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2018 | Book

The Acheulian Site of Gesher Benot Ya‘aqov Volume IV

The Lithic Assemblages

Authors: Prof. Naama Goren-Inbar, Nira Alperson-Afil, Gonen Sharon, Gadi Herzlinger

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Book Series : Vertebrate Paleobiology and Paleoanthropology

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About this book

This manuscript is the 4th Volume of the Gesher Benot Ya‘aqov (GBY) monograph sub-series. The goal of the book is to publish the lithic assemblages originating in the excavations of the Acheulian site at Gesher Benot Ya‘aqov (GBY), Israel. The authors provide the readers with detailed descriptions of the lithic assemblages, illustrations (maps, photographs, drawings) and complete inventory of the artifacts that were excavated during the seven field seasons of 1989-1997 (two in 1997) under the directorship of Prof. Naama Goren-Inbar. This manuscript includes the classification of Large Cutting Tools (bifaces: handaxes and cleavers), Cores and Core Tools, and Flake Tools made of three different raw materials (flint, basalt and limestone).

This major classification system enables, in addition to the characterization of the assemblages, intra and inter assemblage analyses and comparisons. It forms the foundation and means with which the GBY cultural sequence can be investigated and compared with other Levantine, African and Asian Acheulian entities. From a methodological perspective the authors apply a detailed attribute analysis to all lithic items, a method that integrates morpho-technoogical and stylistic observations culminating in better understanding of the Acheulian realm as documented by the analysis. This analysis is aimed to refine and improve the understanding beyond that of types and their technology and to allow describing the reduction sequence (chaîne opératoire) of some of the major components of the lithic asemblages. The unique record of diverse data from GBY provides insight into hominin behavior (through time) along the margins of the paleo-Lake Hula, and sheds light on processes that led to the colonization of other parts of Eurasia. The book will be of interest to academics and students in all disciplines of Quaternary studies, and to archaeologists using GIS for intra-site spatial analysis.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. Introduction
Abstract
Chapter 1 presents the aims and contents of this volume together with the general geographical background of the study. The volume’s main objective is to present a comprehensive description of the lithic component of Gesher Benot Yaʻaqov. Such a description enables discussion of different cognitive, behavioral, and cultural aspects of the hominins who occupied the site. The long occupational sequence excavated at the site provides an exceptional opportunity to study the Acheulian material culture through time and in a unique geographical position on the route out of Africa.
In addition, this chapter provides the geographical background of the study and discusses the climate, vegetation, and fauna of Lake Hula and the Hula Valley in the past and present. There appears to be continuity in the habitats and their associated biological elements from Early Pleistocene to Recent times.
Naama Goren-Inbar, Nira Alperson-Afil, Gonen Sharon, Gadi Herzlinger
Chapter 2. History of Research
Abstract
Chapter 2 presents the history of the archaeological discoveries and excavations at Gesher Benot Yaʻaqov, from as early as the 1930s to very recently. Throughout these years, the area of the site was subjected to recurrent activities of construction, destruction, and drainage. The chapter provides a detailed account of the history of research on Gesher Benot Yaʻaqov and the Benot Yaʻakov Formation by scholars such as D. Garrod, M. Stekelis, and D. Gilead. Furthermore, as this volume is dedicated to the lithic assemblages originating from recent (1989 onwards) archaeological excavations at the site, an account of this phase of archaeological research is provided, as well as a summary of the main scientific achievements derived from it.
Naama Goren-Inbar, Nira Alperson-Afil, Gonen Sharon, Gadi Herzlinger
Chapter 3. The Site of Gesher Benot Yaʻaqov
Abstract
Chapter 3 is concerned with the geography, geology, stratigraphy, and chronology of the site of Gesher Benot Yaʻaqov. The geographical landmarks of the study area are presented in detail and the structural, morphotectonical, and geomorphological processes of the area are discussed. The different exposures of the Benot Yaʻakov Formation, in which the archaeological material is bedded, are described. The stratigraphic sequence of the study area is provided, together with a composite section of 34 meters. In addition, the various attempts to determine the age of the site are discussed, followed by a description of the different types of raw material found at the site.
Naama Goren-Inbar, Nira Alperson-Afil, Gonen Sharon, Gadi Herzlinger
Chapter 4. Methodology
Abstract
Chapter 4 presents a detailed account of the field and laboratory methodologies used at Gesher Benot Yaʻaqov. It provides a comprehensive description of the excavation methods and techniques pertaining to the grid, elevations, coordinates, sieving, sediment sampling, drafting of maps and cross-sections, and conservation. Laboratory methods include detailed descriptions of sediment sorting and lithic analysis, the latter including attribute analysis that incorporates in-depth descriptions of typological, technological, and morphological characteristics. This chapter is accompanied by five appendices presenting the typological list and the attributes and attribute states recorded for flakes and flake tools, cores and core tools, handaxes, and cleavers.
Naama Goren-Inbar, Nira Alperson-Afil, Gonen Sharon, Gadi Herzlinger
Chapter 5. The Lithic Assemblages in Context
Abstract
Chapter 5 presents a detailed account of the excavated archaeological layers at Gesher Benot Yaʻaqov. It provides data on the location and stratigraphic position of each excavated unit in the study area, as well as details of the surface exposed, thickness and volume of the layers, and their sedimentological characteristics. When available, the results of faunal and floral analyses are summarized and references are provided. The description of the excavated units is accompanied by a series of illustrations, including photographs, cross-sections, and field maps.
In some cases, information on the strategy applied to sampling and excavation methods in particular settings is given.
For each excavated stratigraphic unit the inventory of the lithic assemblage of all field seasons is presented in detail. This is the only detailed presentation of the complete lithic inventory (regardless of sample size), encompassing all three raw materials and the frequencies of both waste and tools.
Naama Goren-Inbar, Nira Alperson-Afil, Gonen Sharon, Gadi Herzlinger
Chapter 6. The Flint Component
Abstract
Chapter 6 aims to provide a comprehensive description of the flint assemblages, a major component of the archaeological horizons of Gesher Benot Yaʻaqov. Analyses consist of taphonomic, morphological, technological, and typological observations, which enable characterization and reconstruction of the operational sequences of flint.
Both cores and core tools and flakes and flake tools are small, probably a result of the small size of the flint nodules chosen as blanks. In contrast, flint bifaces are modified on larger nodules. The bifacial component is represented in this chapter only through the analysis of its shaping and finishing products. These resemble products of the Levallois method, which is discussed in detail, particularly in the analyses of Levallois cores.
Flake tools exhibit a variety of types and occur in high frequencies through the entire cultural sequence. Special attention is paid here to the modification of the proximal ends of flakes, interpreted as a preparatory stage for hafting.
Naama Goren-Inbar, Nira Alperson-Afil, Gonen Sharon, Gadi Herzlinger
Chapter 7. The Basalt Component
Abstract
Chapter 7 aims to provide a comprehensive description of the basalt assemblages, a major component of the archaeological horizons of Gesher Benot Ya‘aqov. Analyses consist of taphonomic, morphological, technological, and typological observations, which enable characterization and reconstruction of the operational sequences of basalt. These involve percussive tools (anvils, percussors, and pitted stones) and the use of giant cores for the production of large flakes, which required minimal modification for their transformation into bifaces.
Naama Goren-Inbar, Nira Alperson-Afil, Gonen Sharon, Gadi Herzlinger
Chapter 8. The Limestone Component
Abstract
In-depth study of Acheulian limestone artifacts from Gesher Benot Yaʻaqov (0.79 Ma) has revealed that limestone nodules procured from fluvial deposits were transported to the lake margin and exploited throughout the occupational sequence (ca. 50 ka). Analyses of the limestone assemblages show that individual artifacts went through several use-stages or complex life-histories within a single reduction sequence. This reduction sequence began with the targeting of nodules suitable for use as percussors. Use of the percussors sometimes resulted in breakage that produced flakes typical of working accidents. Broken percussors were shaped into a second morphotype, chopping tools, while cores comprise a third morphotype. These morphotypes are viewed as consecutive, interrelated options. Once a morphotype was inadequate for use it was transformed into another, resulting in gradual reduction of dimensions from one type to the next. The ability to renovate/recycle implies flexibility and contingency.
Naama Goren-Inbar, Nira Alperson-Afil, Gonen Sharon, Gadi Herzlinger
Chapter 9. Discussion and Conclusions
Abstract
This chapter summarizes the results of the analyses of the lithic assemblages of Gesher Benot Yaʻaqov and their behavioral, social, and cognitive implications. We discuss the place of these lithic assemblages within the Acheulian record and present a summary of the reduction sequences of each of the raw materials. We provide a comparative view of the reduction sequences, emphasizing typological and technological characteristics as well as issues of variability and conservatism along the cultural sequence. Finally, we present our conclusions on the behavioral patterns and cognitive abilities of the hominins that occupied the site, including issues of mobility, division of labor, group size, preferred locale, home base, and modern cognitive traits.
Naama Goren-Inbar, Nira Alperson-Afil, Gonen Sharon, Gadi Herzlinger
Backmatter
Metadata
Title
The Acheulian Site of Gesher Benot Ya‘aqov Volume IV
Authors
Prof. Naama Goren-Inbar
Nira Alperson-Afil
Gonen Sharon
Gadi Herzlinger
Copyright Year
2018
Electronic ISBN
978-3-319-74051-5
Print ISBN
978-3-319-74050-8
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74051-5