Ashqelon Barne'a. The Early Bronze Age Site. Volume II: The Finds 9789654067614, 9789654067621, 9654067617

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IAA Reports, No. 70

Ashqelon Barne‘a The Early Bronze Age Site Volume II The Finds Amir Golani

With contributions by

Guy Bar-Oz, Anat Cohen-Weinberger, Gaëlle Le Dosseur, Mae Goder-Goldberger, Haskel J. Greenfield, Inbar Ktalav, Omri Lernau, Yael Mahler-Slasky, Yossi Nagar, Danny Rosenberg, Ariel Shatil, Svetlana Talis, Ehud Weiss and Anuar Zidane

JERUSALEM 2022

IAA Reports Publications of the Israel Antiquities Authority Editor-in-Chief: Zvi Greenhut Series and Production Editor: Shelley Sadeh Volume Editor: Ayelet Hashahar Malka Front Cover: The southern part of the site, with the city of Ashqelon in the distance (photographer: Jimmy Kdoshim) Back Cover: Pottery finds (photographer: Clara Amit) Layout, Typesetting and Production: Ann Buchnick-Abuhav Illustrations and Cover Design: Ann Buchnick-Abuhav Printing: Digiprint Zahav Ltd. Copyright © 2022, The Israel Antiquities Authority, Jerusalem POB 586, Jerusalem, 91004 ISBN 978-965-406-761-4 EISBN 978-965-406-762-1 www.antiquities.org.il

To my children, Tal and Sivan, the future is yours

Contents

ABBREVIATIONS

vii

FOREWORD

viii

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

Amir Golani and Svetlana Talis

Appendix 1.1: Ceramic Type Frequencies According to Area and Stratum

1 79

CHAPTER 2: PETROGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF SELECTED VESSELS

Anat Cohen-Weinberger

91

CHAPTER 3: THE FLINT ASSEMBLAGE

Mae Goder-Goldberger

101

CHAPTER 4: THE GROUNDSTONE ASSEMBLAGE

Danny Rosenberg

135

CHAPTER 5: THE METAL OBJECTS

Amir Golani

181

CHAPTER 6: THE BONE INDUSTRY

Gaëlle Le Dosseur and Ariel Shatil

189

CHAPTER 7: SMALL CERAMIC FINDS AND BEADS Amir Golani

201

CHAPTER 8: HUMAN SKELETAL REMAINS AND MORTUARY PRACTICES

Yossi Nagar

205

CHAPTER 9: THE FAUNAL REMAINS Appendix 9.1: Databases for Faunal Assemblages

Anuar Zidane and Guy Bar-Oz

217 241

CHAPTER 10: THE FISH REMAINS

Omri Lernau

329

CHAPTER 11: THE MOLLUSKS Appendix 11.1: Production Methods of Worked Shells

Inbar Ktalav Inbar Ktalav and Haskel J. Greenfield

347 359

CHAPTER 12: THE ARCHAEOBOTANICAL REMAINS

Ehud Weiss and Yael Mahler-Slasky

361

CHAPTER 13: THE SITE IN CONTEXT: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Amir Golani

371

APPENDIX 1: LOCUS AND WALL LISTS BY AREA

Amir Golani

387

vi

Contributors

Bar-Oz, Guy, Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa Cohen-Weinberger, Anat, Israel Antiquities Authority Le Dosseur Gaëlle, Centre national de la recherche scientifique Goder-Goldberger, Mae, Department of Bible Studies, Archeology and the Ancient Near East, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Greenfield, Haskel J., St. Paul’s College and Dept. of Anthropology, University of Manitoba Ktalav, Inbar, Weizmann Institute of Science, Reḥovot Lernau, Omri, Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa Mahler-Slasky, Yael, Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology, Bar-Ilan University Nagar, Yossi, Israel Antiquities Authority Rosenberg, Danny, Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa Shatil, Ariel, Israel Antiquities Authority Talis, Svetlana, Israel Antiquities Authority Weiss, Ehud, Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology, Bar-Ilan University Zidane, Anuar, Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa

guybar@research haifa.ac.il cohen@ israntique.org.il

[email protected]

[email protected] [email protected] ozlernau@netmedia net.il

[email protected] drosen@research haifa.ac.il [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

vii

Abbreviations

AB I ADAJ AJPA ANGSBA ASOR ‘Atiqot (ES) BA BAR Int. S. BASOR BSAE CRFJ ESI HA–ESI IAA Reports IEJ IJES IMJ JAS JFA JIPS JMA JPOS JSOT JWP NEA NEAEHL 5 OBO.SA OIP OJA PEQ QR SAOC WA

A. Golani. Ashqelon Barne‘a. The Early Bronze Age Site I: The Excavations (IAA Reports 65). Jerusalem. Annual of the Department of Antiquities of Jordan American Journal of Physical Anthropology Annual of the Nelson Glueck School of Biblical Archaeology American Schools of Oriental Research English Series Biblical Archaeologist British Archaeological Reports (International Series) Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research British School of Archaeology in Egypt Centre de recherche française de Jérusalem Excavations and Surveys in Israel Hadashot Arkheologiyot–Excavations and Surveys in Israel (from 1999) Israel Antiquities Authority Reports Israel Exploration Journal Israel Journal of Earth Sciences Israel Museum Journal Journal of Archaeological Science Journal of Field Archaeology Journal of the Israel Prehistoric Society (Mitekufat Haeven) Journal of Mediterranean Archaeology Journal of the Palestine Oriental Society Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Journal of World Prehistory Near Eastern Archaeology E. Stern ed. The New Encyclopedia of Archaeological Excavations in the Holy Land 5: Supplementary Volume. Jerusalem 2008 Orbis Biblicus et Orientalis Series Archaeologica Oriental Institute Publications Oxford Journal of Archaeology Palestine Exploration Quarterly Quaternary Research Studies in Ancient Oriental Civilization World Archaeology

viii

Foreword

This is the second of two volumes comprising the final report of the three excavation seasons at the Early Bronze Age site of Ashqelon Barne‘a that took place during 2004 and 2005. The excavations were directed by Amir Golani on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority (Permit Nos. A-4177, A-4378, A-4558) and funded by the Ashkelon Economic Company Ltd. Volume I (AB I) presented brief discussions of the paleoenvironment and geomorphology of the site and its environs, detailed descriptions and comprehensive discussions of the stratigraphy, architecture and settlement planning revealed in the three Early Bronze Age strata, and the results of radiocarbon analyses. In addition, scanty remains of the Byzantine period unearthed on the ridge to the west of the site, and other sporadic Byzantine finds from the site, were published in that volume as well. The current volume presents the rich and varied finds from the excavations of the Early Bronze Age site, including the pottery repertoire by Amir Golani and Svetlana Talis (Chapter 1), a petrographic analysis of selected examples from the ceramic assemblage by Anat Cohen-Weinberger (Chapter 2), the flint assemblage by Mae Goder-Goldberger (Chapter 3), the groundstone assemblage by Danny Rosenberg (Chapter 4), the metal objects by Amir Golani (Chapter 5), the bone tools by Gaëlle Le Dosseur, kindly updated by Ariel Shatil (Chapter 6), the small finds by Amir Golani (Chapter 7), the human skeletal remains and mortuary practices by Yossi Nagar (Chapter 8), the faunal remains by Anuar Zidane and Guy Bar-Oz (Chapter 9), the fish remains by Omri Lernau (Chapter 10), the mollusks by Inbar Ktalav (Chapter 11) and the archaeobotanical remains by Ehud Weiss and Yael MahlerSlasky (Chapter 12). Finally, a comprehensive summary of all the data from the Early Bronze Age excavations, incorporating the stratigraphy, the architecture and the finds, is presented in the summary and conclusions in Chapter 13. Appendix 1 contains the Locus and Wall lists. I extend my thanks to the many participants and contributors to the excavations and publications of the site, who were detailed in the Foreword of the previous volume. For the finds published in the present volume, I again thank Yosef Bukengolts (pottery restoration), Oded Reviv (stone conservation), Lena Kupershmidt (metal conservation), Mani Goodman (artifact drawings) and Clara Amit (studio photography). Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank the various anonymous readers for their helpful observations and the individuals in the IAA Publication Department who worked on the present volume: Ann Buchnick-Abuhav, Zvi Greenhut, Ayelet Hashahar Malka, Shelley Sadeh and Lior Weissbrod. Amir Golani Jerusalem 2022

