Several occupation levels dating to the sixth to fifth millennia BC (the Wadi Rabah and pre-Ghassulian Late Neolithic and Chalcolithic cultures as well as the Early Bronze Age IB–II) were found in a salvage excavation conducted at Ein Zippori in the lower Galilee. Pottery vessels from the different periods were sampled for organic residue analysis study and were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Olive oil was one of the most common organic residues detected in the vessels, from the levels of the Wadi Rabah occupation and onwards (sixth to fifth millennia BC). This find throws new light on the exploitation of olives in the southern Levant as well as on the large-scale production and consumption of olive oil in the Late Pottery Neolithic and pre-Ghassulian Chalcolithic times.

Two extended seasons of excavations were recently conducted at the site of Yiftahel (Khalet Khalladyiah) in the fringe of Beit Netofa valley, Lower Galilee. Four new areas (F, G, H and I) were opened in addition to the five areas excavated in the past. This note will present the highlights from the main occupational period at Yiftahel, i. e., the Mid-Late PPNB (8,000-7,000 BC). Large PPNB buildings, displaying rectilinear plan with mud-brick and/ or stone walls, were discovered in the recent seasons of excavations. All buildings have thick lime-plastered floors. Aside from plentiful lithic assemblages related to the “naviform” industry, rich botanical and faunal remains were found at the site. The most outstanding fi nds are related to the mortuary practices, including three modeled plastered skulls.

Abstract:Fan (or tabular) scrapers are a diagnostic tool type in Chalcolithic Ghassulian and Early Bronze Age lithic assemblages from the southern Levant. To date, only small numbers of fan scrapers have been reported from the Late Pottery Neolithic Wadi Rabah culture. In this paper we present a technotypological analysis of a fair sample of fan scrapers and fan scrapers spalls from Wadi Rabah and Early Bronze Age layers at Ein Zippori, Lower Galilee, Israel. Techno-typological similarities and differences of Wadi Rabah, Chalcolithic Ghassulian and Early Bronze Age fan scrapers from Ein Zippori and other sites in the region are presented, trends of change along time are noted, and an updated definition is proposed. Our results indicate that fan scrapers are highly efficient tools for accurate and prolonged animal butchering and hide working. The main advantage of fan scrapers is their mostly flat, thin morphology and large size that permits the creation of several relatively long working edges, various retouched angles (from sharp to abrupt), extensive resharpening, and a comfortable grasp. While fan scrapers were products of a local trajectory in Late Pottery Neolithic Wadi Rabah lithic industries at Ein Zippori, a standardized, off-site manufacturing of fan scrapers is evident during the Early Bronze Age.

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This paper presents a detailed study of a unique groundstone (henceforth-stone) tool — the flaked stone disc. The study presents the result of an attribute analysis conducted on 703 flaked discs found in stratified contexts during excavations and as surface finds, all from sites in northern Israel. The discs are described in detail and some provisional suggestions regarding their function are discussed.