New light on final Pleistocene settlement diversity in the Azraq basin (Jordan): recent excavations at 'Ayn Qasiyya
Authors: Richter, T., Allcock, S., Jones, M., Maher, L., Martin, L., Stock, J. and Thorne, B.
Journal: Paléorient
Volume: 352
Pages: 49-68
Abstract:Excavations at the Early Epipalaeolithic site of ‘Ayn Qasiyya in the Azraq Oasis in Eastern Jordan contribute major new data to our understanding of settlement patterns, ecological proxies on cultural change, burial practices and social interaction during the final Pleistocene in Southwest Asia. This paper presents a summary of work at the site to date, provides interim results of faunal and finds analysis, as well as the human remains from the site, and discusses the importance of these results in the context of the regional and pan-regional final Pleistocene cultural sequence. Our data provide insights into the relationship between the Nebekian and Kebaran lithic industries, suggest that the local environment in the Azraq Oasis facilitated the onset of pedogenesis at about 21,000-20,000 cal. BP, and confirm the ephemeral nature of Early Epipalaeolithic burial practices.
Source: Manual