A. Golani, 2022, Ashqelon Barne a II (IAA Reports 70)

Chapter 1

The Pottery Assemblage Amir Golani and Svetlana Talis

Introduction The excavations at Ashqelon Barne‘a produced a large amount of pottery associated with the three main EB I occupation strata identified at the site, spanning the late EB IA/EB IA–IB transition (Stratum IV) to the end of EB IB (Strata III–II; Golani 2019b:37–38).1 However, the ceramics were poorly preserved and dominated by fragments; only a few vessels were complete or restorable. Methodology of Ceramic Processing All the pottery sherds from secure loci destined for restoration were kept in their entirety. Following restoration, all non-diagnostic body sherds were discarded. Rims, bases, handles and other sherds indicative of a specific form, method of manufacturing or decorative technique were retained. For every pottery basket, the amount of each ceramic type and subtype was entered into a computerized database, along with fabric (color, core, inclusions), surface treatment (wash/slip/burnish, applied/impressed/incised decoration) and level of firing. All the pottery from loci securely associated with a specific stratum or phase in all the areas was combined, and a representative ceramic assemblage for each stratum was created. Although occupation at Barne‘a spanned several centuries, the poorly preserved ceramic repertoires of the three strata are very similar, a phenomenon already noted during excavation; thus, the ceramic finds were not a factor in the stratigraphic determination. The relative and absolute chronology of the strata was arrived at by meticulous analysis of the stratigraphic sections, construction techniques and architectural styles (Golani 2019a), as well as the radiocarbon dates (Boaretto 2019). The homogenous nature of the ceramics is apparently due to the mobility of the small sherds and intrusions of earlier or later ceramics, even within stratigraphically secure loci. This appears to have been particularly relevant in Area D, which was intensively inhabited throughout the sequence. Thus, when a type that is most common or diagnostic of one stratum, appears in a much smaller percentage in a stratum below or above, it may be considered residual. The homogeneity of the assemblages posed a methodological challenge as to how best to publish the data. Consequently, a typological

The ceramic material associated with Stratum V comprises a very small and insignificant assemblage originating in a few probes conducted in Areas B and D, and is not included in the present analysis. 1

2

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

analysis of the combined assemblage is first presented according to four basic functional categories (Fig. 1.1): bowls, holemouth jars, storage jars and juglets and jugs, as well as varia including handles, two unique vessels, a small number of cornets and decorated body sherds (Figs. 1.2–1.8). This is followed by representative ceramic assemblages of each stratum (Figs. 1.9–1.35). Statistical analyses of all the ceramic forms were deemed imperative in order to detect and investigate general trends in ceramic type frequencies between the strata over time. A total of 2667 diagnostic ceramics were retrieved from the secure stratified loci of Strata IV–II (Tables 1.1, 1.2). The statistical counts are based on the rims of the four major

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50%

48.3% 44.5%

40% 30%

26.0 %

24.3%

23.5 %

39.8% 29.5%

24.3%

28.9 %

20% 10%

2.1%

0% Stratum IV (N = 561) Bowls

7.0%

1.6 % Stratum III (N = 1646) Holemouth Jars

Storage Jars

Stratum II (N = 460) Juglets/Jugs

Fig. 1.1. Vessel categories by strata.

Table 1.1. Pottery Assemblages According to Area and Stratum* Area

Stratum

IV

III

II

Total N

%

A

11

25

36

1.3

B

30

81

117

4.4

D

188

946

1530

57.4

G

169

143

312

11.7

H

49

144

203

7.6

I

25

38

63

2.4

J K L M Total

31

396 10

53

8

61

2.3

75

27

102

3.8

60

19

110

4.1

58

81

561 (21%)

1646 (61.7%)

* Excluding ledge handles and cornets.

139 460 (17.3%)

2667

5.2 100

3

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

Table 1.2. Vessel Categories According to Area and Stratum Area IV

Bowls

Holemouth Jars

Storage Jars

Jugs/Juglets

Stratum

Stratum

Stratum

Stratum

III

A

4

B

15

45

D

95

402

G

80

77

H

21

63

I

16

15

II

IV

12

III 3

163 1

II

IV

8

12

21

32

210

54

41

17

40

3

5

III 4

88 7

II

IV

4

2

14

56

319

31

25

9

38

6

17

III

II

1 114

1

1

5

15

31

4 2

2

3 1

J

28

3

16

3

8

2

1

K

31

10

17

7

22

9

5

1

26

6

8

19

7

6

15

6

17

23

18

24

183

146

400

112

132

486

27

32

L M Total Total Category

17 23

34

271

733

1187 (44.5%)

Total Assemblage

658 (24.7%)

133

751 (28.1%)

12

71 (2.7%)

2667 (100%)

categories (handles, bases and body sherds were excluded, as they could not be attributed to specific vessel types, and cornets that are deemed a Chalcolithic intrusion). The pottery originated in all excavation areas, except Area E due to its meager ceramic finds and their uncertain stratigraphic attribution; Area F was devoid of ceramic remains and Area C represents a Byzantine occupation. The results of these quantitative analyses are presented by area and stratum in Table 1.1, by area, stratum and ceramic category in Table 1.2 and by type in Tables 1.3–1.7. Further breakdowns of each type per area are presented in Appendix 1.1 (Tables 1.8–1.47).

The Ceramic Assemblage Technology Due to the relatively low firing temperature of the ceramic vessels, along with the salinity and abrasive nature of the surrounding soil matrix, the vast majority of the pottery was so friable that it was only ‛dry cleaned’ in the field, as immersion in water would have caused many of the sherds to disintegrate into mud. The pottery is handmade, although some of the bowls appear to have been manufactured on a tournette, as evidenced by string-cut bases and horizontal wheel marks on the body. The coil method was predominant for the production of most ceramic forms, though use of the slab method and molds cannot be ruled out. Storage jars were often made of several pieces, the neck and the body joined at the base of the neck. Bases are the most numerous of the diagnostic sherds recovered. Except for juglets, nearly all the vessels had flat bases and none bore traces of mat impressions. Some of the smaller bases exhibit string-cut marks (e.g., Fig. 1.30:12, 13), while others were roughly

4

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

worked and seem to indicate that the vessel was detached from the working platform with a twisting motion. The fabrics are varied. Most of the larger, thick-walled vessels such as storage jars have numerous inclusions. Petrographic analysis was conducted on 47 samples, revealing five distinct petrographic groups (see Chapter 2). Group A, characterized by loess soils, appears to be local and comprises 47% of the petrographically sampled sherds. Group B is probably of northern Israel provenance and the components of Groups C and D (Moẓa clay and marl) apparently originated in the Samarian and Judean Hills, and these groups are considered as imported to the site; they comprise nearly 49% of the samples. Two vessel fragments (Figs. 1.30:15; 1.35:9) were clearly of a different fabric, and petrographic analysis determined that they originated in the Egyptian Nile Valley (Group E). The samples were chosen on a representative basis, and do not reflect the actual proportions in the typological assemblage. However, based on macroscopic examination, the fabrics represented by Group A (local wares) appear to comprise the majority of the ceramic assemblage, although imported wares (Groups B, C, D) form a significant proportion. The Egyptian component is probably much smaller than the relative amount defined in the petrographic assemblage, as the two samples representing Group E were purposefully selected due to their distinctly different form and fabric. Many vessels bear faint traces of red wash, although this surface treatment was probably more common than appears, as the red color may have worn off due to the degenerative nature of the depositional environment. Some of the vessels, especially the storage jars, exhibit traces of a white lime(?) wash on their exterior (Figs. 1.24:6; 1.27:3, 6; 1.28:8; 1.33:11), at times also with vertical red-painted bands (e.g., Fig. 1.30:14). Decoration in the form of small, consecutive indentations made with the thumb or an instrument of similar size, on or just below the rim (here termed a scalloped or thumb-indented rim), is common on bowls, holemouth jars, storage jars and ledge handles (e.g., Figs. 1.3:1, 2; 1.5:5; 1.6:3; 1.7:10; 1.8:7). Plastic decoration in the form of applied clay coils indented or incised in rope fashion is sometimes found on bowls, holemouth and storage jars (e.g., Figs. 1.2:4; 1.4:8, 9; 1.27:6). Incised or impressed diagonal lines below the rims of holemouth jars and on the necks of storage jars are also common (e.g., Figs. 1.4:2; 1.7:9). Although associated with a slightly earlier EB I phase, the remains of a ceramic firing kiln were identified at Ashqelon Afridar in Area J2, Stratum 6 (Baumgarten 2004:167, Fig. 6), evidence that at least in that phase, some of the vessels were produced in the vicinity of the site. Typology With minor variations, the typological designations used in this report follow those formulated during the processing of the ceramic assemblage of Ashqelon Afridar Area E (Golani 2004) and later continued in the publication of Afridar Area M (Golani 2008). Lacunae in the typological sequence indicate the absence of that form in the present ceramic assemblage. For example, Bowl Type IV (B IV), identified in Afridar Area E (Golani 2004:23, Fig. 23:1, 2), was not found in the Barne‘a assemblage and may indicate a form characterizing an earlier phase of EB IA. The present typology also includes forms

