ka and probably intermittently blocked the course of the wadi. LFFD deposition was therefore a response to a unique combination of regional sand supply due to frequent powerful winds and does not represent climate change in the form of increased precipitation or temperature change.
The chronostratigraphies affiliate the Natufian sites to the adjacent ancient water bodies. These relations reflect a rapid, but temporary anthropogenic response to a transient 'window' of improved local aeolian-fluvial palaeoenvironmental conditions during the Late Pleistocene-Holocene transition, but don’t necessarily point to a wetter or drier palaeoclimate.
Residual sequences of diagnostic silty sediments, defined here as low-energy fluvial fine-grained deposits (LFFDs), were identified within the drainage system of central Nahal Sekher around the Nahal Sekher VI site. LFFD sections were found to represent both shoreline and mid-water deposits. The thicker mid-water LFFD deposits (15.7±0.7 - 10.7±0.5 ka) date within the range of the Epipalaeolithic campsites, while the upper and shoreline LFFD units that thin out into the sands adjacent to the Nahal Sekher VI site display slightly younger ages (10.8±0.4 ka - 7.6±0.4 ka). LFFD sedimentation by low-energy concentrated flow and standing-water developed as a result of proximal downstream dune-damming. These water bodies developed as a result of encroaching sand that initially crossed central Nahal Sekher by 15.7±0.7 ka and probably intermittently blocked the course of the wadi. LFFD deposition was therefore a response to a unique combination of regional sand supply due to frequent powerful winds and does not represent climate change in the form of increased precipitation or temperature change.
The chronostratigraphies affiliate the Natufian sites to the adjacent ancient water bodies. These relations reflect a rapid, but temporary anthropogenic response to a transient 'window' of improved local aeolian-fluvial palaeoenvironmental conditions during the Late Pleistocene-Holocene transition, but don’t necessarily point to a wetter or drier palaeoclimate.
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Terminal Pleistocene (ca 25-15ka) lithic assemblages from the Nile Valley and the southern Levant are compared in order to test the hypothesis of contacts between populations in these two regions, including possible “Back-to-Africa”... more
Terminal Pleistocene (ca 25-15ka) lithic assemblages from the Nile Valley and the southern Levant are compared in order to test the hypothesis of contacts between populations in these two regions, including possible “Back-to-Africa” migrations, as indicated by genetic studies , e.g. [1].
The study focuses on Late Palaeolithic chipped stone industries of the Idfu/Esna area in Upper Egypt [2], and Epipalaeolithic industries in the western Negev Desert in Israel [3]. Both regions display a high diversity of lithic assemblages with numerous industries defined for the terminal Pleistocene. These industries are characterised by bladelet production associated with microliths, some systematically manufactured using the microburin technique and others without. Lithic assemblages are compared using a
typo-technological approach, in order to reconstruct the chaînes opératoires of their production that enable the identification of common technical features between the different regions. The study of lithic artefacts has the potential of indicating technical diffusions, indicating contacts between human groups whether by the movement of ideas or actual human groups.
First, the chrono-stratigraphic context of the sites was critically reviewed. Lithic assemblages from six Early (Azariq XIII – Masraqan; Azariq IV – Kebaran; Hamifgash IV - Nizzanan) and Middle (Azariq XVI – Geometric Kebaran; Azariq XII – Mushabian;
Shunera XXI – Ramonian) Epipalaeolithic sites in the Negev have been studied, covering a time range between23-14.5 ka cal BP [4]. Most are short-term occupation sites, associated with one or two hearths, some in situ and others on deflated surfaces, although the material is fresh and an extensive refitting program was accomplished previously [5]. The two Nile Valley sites discussed in this study, E71K18 (Afian) and E71K20 (Silsilian), were not directly dated, but rather by geological correlations based on radiocarbon dating elsewhere; the lithic material shows evidence for long-term surface exposure. The contemporaneity of these sites with the Early and Middle Epipalaeolithic of the Negev cannot therefore be securely confirmed, although an attribution to the end of the Pleistocene may be indicated by comparable material in dated sites from Middle Egypt (Makhadma area) and Wadi Kubbaniya.
