Mapping lateral stratigraphy at Palaeolithic surface sites

A case study from Dhofar, Oman

Bibliographic Data

ID6433191
AuthorsJeffrey I Rose (0000-0003-0006-7064, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Archaeology, Prague), Y H Hilbert (0000-0002-5469-2933, University of Tübingen), Vitaly I Usyk (Institute of Archaeology), Michelle Bebber (0000-0002-6084-8420, Kent State University), A Beshkani (0000-0001-8450-9610, Histoire Naturelle des Humanités Préhistoriques), Briggs Buchanan (0000-0002-5684-9615, University of Tulsa), João Cascalheira (0000-0003-0321-8892, University of Algarve), Dominik Chlachula (0009-0009-6879-6416, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Archaeology, Brno), Rudolf Dellmour (Geological Survey of Austria), M I Eren (0000-0003-3576-6076, Cleveland Museum of Natural History), Ramya Garba (0000-0001-8112-9428, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Archaeology, Prague), E Hallinan (0000-0002-0698-8238, University of Algarve), Liqing Li (0000-0001-8297-309X, University of Algarve), Li Li (0000-0001-9700-9682), Robert S Walker (0000-0002-1853-4137, University of Missouri), Anthony E Marks (0000-0003-0195-0203, Southern Methodist University)
Year2024
Volume173
Pages106117-106117
Publication date2024-11-21
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Archaeological Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0305-4403 • E-ISSN: 1095-9238
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.jas.2024.106117
OpenAlexW4404578879
LanguageEN
Citations received10
References cited58

Open-air accumulations of chipped stone debris are a common feature in arid landscapes, yet despite their prevalence, such archives are often dismissed as uninformative or unreliable. In the canyonlands of Dhofar, southern Oman, lithic surface scatters are nearly ubiquitous, including extensive, multi-component workshops associated with chert outcrops. These sites typically display chronologically diagnostic features that correspond to distinct taphonomic states, which in turn appear linked to spatial distribution, with more heavily weathered artifacts often found farther from the chert outcrops. We propose that post-depositional modifications and spatial distributions of chipped stone artifacts reflect site formation processes and, under certain conditions, may provide relative chronological information when absolute dating methods are unavailable. Our study tests this hypothesis by mapping artifact distribution and lithic taphonomy across a series of surface sites in southern Oman, spanning the Lower, Middle, and Upper/Late Palaeolithic periods. The results largely support our model, offering valuable insights into surface site formation and technological change over time. While these findings serve as broad predictive markers for age, their applicability for analyzing finer-scale assemblage variability remains to be determined. Future taphonomic recording systems should aim to quantify surface modifications to enhance replicability for such studies. • Lithic scatters in Dhofar exhibit spatial patterns related to taphonomic states. • Patination provides a relative chronological marker at mixed surface sites. • Optimal range for recording lithic taphonomy spans the Middle Palaeolithic period. • Lithic taphonomy can be used to study diachronic changes on time-averaged surfaces

Archaeology · Geography · Tectonics · Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies · Geology and Paleoclimatology Research · Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology · Geology · Paleontology · Stratigraphy

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