5

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

not identified in previous works (e.g., Bowl Types VIII–X, Holemouth Jar Types VII, VIII, Storage Jar Types VII–IX). As noted above, the pottery is divided into four major categories (Fig. 1.1): bowls (Figs. 1.2, 1.3), holemouth jars (Figs. 1.4, 1.5), storage jars (Figs. 1.6, 1.7) and juglets/jugs (Fig. 1.8:1–4). Each category includes a number of types that are differentiated by form or decorative technique; some types are further divided into subtypes. Among the varia, several types of ledge handles are distinguished (Fig. 1.8:5–7). Parallels, when deemed neccessary, are first cited from the Ashqelon region, then emanate outward. Bowls (Table 1.3; Figs. 1.2, 1.3) A total of 1187 identifiable bowls originated in the secure loci of Strata IV–II, comprising 44.5% of the entire assemblage (see Table 1.2). Nine bowl types were defined, two divided into subtypes. Bowls show a slight but steady decline in frequency over time (see Fig. 1.1). Table 1.3. Bowls from All Excavated Areas According to Type and Stratum Stratum

Type

B Ia

B Ib

B II

B III

BV

B VIa

B VIb

B VII

23

13

3

18

3

74

B VIII

B IX

IV

134

III

251

10

37

50

6

40

20

303

6

4

II

32

2

9

13

4

6

6

104

4

3

Total

417 (35.1%)

12 (1%)

69 (5.8%)

76 (6.4%)

13 (1.1%)

64 (5.4%)

29 (2.4%)

481 (40.5%)

10 (0.8%)

7 (0.6%)

BX

Total

3

271

6

733 183

9 (0.8%)

B Ia: V-Shaped Bowls with a Simple Tapering Rim (Fig. 1.2:1–3) Simple V-shaped bowls, ranging from thin-walled, delicate forms (Fig. 1.2:2) to thickerwalled examples (Fig. 1.2:1, 3). The rims are generally straight and tapering. A few bowls bear traces of red wash on the exterior and/or interior (Figs. 1.9:1; 1.14:2, 6, 9, 10; 1.36:2). Subtype B Ia bowls are one of the most common bowls in all the strata (35.1%); they predominate in Stratum IV (49.5% of the bowls), declining to 34% in Stratum III and 17.5% in Stratum II. Most examples of this subtype from Stratum II originate in Area D (see Appendix 1.1: Table 1.10). Subtype B Ia V-shaped bowls are common during the Chalcolithic period, and continue throughout EB I, as attested in Afridar Area E (Golani 2004: Fig. 22:1–9), Area F Strata II–I (Khalaily 2004: Type B1; Figs. 6:1–3; 11:1–3, 5–16), Area G (Braun and Gophna 2004: Fig. 17:1, 3–5, 7), Area J2 Strata 6–5 (Baumgarten 2004: Figs. 9:1; 10:1, 2; 15:2) and Area M (Golani 2008: Fig. 8:1–4), as well as Niẓẓanim Stratum 5 (Yekutieli and Gophna 1994: Fig. 12:16, 18, 19), Tel Ḥalif Terrace Strata XVIII–XVI (Dessel 2009: Pl. 12:1–17) and Site H in the Besor region (Roshwalb 1981: Fig. H.4:1–7). Petrographic analysis of two samples showed that they were locally made (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: Nos. 1, 2). B Ib: V-Shaped Bowls with a Squared-Off Rim (Fig. 1.2:4) Thick-walled bowls with a simple squared-off rim, occasionally with an applied rope decoration (Figs. 1.2:4; 1.14:13). This form comprises 1% of all the bowls and is found

1187 (100%)

6

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

only in Strata III–II; most originate in Area D (Appendix 1.1: Table 1.10). These vessels may have functioned as bowls, but could also have been bases of cult stands, which are known from EB IB strata at Qiryat Ata (Golani 2003: Fig. 4.14:2). Petrographic analysis of an example of this subtype showed that it was imported to the site (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: No. 3). B II: V-Shaped Bowls with Red Slip and Burnish (Fig. 1.2:5, 6) Large, thick-walled bowls with a simple tapering rim and a thick red slip or wash and burnishing on the exterior and interior. Although the burnish is not evenly executed, it is usually oriented in one direction, either vertically, horizontally or diagonally. This decorative feature is also found on some of the Type B VII bowls (e.g., Fig. 1.3:5). These bowls appeared in small amounts in Strata IV–II (5.8% of the bowls). As most of these bowls appeared in Strata IV–III, the few from Stratum II, mainly Area D (see Appendix 1.1: Table 1.10), are probably residual. These distinctive red-slipped and burnished V-shaped bowls are well known in the southern Shephelah and coastal region, and are apparently characteristic of the southern EB I. They were found in Afridar Area E (Golani 2004: Fig. 22:10–13), Tel ‘Erani Layer D (Yekutieli 2000: Fig. 8.2:10), Lakhish Cave 1503 (Tufnell 1958: Pl. 56:28), Taur Ikhbeineh Phases III–IV (Oren and Yekutieli 1992: Fig. 10:23, 24), Site H in the Besor region (Roshwalb 1981: Fig. H.4:8) and Azor Stratum I (Golani and Brink 1999: Fig. 4:1). Red slip and burnish are typical Egyptian ceramic traits, suggesting that this practice was introduced as a result of Egyptian influence (Yekutieli 2000:150). Petrographic analysis of two examples of this type showed that they were locally made (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: Nos. 4, 5). B III: Hemispherical Bowls (Fig. 1.2:7–10) Small to medium-sized bowls of hemispherical form, some shallow, others deeper, with a simple tapering rim and a flat base (Fig. 1.2:8–10) that was sometimes quite narrow (Fig. 1.2:10). A number of these bowls bear traces of red wash on the exterior and interior (Fig. 1.15:5, 9), and some have a decoration of small knobs just below the rim (Figs. 1.2:7; 1.9:9; 1.15:14). This form comprises 6.4% of all the bowls and was most common in Area D (see Appendix 1.1: Table 1.10). It becomes slightly more predominant in EB IB (4.8% in Stratum IV, 6.8% in Stratum III, 7.1% in Stratum II). The hemispherical bowl has long been considered an EB I hallmark in southwestern Canaan (Amiran 1969:49). Examples of this type were found in EB IA contexts in Afridar Area E (Golani 2004: Fig. 22:15), Area F Stratum I (Khalaily 2004: Fig. 6:14–16) and Area G (Braun and Gophna 2004: Fig. 17:2, 8), and in Niẓẓanim Stratum 5 (Yekutieli and Gophna 1994: Fig. 12:10) and Site H in the Besor region (Roshwalb 1981: Fig. H.4:4). Examples from EB IB contexts are known, for example, in Tel ‘Erani Layer C (Yekutieli 2006: Fig. 5:10–12) and Tel Ḥalif Terrace Silo Site Strata II–I (Alon and Yekutieli 1995: Figs. 15:17; 16:8, 9, 13; 17:12; 20:10–18). The presence of small knobs below the rims on some of the examples from Barne‘a (see above) is further evidence of an EB IB association, as this form of decoration on hemispherical bowls is found during