Notwithstanding these limitations, comparisons of the Nile Valley and the Negev lithic assemblages indicate the presence of three technical complexes, i.e. two in the Levant (Masraqan/Kebaran/Geometric Kebaran vs Nizzanan/Mushabian/Ramonian) and one in the Nile Valley, which are highly distinct from one another from a technological point of view. This includes: preparation of core striking platforms, techniques of percussion, direction of debitage, presence and modalities of the application of the microburin technique. They also differ from a typological point of view (one or two standardised microlithic morphotypes in the Levant vs atypical geometric microliths or truncations in the Nile Valley). The assemblages of the Negev and Nile Valley probably reflect two distinct cultural spheres with little, if any, contact between each other. Rather than supporting the hypothesis of contacts between human groups at the end of the Pleistocene, our results support a hypothesis of isolation between the two regions during this period. However, this needs to be further investigated by studying other assemblages from the Nile Valley with more secure chrono-stratigraphic contexts.
Acknowledgements: We thank the Fyssen Foundation for supporting this research (grant to AL), the staff at the Department of Ancient Egypt and Sudan of the British Museum of London for help in accessing the “Wendorf Collection” (Late Palaeolithic Nile Valley sites). Many thanks to Professor Erella Hovers for her support and valuable comments throughout this research.
References:
[1] Hodgson, J.A., Mulligan, C.J., Al-Meeri, A., Raaum, R.L., 2014. Early Back-to-Africa Migration into the Horn of Africa. PLoS Genet. 10, e1004393.
[2] Wendorf, F., Schild, R., 1976. Prehistory of the Nile Valley, Studies in Archaeology. Academic Press, New York.
[3] Goring-Morris, A.N., 1987. At the edge: terminal Pleistocene hunter-gatherers in the Negev and Sinai. BAR-IS 361, Oxford.
[4] Belfer-Cohen, A., Goring-Morris, A.N., 2014. e Upper Palaeolithic and Earlier Epi-Palaeolithic of Western Asia. In: Renfrew, C., Bahn, P. (Eds.), e Cambridge World Prehistory. CUP, Cambridge, pp. 1381–1407.
[5] Goring-Morris, A.N., Marder, O., Davidzon, A., Ibrahim, F., 1998. Putting Humpty together again: Preliminary observations on refitting studies in the eastern Mediterranean. In: Milliken, S. (Ed.), e Organization of Lithic Technology in Late Glacial and Early Postglacial Europe. BAR-IS 700, Oxford, pp. 149–82.
The study focuses on Late Palaeolithic chipped stone industries of the Idfu/Esna area in Upper Egypt [2], and Epipalaeolithic industries in the western Negev Desert in Israel [3]. Both regions display a high diversity of lithic assemblages with numerous industries defined for the terminal Pleistocene. These industries are characterised by bladelet production associated with microliths, some systematically manufactured using the microburin technique and others without. Lithic assemblages are compared using a
typo-technological approach, in order to reconstruct the chaînes opératoires of their production that enable the identification of common technical features between the different regions. The study of lithic artefacts has the potential of indicating technical diffusions, indicating contacts between human groups whether by the movement of ideas or actual human groups.
First, the chrono-stratigraphic context of the sites was critically reviewed. Lithic assemblages from six Early (Azariq XIII – Masraqan; Azariq IV – Kebaran; Hamifgash IV - Nizzanan) and Middle (Azariq XVI – Geometric Kebaran; Azariq XII – Mushabian;
Shunera XXI – Ramonian) Epipalaeolithic sites in the Negev have been studied, covering a time range between23-14.5 ka cal BP [4]. Most are short-term occupation sites, associated with one or two hearths, some in situ and others on deflated surfaces, although the material is fresh and an extensive refitting program was accomplished previously [5]. The two Nile Valley sites discussed in this study, E71K18 (Afian) and E71K20 (Silsilian), were not directly dated, but rather by geological correlations based on radiocarbon dating elsewhere; the lithic material shows evidence for long-term surface exposure. The contemporaneity of these sites with the Early and Middle Epipalaeolithic of the Negev cannot therefore be securely confirmed, although an attribution to the end of the Pleistocene may be indicated by comparable material in dated sites from Middle Egypt (Makhadma area) and Wadi Kubbaniya.
