The utilization of birds at neolithic WF16, southern Jordan: Cut marks, body parts, and experimental skinning

Abstract

WF16 is an early Neolithic settlement in southern Jordan with a large bird bone assemblage (Number of Identified Specimens [NISP] = 7808), representing 18 families. We explore how the birds were utilized by considering cut marks and body part representation for each of the families represented, also drawing on the experimental skinning of buzzards, the most common bird in the assemblage. We conclude that the bird bones accumulated from a mix of activities including the exploitation of a seasonally abundant supply of migratory birds for food; the acquisition of skins, feathers and talons for decorative, symbolic and practical purposes; and the trapping of wildfowl and gamebirds as a supplementary food source to large mammals.

Birds as indicators of early Holocene biodiversity and the seasonal nature of human activity at WF16, an early Neolithic site in Faynan, Southern Jordan

“…An analysis of body parts and cut marks indicated that steppe buzzards had been brought to the settlement as whole carcasses. Some of these were skinned, as may have also been the case for honey buzzards and kites, and some were processed for consumption (White et al ., 2021b). Other large birds, including the lappet‐faced vulture, eastern Imperial, Bonelli's and Verreaux's eagles, were probably utilised for their plumage, as only their wing bones were present at the site, several with indicative cut marks.…”

“…Although only eight specimens from MacQueen's bustard were recovered, this may have been a resident of Faynan and hunted primarily for food. Skeletal part frequencies also indicate that buzzards, kites and honey buzzards are likely to have been consumed (White et al ., 2021b). The bird bones were heavily concentrated in three structures, O45, O11 and O56 (Fig.…”

“…As White et al . (2021b) described, these distinctive birds had been carefully butchered at WF16 to detach wings and feathers, and most likely for consumption. With a preference for semi‐arid environments and rocky escarpments, the northern bald ibis nests on cliffs close to watercourses (Serra et al ., 2011, 2015).…”

“…A proportion of the El‐Khiam stone points from WF16 have impact fractures and were evidently arrowheads (Smith, 2007), numerous grooved stones were likely used as shaft‐straighteners (e.g. Mithen et al ., 2018: Figs 5.7 and 6.9) and feathers from eagles and other larger raptors may have been used to fletch the arrows (White et al ., 2021b). Impressions of textiles on gypsum plaster, most likely made from twisted vegetable fibres, indicate that nets could have been made (Mithen et al ., 2018: Fig.…”

“…The larger eagles and vultures are likely to have been trapped as individuals and appear to have been butchered in the field, or scavenged, with selected body parts, notably wings, returned to WF16 (White et al ., 2021b). Whereas buzzard capture is likely to have been a carefully planned activity to secure multiple birds, the hunting of larger raptors and birds such as storks and cranes may have been more opportunistic, responding to the sight of such birds at Faynan.…”