The Natural Inspiration for Natufian Art: Cases from Wadi Hammeh 27, Jordan

Edwards, Phillip C.; Major, Janine; McNamara, Kenneth J.; Robertson, Rosie

doi:10.1017/s0959774319000234

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 61 publications

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“…5.21). The site also yielded a rich inventory of small finds, including numerous dentalium shells and other sorts of ornaments and figurines (Edwards et al 2019).…”

Section: New Generationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

One Hundred Years of Archaeological Research in Jordan

Rollefson

Schmidt

Schick³

2022

JJHA

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This three-part article presents the history of archaeological research in Jordan, especially in the last one hundred years and concentrating on methodological advances. The first part of the article by Gary Rollefson covers the prehistoric periods, first by presenting the achievements of the pioneers and then by concentrating on research developments in the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods from 9,750 to 3,750 BC. The second part of the article by Katharina Schmidt covers the Bronze and Iron Ages and highlights trends in archaeological research over the past one hundred years. The third part of the article by Robert Schick presents archaeological research in the Hellenistic to Islamic Periods, focusing on the contribution of foreign researchers, and presenting developments by decade

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“…5.21). The site also yielded a rich inventory of small finds, including numerous dentalium shells and other sorts of ornaments and figurines (Edwards et al 2019).…”

Section: New Generationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

One Hundred Years of Archaeological Research in Jordan

Rollefson

Schmidt

Schick³

2022

JJHA

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“…Funerary norms and the manufacture of ornaments and utilitarian objects decorated with recurring figurative or geometric motifs both suggest a community of values and beliefs beyond the similarities in lifestyle and technical practices (e.g. Bocquentin et al, 2010;Edwards et al, 2019 and figure 2).…”

Section: Natufian Landmarksmentioning

confidence: 99%

Considerations on the mechanisms of integration of the dead in the early sedentary societies of the Near East (Natufian, 15-11.6 ka cal BP)

Bocquentin¹,

Noûs²

2022

bmsap

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With the beginning of sedentary life in the Near East, the practice of burying the dead, which was exceptional throughout the Palaeolithic period, became widespread. From then on, an enduring relationship became established between the living and the dead coexisting in the same settlement, and it seems that the boundary that separated them began to blur. As many burials were excavated long ago, the spatial and stratigraphic evidence and the treatment of corpses are often imprecise. However, there are still indications that a dynamic of interdependence between the living and the dead became more marked over time. We show that, well beyond their passive occupation of the territory of which they are presumed to have been the guardians, the dead took on a decisive role in the foundation and the subsequent restructuring of settlements. The location of the graves and the succession of activities and constructions are evidence of deliberate planning of the dwelling space, in which the role of each actor became sustained over time. The alternation of individual and collective treatments of the deceased seems to correspond to changes in the occupation of each settlement. It can then be seen that if the relationship between graves and dwellings is loosened, the funerary time span lengthens and the boundary between the living and the dead becomes permeable.

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Early human collective practices and symbolism in the Early Upper Paleolithic of Southwest Asia

Barzilai,

Marder,

Tejero

et al. 2024

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

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Identifying communal rituals in the Paleolithic is of scientific importance, as it reflects the expression of collective identity and the maintenance of group cohesion. This study provides evidence indicating the practice of deep cave collective rituals in the Levant during the Early Upper Paleolithic (EUP) period. It is demonstrated that these gatherings occurred within a distinct ritual compound and were centered around an engraved object in the deepest part of Manot Cave, a pivotal EUP site in southwest Asia. The ritual compound, segregated from the living areas, encompasses a large gallery partitioned by a cluster of remarkable speleothems. Within this gallery, an engraved boulder stands out, displaying geometric signs suggesting a unique representation of a tortoise. Isotopic analysis of calcite crusts on the boulder’s grooves revealed alignment with values found in speleothems from the cave dated to ~37 to 35 ka BP. Additionally, meticulous shape analysis of the grooves’ cross-section and the discernible presence of microlinear scratches on the grooves’ walls confirmed their anthropogenic origin. Examination of stalagmite laminae (36 ka BP) near the engraved boulder revealed a significant presence of wood ash particles within. This finding provides evidence for using fire to illuminate the dark, deep part of the cave during rituals. Acoustic tests conducted in various cave areas indicate that the ritual compound was well suited for communal gatherings, facilitating conversations, speeches, and hearing. Our results underscore the critical role of collective practices centered around a symbolic object in fostering a functional social network within the regional EUP communities.

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The Natural Inspiration for Natufian Art: Cases from Wadi Hammeh 27, Jordan

Cited by 3 publications

References 61 publications

One Hundred Years of Archaeological Research in Jordan

One Hundred Years of Archaeological Research in Jordan

Considerations on the mechanisms of integration of the dead in the early sedentary societies of the Near East (Natufian, 15-11.6 ka cal BP)

Early human collective practices and symbolism in the Early Upper Paleolithic of Southwest Asia

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