Notwithstanding these limitations, comparisons of the Nile Valley and the Negev lithic assemblages indicate the presence of three technical complexes, i.e. two in the Levant (Masraqan/Kebaran/Geometric Kebaran vs Nizzanan/Mushabian/Ramonian) and one in the Nile Valley, which are highly distinct from one another from a technological point of view. This includes: preparation of core striking platforms, techniques of percussion, direction of debitage, presence and modalities of the application of the microburin technique. They also differ from a typological point of view (one or two standardised microlithic morphotypes in the Levant vs atypical geometric microliths or truncations in the Nile Valley). The assemblages of the Negev and Nile Valley probably reflect two distinct cultural spheres with little, if any, contact between each other. Rather than supporting the hypothesis of contacts between human groups at the end of the Pleistocene, our results support a hypothesis of isolation between the two regions during this period. However, this needs to be further investigated by studying other assemblages from the Nile Valley with more secure chrono-stratigraphic contexts.
Acknowledgements: We thank the Fyssen Foundation for supporting this research (grant to AL), the staff at the Department of Ancient Egypt and Sudan of the British Museum of London for help in accessing the “Wendorf Collection” (Late Palaeolithic Nile Valley sites). Many thanks to Professor Erella Hovers for her support and valuable comments throughout this research.
References:
[1] Hodgson, J.A., Mulligan, C.J., Al-Meeri, A., Raaum, R.L., 2014. Early Back-to-Africa Migration into the Horn of Africa. PLoS Genet. 10, e1004393.
[2] Wendorf, F., Schild, R., 1976. Prehistory of the Nile Valley, Studies in Archaeology. Academic Press, New York.
[3] Goring-Morris, A.N., 1987. At the edge: terminal Pleistocene hunter-gatherers in the Negev and Sinai. BAR-IS 361, Oxford.
[4] Belfer-Cohen, A., Goring-Morris, A.N., 2014. e Upper Palaeolithic and Earlier Epi-Palaeolithic of Western Asia. In: Renfrew, C., Bahn, P. (Eds.), e Cambridge World Prehistory. CUP, Cambridge, pp. 1381–1407.
[5] Goring-Morris, A.N., Marder, O., Davidzon, A., Ibrahim, F., 1998. Putting Humpty together again: Preliminary observations on refitting studies in the eastern Mediterranean. In: Milliken, S. (Ed.), e Organization of Lithic Technology in Late Glacial and Early Postglacial Europe. BAR-IS 700, Oxford, pp. 149–82.
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Cylindrical objects made usually of fired clay but sometimes of stone were found at the Yarmukian Pottery Neolithic sites of Sha'ar HaGolan and Munhata (first half of the 8 th millennium BP) in the Jordan Valley. Similar objects have been... more
Cylindrical objects made usually of fired clay but sometimes of stone were found at the Yarmukian Pottery Neolithic sites of Sha'ar HaGolan and Munhata (first half of the 8 th millennium BP) in the Jordan Valley. Similar objects have been reported from other Near Eastern Pottery Neolithic sites. Most scholars have interpreted them as cultic objects in the shape of phalli, while others have referred to them in more general terms as ''clay pestles,'' ''clay rods,'' and ''cylindrical clay objects.'' Re-examination of these artifacts leads us to present a new interpretation of their function and to suggest a reconstruction of their technology and mode of use. We suggest that these objects were components of fire drills and consider them the earliest evidence of a complex technology of fire ignition, which incorporates the cylindrical objects in the role of matches.