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

7

this period throughout southern and northern Canaan, as, for example, in Tel ‘Erani Layer C (Yekutieli 2006: Fig. 5:13) and Qiryat Ata (Golani 2003: Fig. 4.2:12, 13). Petrographic analysis of two examples of this type showed that they were locally made (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: Nos. 6, 7). B V: Hemispherical Bowls with a Flaring Rim (Fig. 1.2:11–13) Small to medium-sized hemispherical bowls with a flaring, tapering rim; some have a slightly globular profile (Fig. 1.2:12). A few bowls bear traces of red wash on the exterior and interior (Figs. 1.9:11; 1.15:15; 1.31:8, 9). As in Type B III, a few of these bowls have small knobs below the rim (Figs. 1.2:11; 1.31:8). One example has protruding knob handles (Fig. 1.15:15). This form (c. 1% of the bowls) appears in small numbers throughout Strata IV–II and in all the excavated areas. Similar bowls are known from Chalcolithic and EB I sites such as Afridar Area E (Golani 2004: Fig. 23:3, 5), Area F Stratum I (Khalaily 2004: Fig. 6:7) and Area J2 Stratum 6 (Baumgarten 2004: Fig. 9:2), and in Lakhish Caves 1509, 1517 and 1534 (Tufnell 1958: Pl. 56:1, 12, 14, 23), Tel Ḥalif Terrace Silo Site Strata III and I (Alon and Yekutieli 1995: Figs. 15:18; 17:11; 23:13), Sites H and O in the Besor region (Roshwalb 1981: Figs. H.4:17–21; O.5:4) and Abu Maṭar Stratum III (Commenge-Pellerin 1987: Fig. 18:6). Petrographic analysis of this type showed both local and imported wares (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: Nos. 8–10). B VI: Large, Thick, V-Shaped Bowls with Thumb-Indented Decoration (Figs. 1.2:14, 15; 1.3:1, 2) Two subtypes of this form are discerned: those with thumb-indented decoration on the edge of the rim (Subtype B VIa; Fig. 1.2:14, 15) and those with the same decoration on the outer edge of an out-turned, folded-over rim (Subtype B VIb; Fig. 1.3:1, 2). A few of the bowls retain remnants of red wash on the exterior and interior (Fig. 1.16:2, 4, 8, 11). Both subtypes appear throughout Strata IV–II and are relatively stable in frequency throughout the strata (7.7% in Stratum IV, 8.1% in Stratum III, 6.6% in Stratum II). Thumb-indented rims on bowls, holemouth and storage jars are a Chalcolithic tradition that continues to the end of EB IA in southwestern Canaan (Yekutieli 2000:150; 2001:669), and is generally absent in EB IB. Parallels to Subtype B VIa were found in EB IA contexts in Afridar Area E (Golani 2004: Fig. 23:9, 10), Area F Stratum II (Khalaily 2004: Fig. 6:6, 11) and Area G (Braun and Gophna 2004: Fig. 17:11–13), and in Tel Ḥalif Terrace Stratum XVIII (Dessel 2009: Pl. 7:3). Subtype B VIb bowls appear in the Chalcolithic sites of Shiqmim BP II (Levy 1987: Figs. 12.3:1; 12.6:1) and Abu Maṭar Stratum Pre-IV (Commenge-Pellerin 1987: Fig. 21:4), and in the EB IA sites of Afridar Area E (Golani 2004: Fig. 23:11), Area F Stratum II (Khalaily 2004: Figs. 6:9, 10; 12:2, 4, 5 [defined as basins]) and Area M (Golani 2008: Fig. 8:10), as well as in Taur Ikhbeineh Phases III–IV (Oren and Yekutieli 1992: Fig. 10:14), Site H in the Besor region (Roshwalb 1981: Fig. H.4:15), Niẓẓanim Stratum 4 (Yekutieli and Gophna 1994: Fig. 11:18) and Azor Stratum I (Golani and Brink 1999: Fig. 4:11, 12). Petrographic analysis of four examples of this type showed them to be locally made (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: Nos. 11–14).

8

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

B VII: Bowls with a Rounded, Folded-Out Rim (Fig. 1.3:3–6) V-shaped bowls with slightly rounded walls and a thickened or rounded, folded-out rim. The rim is lightly sculpted with a shallow gutter just below it that accentuates the rounded lip. These bowls occur in a wide range of sizes and fabrics and many exhibit red wash on the exterior and interior, at times also with horizontal, vertical or diagonal burnish (Figs. 1.3:5; 1.10:4, 5; 1.18:1–4). Examples with red wash and burnish are generally more common in Strata IV–III, while the undecorated examples are predominant in Stratum II. This may be a similar phenomenon as Type B II bowls, also associated mainly with Strata IV–III. Type B VII bowls are the most common bowl type (40.5% of the bowls) and appeared in Strata IV–II in all the excavated areas, apparently peaking in popularity in Stratum II (56.8%). This bowl form is characteristic of the southern EB I ceramic repertoire. Similar bowls are known from EB IA in Afridar Area F Stratum I (Khalaily 2004: Fig. 6:1–3), Area J2 Strata 1, 2 and 4 (Baumgarten 2004: Figs. 11:1; 13:1; 14:1) and Area M (Golani 2008: Fig. 9:5), and in Taur Ikhbeineh Phases II–III (Oren and Yekutieli 1992: Fig. 9:4). The same form is also found further inland, at Harṭuv (Mazar and Miroschedji 1996: Fig. 17:27–29), associated with early EB IB. Based on these parallels, this form was common at the very end of EB IA and continued into EB IB. Although no examples were sampled petrographically, their fabric appears to be local. B VIII: Deep Bowls with a Gutter Rim (Fig. 1.3:7) Deep bowls with slightly rounded sides and a squared-off rim with a gutter, and red wash on the exterior and interior (Figs. 1.3:7; 1.18:5, 6). Ten examples of this form were discovered in Strata III–II (less than 1% of the bowls), nine of them from Area D (see Appendix 1.1: Table 1.910). This distinctive form is a northern import, common at EB IB sites such as Qiryat Ata (Golani 2003: Fig. 4.1:15–19, Type B IIb). Three examples were sampled petrographically, all of them imported (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: Nos. 15–17). B IX: Deep Krater-Bowls with an In-Turned, Thickened Rim of Triangular Section (Fig. 1.3:8) Deep, V-shaped krater-bowls with a slightly in-turned, thickened rim with a triangular section, either thick- or thin-walled. This type (less than 1% of all the bowls) was found only in Strata III–II, mostly in Area D (see Appendix 1.1: Table 1.10). This type is known from a late phase of EB IA at Niẓẓanim Stratum 4 (Yekutieli and Gophna 1994: Fig. 11:19) and from EB IB at Tel Ḥalif ‘Silo Siteʼ Stratum II (Alon and Yekutieli 1995: Fig. 19:16), and in the north at EB IB Qiryat Ata (Golani 2003: Fig. 4.4:1– 10). Petrographic analysis of this type showed the presence of both local and imported items: two examples were locally produced (see Fig. 1.18:7, 9; Chapter 2: Table 2.1: Nos. 18, 21) and three indicate a possible northern origin (Figs. 1.18:8; 1.32:5, 6; Chapter 2: Table 2.1: Nos. 19, 20, 22). The local example in Fig. 1.18:9 has a thumb-indented ledge handle, a feature generally absent on northern forms.

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

9

B X: Gray Burnished Ware Bowls (Fig. 1.3:9–11) Wide, shallow carinated bowls with an out-flaring rim; flattened knobs sometimes applied at the carination. The fabric is gray to dark gray with clear traces of horizontal burnishing on the exterior and interior. They comprise less than 1% of the bowls and originate in Strata IV–III, suggesting a late EB IA–early EB IB association. Gray-Burnished Ware (GBW) bowls have long been considered a hallmark of EB I. The present examples represent the early form (Wright 1958:41*–42*, Fig. 1; Type 1) characteristic of EB IA and usually found in northern Canaan, where most of their manufacturing centers appear to have been located (Goren and Zuckerman 2000:174–175). The examples from Barne‘a are among the southernmost representatives of this ware to date. Of the seven examples petrographically sampled (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: Nos. 23– 29), four appear to have been locally produced and three are of a northern provenance. Bowls: Summary The repertoire of bowls from Barne‘a is typical of the EB I horizon. V–shaped bowls like those of Subtype B Ia are characteristic of the Chalcolithic period, but the examples from Barne‘a, mainly from Strata IV–III, lack the decorative red band so common on Chalcolithic examples and represent a typical EB I type. According to the petrographic analyses, Subtype B Ib bowls are likely imported; as most of them were found in the public area of the site (Area D), this may strengthen their interpretation as imported cultic objects. Bowls of Type B II, with distinctive red burnish, are associated primarily with Strata IV–III and represent a local tradition characteristic of late EB IA–early EB IB in southwestern Canaan, while their decoration may have been Egyptian-inspired. Their subsequent decline could indicate a limited continuation of this tradition into Stratum II or, more probably, residual material. Small hemispherical bowls (Type B III) and bowls with an outflaring rim (Type B V), found mainly in Area D in all the strata, sometimes bear small knobs below the rim suggesting a date toward the end of the sequence. Bowl Type B VI is characteristic of EB I in southern Canaan. The most common form of bowl, Type B VII, with a thickened or rounded, folded-out rim, is associated with the end of EB IA–beginning of EB IB in southwestern Canaan and is apparently a local product. This type is especially common in Strata III–II and thus typical of EB IB at Barne‘a. The general lack of red surface treatment on the examples from Stratum II may indicate that the red wash or slip and burnish tradition common on Types B VII and B II bowls of Strata IV–III was dying out in Stratum II. The few examples of deep bowls with a gutter rim (Type B VIII), associated with Strata III–II, appear to have been northern imports characteristic of EB IB. The few deep krater-bowls of Type B IX, known from the end of EB IA in southwestern Canaan (Yekutieli 2000:131), include northern imports that may be associated with EB IB. Finally, the GBW bowls (Type B X) from Strata IV–III are an EB IA type of northern inspiration, though some were apparently of local manufacture. The presence of locally made GBW bowls suggests the activities of itinerant potters specializing in the production of GBW, alongside the import of these wares from the north.

10

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

11

8

10

9

13

12

15

14

0

10

Fig. 1.2. Bowl Types I–VI.

11

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

1

2

5 3

4

6

7

8

9

10 11 0

10

Fig. 1.3. Bowl Types VI–IX.

12

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

Holemouth Jars (Table 1.4; Figs. 1.4, 1.5) A total of 658 identifiable holemouth jars originated in secure loci of Strata IV–II, comprising 24.7% of the entire assemblage (see Table 1.2). Eight types of holemouth jars were defined, one divided into subtypes. Holemouth jars comprise a relatively stable proportion throughout the strata and do not show any significant typological changes (see Fig. 1.1). Table 1.4. Holemouth Jars from All Excavated Areas According to Type and Stratum Stratum

Type

HI

H II

H III

IV

37

14

III

83

38

14

II

28

17

15

69 (10.5%)

29 (4.4%)

Total

148 (22.5%)

H IVa

H IVb

HV

H VI

H VII

H VIII

Total

10

5

7

35

3

35

146

17

12

50

52

5

129

400

3

3

10

36

112

27 (4.1%)

20 (3%)

60 (9.1%)

97 (14.7%)

8 (1.2%)

200 (30.4%)

658 (100%)

H I: Plain Holemouth Jars with a Tapering Rim (Fig. 1.4:1–3) The rim is most often rounded, at times tapering to a point (Fig. 1.19:1, 3). Diagonal incisions are sometimes found below the rim (Figs. 1.4:2; 1.19:5). This is one of the most common forms of holemouths (22.5% of the holemouth jars), and occurs in a variety of sizes and fabrics in all the strata and excavated areas. The frequency of this type within each stratum is relatively stable (25% in Stratum IV, 20% in Stratum III, 25% in Stratum II). Such holemouths are common throughout the Chalcolithic period (Levy 1987: Fig. 12.11:6; Commenge-Pellerin 1987: Figs. 27:1; 28:4, 5, 7, 9, 10) and EB I, as in Niẓẓanim Strata 3 and 5 (Yekutieli and Gophna 1994: Figs. 10:7; 12:14, 15), Tel ‘Erani Layer D (Yekutieli 1992: Fig. 33:3), Taur Ikhbeineh Phases IV–V (Oren and Yekutieli 1992: Fig. 11:12, 15) and Tel Ḥalif Terrace Silo Site Strata IV–III (Alon and Yekutieli 1995: Figs. 23:12, 15; 24:5). H II: Holemouth Jars with a Truncated Rim (Fig. 1.4:4–6) A truncated rim, sometimes with diagonal thumb indentations on or below it (Figs. 1.19:11; 1.20:1–3; 1.32:10); a few have small knobs just below the rim (Fig. 1.4:5, 6; 1.19:12, 13; 1.32:10). These holemouths occur in a wide range of sizes and fabrics; they appear in all the excavated areas and are relatively common (10.5% of the holemouth jars), with a stable proportion in Strata IV–III (9.6%), rising in Stratum II (15.2%). Such holemouth jars are common throughout EB I, as in Afridar Area F Strata II–I (Khalaily 2004: Figs. 7:4; 14:2, 8), Niẓẓanim Stratum 5 (Yekutieli and Gophna 1994: Fig. 12:13) and Tel Ḥalif Terrace Silo Site Stratum III (Alon and Yekutieli 1995: Fig. 23:10). H III: Holemouth Jars with a Rim Thickened on the Inside (Fig. 1.4:7–9) A folded-over rim, thickened on the inside, while the upper surface is flat. Some of these jars bear a ridge or rope decoration below the rim (Figs. 1.4:8, 9; 1.20:5, 7; 1.33:1). This type (4.4% of the holemouth jars) begins to appear in Stratum III (3.5%) and increases in Stratum II to 13.4%.

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

13

Thickened rims on holemouth jars are not very common in EB IA, but appear in Afridar Area J1 Stratum 5 (Baumgarten 2004: Fig. 16:4) and Site A in the Besor region (Roshwalb 1981: Fig. A.11:5). During EB IB, a general trend of thickening holemouth rims on their inside is observed (Alon and Yekutieli 1995:179). Toward the end of EB IB, the thickening becomes quite pronounced, often with segmented rope decoration below the rim, as at Tel Ḥalif Terrace ‘Silo Siteʼ Strata II–I (Alon and Yekutieli 1995: Figs. 15:14, 15; 16:11, 12; 17:7; 19:3–9). The rims depicted in Fig. 1.20:4, 5, associated with Stratum III, are typical of EB IB, and that in Fig. 1.20:6 has exact parallels in EB IB contexts at sites in the Shephelah such as Tel Lod Strata IVa–b (Brink et al. 2015: Figs. 26:4; 27:4). This type becomes predominant in a late phase of that period at another excavation in Lod (Eli Yannai, pers. comm; Stratum VI). Petrographical analysis of one example of this type attests that it was imported (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: No. 42). H IV: Holemouth Jars with a Ridge or Rope Decoration below the Rim (Fig. 1.4:10, 11) Two subtypes of this form were identified: Subtype H IVa with the rim thickened on the outside and a flattened ridge creating a triangular profile (Figs. 1.4:10; 1.20:8, 10), and Type H IVb with a pronounced, continuous ridge or rope decoration applied below the rim (Figs. 1.4:11; 1.10:12, 13; 1.21:1–5). Both subtypes are uncommon, together comprising 7.1% of the holemouth jars. Type H IV was found in all the excavated areas, primarily in Strata IV–III, and comprises 10.3% in Stratum IV, 7.3% in Stratum III, and declines to 2.7% in Stratum II, when the few examples may be residual. This type is characteristic of EB IA, appearing at EB IA sites such as Afridar Area Area E (Golani 2004: Fig. 25:4–8), Area F Stratum I (Khalaily 2004: Fig. 7:7, 10) and Area G (Braun and Gophna 2004: Fig. 20:8, 14, 15), and Tel ‘Erani Layer D (Yekutieli 1992: Fig. 33:6); it is generally lacking at EB IB sites. H V: Holemouth Jars with a Sculpted Rim (Fig. 1.5:1, 2) A thickened, truncated rim, often upturned or with a slightly protruding lower and upper lip creating a hammer-head profile. Some rims are decorated with shallow thumb indentations (Figs. 1.5:1; 1.11:1–3; 1.21:6, 9, 11, 12). This type (9.1% of the holemouth types) is primarily diagnostic of Stratum III (12.5%); the relatively small amounts of this type in Strata IV (4.7%) and II (2.7%) suggest they may be intrusive and residual in those strata. Although antecedents may be found in the Chalcolithic period (e.g., Roshwalb 1981: Fig. M.4:18; Commenge-Pellerin 1987: Fig. 24:4, 5 [depicted as basins]), this distinctive form is most common in EB IA in the coastal plain and southern Shephelah, as in Afridar Area E (Golani 2004: Fig. 26:1, 2), Area F Stratum II (Khalaily 2004: Fig. 14:3), Area J1 Stratum 6 (Baumgarten 2004: Fig. 15:6) and Area M Stratum I (Golani 2008: Fig. 9:8), and at Azor Strata I–II (Golani and Brink 1999: Figs. 6:3–9; 11:3–6). Yekutieli has assigned this type to the later part of EB IA (Yekutieli 1992:31–34). One example of this type was petrographically sampled (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: No. 43), revealing it to be an import.

14

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

H VI: Holemouth Jars with a Scalloped Rim (Fig. 1.5:3) A simple tapering rim, sometimes slightly upturned, the tip bearing a scalloped decoration (Figs. 1.5:3; 1.11:4; 1.21:13). This type (14.7% of the holemouth jars) shows a steady decline in frequency over time: 24% in Stratum IV, 13% in Stratum III and 9% in Stratum II. This form begins to appear in the Chalcolithic period (e.g., Levy 1987: Fig. 12.8:3; Commenge-Pellerin 1987: Fig. 26:9), becoming much more common during EB IA in the coastal regions and the southern Shephelah, as in Afridar Area E (Golani 2004: Fig. 26:5– 10), Area F Strata II–I (Khalaily 2004: Figs. 7:6, 8, 12; 14:7), Area G (Braun and Gophna 2004: Fig. 20:8–13), Area J2 Strata 5–3 (Baumgarten 2004: Figs. 10:14; 11:16, 17; 12:7, 8; 16:5) and Area M Stratum II (Golani 2008: Fig. 8:13–17), and in Tel Ḥalif Terrace Stratum XVIII (Dessel 2009: Pl. 2:11) and Site H in the Besor region (Roshwalb 1981: Fig. H.5:3). H VII: Holemouth Jars with an In-Turned Rim (Fig. 1.5:4) A simple tapering rim that is slightly bent down. This is a rare form (1.2% of the holemouth jars), appearing in very small numbers in Strata IV and III only. Parallels associated with EB IA were found in Afridar Area F Stratum I (Khalaily 2004: Fig. 7:5). H VIII: Holemouth Jars with an Out-Turned, Folded-Over Rim with Scalloped Decoration (Fig. 1.5:5, 6) A sharply out-turned rim, often decorated with a scalloped decoration (Figs. 1.5:5, 6; 1.22:1– 3, 5–7; 1.33:4, 5). This is the most common holemouth form (30.4% of the holemouth jars), beginning in Stratum IV (24%) and rising slightly in Strata III–II (c. 32%). Parallels for this form were found in southern Cannan from the end of EB IA at sites such as Afridar Area F Strata II–I (Khalaily 2004: Figs. 7:1–3, 6, 8; 14:3, 7) and Area J2 Strata 5–4 (Baumgarten 2004: Figs. 10:13, 14; 11:19), Taur Ikhbeineh Phases IV–V (Oren and Yekutieli 1992: Fig. 11:14), Niẓẓanim Stratum 4 (Yekutieli and Gophna 1994: Fig. 11:14, 16) and Azor Stratum I (Golani and Brink 1999: Fig. 6:2, 8). Holemouth Jars: Summary Although some of the holemouth jar forms, such as Type H I, first appear in the Chalcolithic period, the entire repertoire of holemouth forms can be clearly associated with EB I. Type H III holemouth jars are generally indicative of EB IB, appearing in Strata III–II. One example of this type was found to be imported. Type H IV holemouth jars are diagnostic of EB IA, and their appearance in Strata IV–III and drastic decline in Stratum II supports a late EB IA–early EB IB date for Strata IV–III. Although Type H V holemouth jars are usually associated with the end of EB IA, at Barne‘a it is most common in Stratum III, indicating its continuity into EB IB. Type H VI holemouth jars are also common primarily at the end of EB IA, and they decline after Stratum IV. Type H VIII holemouth jars, generally attributed to the end of EB IA, appear well into the EB IB at Barne‛a. One example was imported to the site.

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

1

2

3

4

5

7

6

8

9

11

10

0

10

Fig. 1.4. Holemouth jar Types I–IV.

15

16

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

1

2

4 3

5

6 0

10

Fig. 1.5. Holemouth jar Types V–VIII.

Storage Jars (Table 1.5; Figs. 1.6, 1.7) A total of 751 identifiable storage jars originated in secure loci of Strata IV–II, comprising 28.1% of the entire assemblage (see Table 1.2). Nine types of storage jars were defined, two divided into subtypes. Storage jars, like holemouth jars, also comprise a relatively stable proportion of the assemblage in each stratum (see Fig. 1.1).

Table 1.5. Storage Jars from All Excavated Areas According to Type and Stratum Type Stratum

SJ Ia

IV

6

III

5

II

1

Total

12 (1.6%)

SJ Ib

14 14 (1.9%)

SJ II

SJ III

16

4

3

10

1

52

6

34

37

4

8

137

4

136

31

110

1

1

1

38

2

52

9

27

54 (7.2%)

9 (1.2%)

SJ IV

12 (1.6%)

SJ Va

185 (24.6%)

SJ Vb

7 (0.9%)

SJ VI

240 (32%)

SJ VII

46 (6.1%)

SJ VIII

171 (22.7%)

SJ IX

Total 132 486

1

133

1 (0.1%)

751 (100%)

SJ I: Large, Thick-Walled Storage Jars with a Sloping Neck (Fig. 1.6:1, 2) Two subtypes of this type were defined: one with a sloping neck and a simple tapering rim, often with thumb indentations (Subtype SJ Ia; Fig. 1.6:1); the other of similar form with a thickened, sharply out-turned rim (Subtype SJ Ib; Fig. 1.6:2). Subtype SJ Ia was found in Strata IV–III, while Subtype SJ Ib was identified only in Stratum III. The single example

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

17

from Stratum II is probably residual. This jar type is uncommon (3.5% of the storage jars), comprising 4.5% in Stratum IV and 1% in Stratum III. Both subtypes are known at EB IA sites: Subtype SJ Ia has parallels in Afridar Area E (Golani 2004: Fig. 27:1), and Subtype SJ Ib in Afridar Area E (Golani 2004: Fig. 27:2) and Area G (Braun and Gophna 2004: Fig. 19:1) and in Azor Stratum II (Golani and Brink 1999: Fig. 10:7). At Barne‘a, they continue into EB IB (Stratum III). Two examples were petrographically sampled (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: Nos. 30, 31): one was locally made, the other was imported from the north, indicating that despite their large size and weight, some of these vessels were transported from other regions. SJ II: Large, Thick-Walled Storage Jars with Sloping Shoulders, a Vertical Neck and an Out-Turned Rim with Thumb Indentations (Fig. 1.6:3, 4) Type SJ II (7.2 % of the storage jars) is the most common storage jar in Stratum IV (12.1%), declining to 7.6% in Stratum III; the single example from Stratum II is probably residual. This form is common in southwestern Canaan during EB IA, as in Afridar Area F Stratum I (Khalaily 2004: Fig. 8:1, 2), Area G (Braun and Gophna 2004: Fig. 19:9–13), Areas J1 and J2 Strata 6–5 (Baumgarten 2004: Figs. 9:10, 11; 10:7; 16:3) and Area M Strata I–II (Golani 2008: Figs. 9:10; 10:1–3), and in Taur Ikhbeineh Phases III–V (Oren and Yekutieli 1992: Figs. 11:3; 12:14), Niẓẓanim Stratum 4 (Yekutieli and Gophna 1994: Fig. 11:5) and Azor Stratum I (Golani and Brink 1999: Fig. 5:5). At Barne‘a, this type continues into EB IB. Petrographic analysis of two examples (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: Nos. 32, 33) indicate that, like Storage Jar Type SJ I, some of these vessels were apparently transported from other regions despite their large size and weight. SJ III: Large Storage Jars with a High Vertical Neck and Thumb Indentations on Rim (Fig. 1.6:5) Similar in form to Type SJ II, but with a high vertical neck and a sloping shoulder. Type SJ III is uncommon (1.2% of all the storage jars), and the very small amounts do not enable precise association to the early or late phase of EB I. Parallels are found only in EB IA contexts, as in Afridar Area E (Golani 2004: Fig. 27:3, 5; mistakenly classified as Type SJ II), Area F Stratum II (Khalaily 2004: Fig. 15:1), Area G (Braun and Gophna 2004: Fig. 19:4), Area J1 Stratum 6 (Baumgarten 2004: Fig. 15:5) and Area M Stratum II (Golani 2008: Fig. 10:6), and at Site H (Upper Level) in the Besor region (Macdonald 1932: Pl. 40:67). Petrographic analysis of a single example of this type (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: No. 34) indicates that it was imported to the site. SJ IV: Large to Medium-Sized Storage Jars with Sloping Shoulders, a Vertical Neck and a Rounded, Out-Turned, Sharply Folded-Over Rim (Fig. 1.7:1) Similar to Type SJ II, but often slightly smaller in size and of less coarse fabric; some rims decorated with thumb indentations (Fig. 1.33:7). Type SJ IV is uncommon (1.6% of all the storage jars), appearing primarily in Strata IV–III, indicating a continuation into EB IB; the only example from Stratum II is probably residual. Like Storage Jar Types SJ II and III, it is associated with EB IA, as in Afridar Area F Stratum I (Khalaily 2004: Fig. 9:1).

18

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

SJ V: Medium-Sized to Small Storage Jars with Sloping Shoulders, a Short Vertical Neck and an Out-Turned, Folded-Over Rim (Fig. 1.7:2, 3) Thick, folded-over rim, distinctive, well-levigated, brown-gray fabric. An uncommon subtype (SJ Vb; Figs. 1.7:3; 1.25:10; 1.33:10) has a shallow gutter below or on the rim. This is one of the most common storage jars at Barne‘a (25.5% of the storage jars), appearing in all strata: 8.3% in Strata IV, 29% in Stratum III and 30% in Stratum II, indicating its initial appearance at the end of EB IA, becoming much more frequent in EB IB. The vast majority of the examples (97.4%) were recovered in Area D (see Appendix 1.1: Table 1.30). This form is associated with EB IA sites such as Afridar Area F Stratum I (Khalaily 2004: Fig. 9:2) and Taur Ikhbeineh Phase IV (Oren and Yekutieli 1992: Fig. 11:6), and with EB IB sites such as Tel ‘Erani Layer C (Yekutieli 2000: Fig. 8.7:4) and Tel Ḥalif Terrace Silo Site Strata II–I (Alon and Yekutieli 1995: Figs. 15:5; 22:6). No examples were submitted for petrographic analysis, but the fabric appears to be of local origin. SJ VI: Medium-Sized to Small, Bag-Shaped Storage Jars with Sloping Shoulders and Neck, and a Plain Tapering Rim (Fig. 1.7:4, 5) The neck of these vessels is usually sloping or vertical; some complete or nearly complete examples exhibit two loop handles on the sloping shoulder (Figs. 1.7:5; 1.12:3; 1.25:15); a few bear traces of red wash on their exterior, some of which are also burnished (Figs. 1.12:2, 3; 1.25:12, 14, 15; 1.26:1, 2). This is the most common form of storage jar (32% of all the storage jars), appearing throughout Strata IV–II (39.4%, 28%, 39% respectively). However, as most rim fragments of this form are very simple, the count may include rims of other forms. Type SJ VI appears to be characteristic of the end of EB IA, based on parallels from sites such as Afridar Area F Stratum I (Khalaily 2004: Fig. 10:1) and Area J2 Strata 5–4 (Baumgarten 2004: Figs. 10:5, 10; 11:8), Niẓẓanim Stratum 4 (Yekutieli and Gophna 1994: Fig. 11:1), Tel Ḥalif Terrace Silo Site Strata IV–III (Alon and Yekutieli 1995: Figs. 23:7; 24:13) and Site H in the Besor region (Roshwalb 1981: Fig. H.7:1). At Barne‘a, however, this form continues throughout EB I. Petrographic analysis of one example indicates that it was imported (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: No. 35). SJ VII: Medium-Sized to Small Storage Jars with Sloping Shoulders and a Slightly OutTurned Rim (Fig 1.7:6–8) This form (6.1% of the storage jars) comprises 4.5% of the storage jars in Stratum IV, 6.4% in Stratum III and 6.7% in Stratum II. However, as all the Stratum II examples originated in Area D (see Appendix 1.1: Table 1.30), they may be residual. This general form is found at EB IA sites, such as Afridar Area F Stratum I (Khalaily 2004: Fig. 9:5, 7, 13, 15–17), Area J2 Stratum 4 (Baumgarten 2004: Fig. 11:7) and Area M Stratum II (Golani 2008: Fig. 10:7), and Taur Ikhbeineh Phases II–V (Oren and Yekutieli 1992: Figs. 9:8; 11:6, 11; 12:8; 13:11), Niẓẓanim Strata 4–5 (Yekutieli and Gophna 1994: Figs. 11:2, 3; 12:1, 3) and Azor Strata I–II (Golani and Brink 1999: Figs. 5:8, 17; 10:9–13). At Barne‘a, this type continues into the beginning of EB IB.

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

19

SJ VIII: Large to Medium-Sized Storage Jars with Sloping Shoulders and a Sharply OutFlaring Rim (Fig. 1.7:9) Many of these jars bear a white wash on their exterior (Fig. 1.27:3, 6), others have a red wash (Figs. 1.12:4, 12; 1.27:4; 1.33:13) and burnish (Fig. 1.12:15). Type SJ VIII jars (22.7% of the storage jars) comprise 25.7% in Stratum IV, 22.6% in Stratum III and 20.3% in Stratum II. Diagonal incisions around the neck (Figs. 1.7:9; 1.12:14; 1.27:1, 4), resembling a rope decoration, were found in Strata IV and III, while applied rope decoration appears only in Stratum III (Fig. 1.27:6). This is a common form at sites of late EB IA, such as Tel Ḥalif Terrace Strata XVIII– XVII (Dessel 2009: Pl. 4:5, 10). Incised diagonal lines on the neck are also common on storage jars in EB IB, as in Afridar Area J2 Stratum 1 (Baumgarten 2004: Fig. 14:2), the Tel Ḥalif Terrace ‘Silo Siteʼ Stratum II (Alon and Yekutieli 1995: Fig. 18:4–6) and Harṭuv (Mazar and Miroschedji 1996: Fig. 18:14–17, 21), and this decoration is a distinguishing feature of Tel ‘Erani C horizon, associated with early EB IB (Gophna 2002: Fig. 3:1; see also Kempinski and Gilead 1991: Fig. 12:15–18). One petrographic analysis of this type indicates that it was imported (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: No. 36). SJ IX: Rolled-Rim Storage Jar (Fig. 1.7:10) A single sherd was found of a large storage-jar type well known at northern EB IB sites such as Qiryat Ata (Golani 2003:108, Fig. 4.13:15). The rim originated in Stratum II and is decorated with a series of closely placed thumb indentations )Fig. 1.33:15). Petrographic analysis determined that this vessel was imported (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: No. 37). Storage Jars: Summary The repertoire of storage-jar forms from Barne‘a is typical of EB I in southwestern Canaan. Storage Jar Types SJ I–SJ IV and SJ VII are associated with Strata IV–III and can be regarded as characteristic of those strata. At other sites, these types are generally associated with EB IA, while at Barne‘a they apparently continue into early EB IB as well. The few examples from Stratum II contexts (Fig. 1.33:6, 7) are probably residual. At Barne‘a, Type SJ VI is the most common form of storage jar and appears in Strata IV–II. Type SJ V, the second-most common storage jar type, begins in Stratum IV and becomes popular in Strata III–II. Type SJ VIII, the third-most common type at Barne‘a, also appear in all the strata, and often has a distinctive white wash. Incised diagonal lines on many examples of Type VIII are usually associated with the ‘Erani C horizon of early EB IB; however, at Barne‘a, examples with incised decoration were also recovered in contexts of Stratum IV, suggesting that this typical feature of the ‘Erani C horizon may have begun earlier, in late EB IA.

20

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

1

2 10

0

3 4

5

0

10

Fig. 1.6. Storage jar Types I–III.

21

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

1

3

2

4

6

5

7 8

10

0

9

Fig. 1.7. Storage jar Types IV–IX.

10

22

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

Juglets and Jugs (Table 1.6; Fig. 1.8:1–4) A total of 71 identifiable juglets and jugs originated in secure loci of Strata IV–II, comprising 2.7% of the entire assemblage (Table 1.2) and a very small proportion of each stratum (see Fig. 1.1). Their sharp increase in Stratum II stems from the concentration of vessels found in Pits 1327 and 1328 in Area D (Golani 2019b: Figs. 3.140, 3.141). Due to the small size of the rim fragments, it was not always possible to accurately differentiate between jug and juglet rims, and only in a very few cases could larger-sized vessels be identified, often with one handle (e.g., Figs. 1.29:11; 1.35:1, 2). The juglets and jugs are generally bag-shaped, with sloping shoulders and a simple, out-turned or vertical rim; most have a rounded base (Figs. 1.13:1; 1.29:2–5; 1.34:3, 5), while some have a flat (e.g., Fig. 1.35:1) or pointed base (e.g., Fig. 1.34:2). Small vessels with rounded or pointed bases, also termed ‘Egyptian style dropshaped juglets’ or ‘drop-pots’ (Hamilton 1993) are considered examples of Egyptian ceramic traditions (Yekutieli 2000:137), although most examples appear to have been locally made.2 They are typical of late EB IA–EB IB in southwestern Canaan, which corresponds with their discovery in Strata IV–II at Barne‘a. Similar vessels have been found in Afridar Area E (Golani 2004: Fig. 29:1–5), Area F Stratum I (Khalaily 2004: Fig. 10:8), Area J2 Strata 3–2 (Baumgarten 2004: Figs. 12:4; 13:4, 5) and Area M Strata II–I (Golani 2008: Fig. 9:14), and at Tel ‘Erani Layer C (Kempinski and Gilead 1991: Fig. 12:11–13), Taur Ikhbeineh Phases III– IV (Oren and Yekutieli 1992: Figs. 10:9, 10; 13:15–18), Site H in the Besor region (Roshwalb 1981: Fig. H.6:14; Gophna 1990: Fig. 3:6) and ‘En Besor (Gophna 1976: Fig. 6:11, 12). Some of the juglets and jugs in Stratum III–II have spouts emanating diagonally from the shoulder (e.g., Fig. 1.29:10), similar to vessels from Tel ‘Erani Layer C (Kempinski and Gilead 1991: Fig. 12:14). Special types include twin vessels from Stratum II, one with handles on each of the juglets (Fig. 1.34:8), the other with a spout (Fig. 1.34:9). Twin vessels are relatively uncommon, but are known in EB IB at Harṭuv (Mazar and Miroschedji 1996: Fig. 17:30) and Qiryat Ata (Golani 2003: Fig. 4.14:7). Petrographic analysis determined that one of these vessels was locally produced, while the other was imported (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: Nos. 39, 40 respectively). Another unique vessel, from Stratum II Pit 1327 of Area D, is larger, resembling a bottle (Fig. 1.34:7) with a high neck, and near the rim are four small plastic knobs. Table 1.6. Juglets and Jugs from All Excavated Areas According to Type and Stratum Stratum

Type

JT

JG

Total

IV

12

12

III

26

1

27

II

28

4

32

Total

66 (93%)

5 (7%)

71 (100%)

A similar juglet was found among the stones of W525 of Building K4 (Golani 2019b: Figs. 3.97, 3.98), containing many dentalium shells, and was probably a foundation deposit (see Chapter 11). 2

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

23

Varia Ledge Handles (Table 1.7; Fig. 1.8:5–7) Ledge handles are usually attached to holemouth and storage jars, less so to bowls. The ledge handles in the present assemblage are divided into three types. LH I: Plain, Undecorated Ledge Handles (Fig. 1.8:5) Reminiscent of the flattened, horizontal knobs applied to EB IA GBW bowls (see above). This type is relatively rare, appearing mainly in Stratum III (Fig. 1.28:1, 2). Such ledge handles are found in southwestern Canaan from the end of EB IA and well into EB IB at sites such as Afridar Area E (Golani 2004: Fig. 29:8), Taur Ikhbeineh Phases II–III (Oren and Yekutieli 1992: Fig. 9:10), Tel Ḥalif Terrace ‛Silo Siteʼ Stratum II (Alon and Yekutieli 1995: Fig. 21:4) and Site H in the Besor region (Roshwalb 1981: Fig. H.7:11). LH II: Ledge Handles with Shallow Thumb Indentations (Fig. 1.8:6) This is a common type (32.9% of the ledge handles) appearing throughout Strata IV–II (Figs. 1.13:2, 3; 1.28:3–6, 8; 1.35:5). Thumb-indented ledge handles are common throughout EB I, as in Afridar Area F (Khalaily 2004: Fig. 17:1–4) and Area G (Braun and Gophna 2004: Fig. 22:5–12), Niẓẓanim Strata 3–5 (Yekutieli and Gophna 1994: Figs. 9:2, 3; 11:7, 8), Tel ‘Erani Layer C (Kempinski and Gilead 1991: Fig. 11:4), Taur Ikhbeineh Phases II–IV (Oren and Yekutieli 1992: Figs. 9:2, 9; 10:12) and Tel Ḥalif Terrace ‘Silo Siteʼ Strata III–I (Alon and Yekutieli 1995: Figs. 15:6; 18:10, 11; 22:1; 23:6, 9). LH III: Ledge Handles with Upturned and Folded-Over Edges and Deep Thumb Indentations (Fig. 1.8:7) This type, also termed ‘envelopedʼ ledge handles, is the most common (62.1% of the ledge handles), appearing throughout Strata IV–II (Fig. 1.13:4, 5; 1.28:7). They are common from the end of EB IA into EB IB at sites such as Afridar Area F (Khalaily 2004: Fig. 17:5), Niẓẓanim Stratum 3 (Yekutieli and Gophna 1994: Fig. 9:4, 6), Taur Ikhbeineh Phases II–V (Oren and Yekutieli 1992: Figs. 9:13; 11:1) and Tel Ḥalif Terrace ‘Silo Siteʼ Strata I–II (Alon and Yekutieli 1995: Figs. 15:7, 9; 18:17). Table 1.7. Ledge Handles from All Excavated Areas According to Type and Stratum Stratum

Type

LH I

IV

LH II

LH III

Total

9

21

30 84

III

6

27

51

II

1

10

15

Total

7 (5%)

46 (33%)

87 (62%)

26 140 (100%)

24

1

5

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

2

3

4

6

7 0

10

Fig. 1.8. Juglets, a jug and ledge handles.

Decorated Handles (Figs. 1.30:1–5, 14; 1.35:6, 7) A variety of handles decorated with incisions or plastic decoration was recovered. At Barne‘a, incised decoration includes one or more lines along the length and/or width of the upper surface of the handle, executed while the clay was still in a plastic state (Figs. 1.30:1, 2, 14; 1.35:6, 7). Such decorated handles are common in southwestern Canaan at the end of EB IA and into EB IB, as in Afridar Area J2 Stratum 1 (Baumgarten 2004: Fig. 14:3), Taur Ikhbeineh Phases III–IV (Oren and Yekutieli 1992: Fig. 12:5), Tel ‘Erani Layer C (Yekutieli 2006: Fig. 4:12, 13) and Harṭuv (Mazar and Miroschedji 1996: Figs. 18:22; 19:17, 19). Another form of incised decoration, also common in southwestern Canaan at the same time, is short, horizontal or diagonal incisions producing a ‘herringboneʼ pattern (Figs. 1.30:3, 4; 1.35:7). This feature, a fossile directeur of the ‘Erani C horizon, is known at Tel ‘Erani Layer C (Yekutieli 2006: Fig. 4:9, 14) and Harṭuv (Mazar and Miroschedji 1996: Figs. 18:5, 7, 8; 19:18). It is often found integrated with the vertical and horizontal lines described above, as at Afridar (Gophna 2002: Fig. 4:1; Khalaily 2004: Fig. 17:9). At Barne‘a, handles with incised decoration were found only in Strata III–II. Plastic decoration on handles includes a small clay coil around the upper portion of the handle (Fig. 1.30:5). It is also found at sites in southwestern Canaan, primarily during EB IB, as at Tel Ḥalif Terrace ‘Silo Siteʼ Stratum I (Alon and Yekutieli 1995: Fig. 17:8), Tel ‘Erani Layer C (Yekutieli 2006: Fig. 4:15) and Harṭuv (Mazar and Miroschedji 1996: Fig. 18:6, 7). At Barne‘a, this decorative feature was also found only in Strata III–II.

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

25

Two Unique Vessels (Fig. 1.35:3, 4) Two restored vessels among the collection of juglets and jugs from Stratum II Pit 1327 in Area D are of forms unknown in the typology. Both are small neckless pots resembling holemouth vessels, with two vertical pierced lug handles below the rim. One has a small, rounded base (Fig. 1.35:3), the other (Fig. 1.35:4) has a smaller, pointed base. The mouth of both vessels was distorted prior to firing. Cornets (Figs. 1.13:6; 1.30:9, 10) Ten cornet fragments originated in Strata IV (n = 3) and III (n = 7), consisting of the very distinctive base; rims of cornets may also have been recovered, but were probably counted as small bowls. The cornet is usually regarded as a fossile directeur of the Late Chalcolithic Ghassulian culture in the southern Levant. However, cornet fragments within early EB IA contexts have been published from the excavations at Afridar, such as Area E (Golani 2004:30:1–2; 2018: Fig. 4:23–24), Area F Stratum II (Khalaily 2004: Fig. 13:1–4), Area G (Braun and Gophna 2004: Fig. 21:1), Area J1 and J2 Stratum 5 (Baumgarten 2004: Figs. 10:16; 16:6–7), Area M Stratum II (Golani 2008: Fig. 10:11–12) and Area O-2 (Golani and Pasternak 2020: Fig. 9:11, 12). None of these excavations has produced a clear, unequivocal Chalcolithic occupation. Cornets were also found in EB IA contexts at Tel Ḥalif Terrace Stratum XVIII, Phase 9A–B (Dessel 2009:105–106). At Barne‘a, the cornet fragments appear in late EB IA and early EB IB contexts. Therefore, at both Afridar and Barne‘a, the cornet appears to have been a Chalcolithic holdover whose range extends well into EB I (see Golani 2013, 2022). Sherds with Unusual Decoration (Fig. 1.30:11, 15; 1.35:9) A unique sherd with a cap-like shape bearing external plastic decoration of flattened and indented clay bands that form a circle with a cross (Fig. 1.30:11) was found in Stratum III. This sherd has two exact parallels from Tel ‘Erani Layer C (Yekutieli 2006: Fig. 4:19, 20) that were interpreted as the ends of miniature churns. The churn, like the cornet, is a characteristic vessel of the Chalcolithic period that was not forgotten in EB I (Amiran 1985). The peculiar double lug handle in Fig. 1.35:8 may also belong to a churn. Four sherds of special fabric, form and decoration were recovered, one from Stratum III (Fig. 1.30:15) and three from Stratum II (Fig. 1.35:9). They were made of well-levigated, light orange or cream-brown clay and coated on the exterior with a pale gray-green or cream-colored slip. They represent small, elongated vessels decorated with a wavy plastic band. Petrographic analysis (see Chapter 2: Table 2.1: Nos. 44, 45) determined that these fragments are Egyptian imports. Such vessels are defined as wavy-handled cylindrical jars (‘W-class’; Petrie 1921: Tables 28–30) that are associated with the Naqada IIIA period (Pumpenmeier 1998:21–25, Abb. 13, 14) and were also present at Tell el-Farkha, Phase 4 (Jucha 2008:67, Fig. 4:3).

26

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

Discussion and Conclusions The ceramic assemblage from Ashqelon Barne‘a, together with those from Ashqelon Afridar, now represent one of the largest collections of EB I pottery from a well-defined stratigraphic sequence in southwestern Canaan. The analysis of the Barne‘a ceramic assemblage has enabled a reliable and empirical typological representation of three strata covering the time span from late EB IA to the end of EB IB (see Figs. 1.9–1.35), and a study of the ceramic variation over time (see Tables 1.1–1.6; Fig. 1.1) and between the different excavation areas (Table 1.2; Appendix 1.1). Finally, the Barne‘a ceramic assemblage enables a more definitive relative dating of Barne‘a within EB I in southwestern Canaan (see Chapter 13). