High-Resolution Microarchaeological Techniques for Understanding Depositional and Postdepositional Processes in Mugr-el Hamamah Cave (Jordan)

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

The rich archaeological record of the Mughr-el Hamamah (MHM) site in Jordan is key to understanding the Middle-Upper Paleolithic transition in the Levant. However, important postdepositional processes due to pastoral activities during the twentieth century have affected the archaeological deposits and need to be taken into account. The archaeological deposits consist of Layer A, resulting from these pastoral activities, and Layer B, dated 44.5–40.0 ky BP. Field observations suggest that Layer B has been partially altered by shepherds, affecting the Early Upper Paleolithic deposits. Here we present the results of a multiproxy microarchaeological approach applied to MHM aimed at delineating these disturbances and other post-depositional processes that may have affected the archaeological record of Layer B, including plant microremains (phytoliths). Fecal spherulites, were used to define the limits of disturbance in Layer B. Micromorphological analysis identified four intact depositional facies in Layer B, representing an interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors. Characteristic dicotyledonous phytoliths were identified in the hearths, indicating the use of wood as fuel. Fruit phytoliths also occurred in the western area, where well-preserved charred wood and seeds were found. Finally, herb-diagnostic phytoliths correspond to C3 and C4 taxa indicating an overall humid environment with dry spells.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 39992.0