A techno-typological analysis of Tor al-Tareeq (WHS 1065): An Epipaleolithic site in west-central Jordan

Abstract

A techno-typological analysis of the chipped stone assemblage from Tor al-Tareeq (WHS 1065), an Epipaleolithic site in Wadi Hasa, west-central Jordan, suggests that significant typological and technological changes occurred during the occupation of this site. The lowest levels have reliable radiocarbon dates (ca. 17,000-16,000 BP) and are associated with very narrow, backed microliths, single platform bladelet and multi-platform flake and blade cores, and use of the microburin technique. The overlying, undated levels are associated with wide, short, geometric microliths, bi- and multi-directional flake and blade cores, and absence of the microburin technique. These technological and typological changes, associated with decreased mobility and moister climatic conditions in the upper levels, were not synchronous. The trend towards the manufacture of wide bladelet tools occurred before significantly wider bladelet blanks were being manufactured. The techno-typological characteristics of these assemblages resemble roughly contemporary sites in the Azraq Basin, northeastern Jordan.