Alternative perspectives of projectile point variability during the Levantine Neolithic

Ghwair I, a Pre-Pottery Neolithic B community in southern Jordan, has an abundant projectile point assemblage that facilitates a thorough characterization and detailed techno-typological analysis of the projectile points recovered. It is concluded that current typologies tend to mask significant morphological aspects of the projectile points. To explore these aspects, other perspectives such as raw material selection and manufacture are considered; The low amounts of cortex, minimum retouch, and the frequency tertiary blades are shown to be reflections of a conscientious effort to secure fine quality chert for lithic production. The presence of the "miniature" points represents a deliberate effort by the inhabitants to utilize bladelets as a key production blank. In addition, the uniqueness and fragility of the "cached" projectile points are considered to reflect their social significance. Based on these findings, this investigation confirms that Ghwair I was a developed and socially complex community.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Anthropology

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Year

2001

Author dc:creator

• Powell, Doss F.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Alan Simmons

Statement dc:rights

• IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/rtds/1295

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:oasis.library.unlv.edu:rtds-2294