The Early PPNB of Amqa (Upper Galilee, Israel) from a Regional Perspective

Abstract. Salvage excavations at the site of Amqa (upper Galilee, Israel) revealed a rich PPN occupation layer confined to a natural bedrock depression covering ca. 25 m2. The finds present an intriguing combination of EPPNB traditions and PPNA elements, including a dominant component of imported bi...

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書誌詳細
出版年:URI:https://journals.openedition.org/paleorient,
主要な著者: Shemer, Maayan, Brailovsky-Rokser, Lena, Birkenfeld, Michal
フォーマット: Article ou chapitre numérique
言語:Anglais
出版事項: Paléorient 2024
主題:
オンライン・アクセス:Accès Université d'Orléans et IFPM
Accès Université d'Orléans et IFPM
その他の書誌記述
要約:Abstract. Salvage excavations at the site of Amqa (upper Galilee, Israel) revealed a rich PPN occupation layer confined to a natural bedrock depression covering ca. 25 m2. The finds present an intriguing combination of EPPNB traditions and PPNA elements, including a dominant component of imported bi-directional blade blanks and the prominent use of non-local pink/purple and beige flint types, as well as a significant microlithic component. Among the projectile points, Helwan points are the most common, with a notable presence of Khiam points and single examples of northern types, such as “Foliate”/“Nemrik” points and Hollow-based points. Reaping knives are abundant alongside finely denticulated sickle blades. Bifacial tools are thin and unpolished, some of them bearing tranchet removal scars. Long-distance contacts are indicated by a rich obsidian assemblage and by the presence of bifacial tools made of the green mineral nephrite. Although absolute dating could not be achieved due to the poor preservation of organic material, the site of Amqa presents a notable addition to the discussion of early Neolithic dynamics and settlement patterns in the southern Levant. This paper presents the site of Amqa and the analyses of the material culture reflected through the finds and discusses its contribution to the regional debate regarding the onset of “Neolithic lifeways” in our region.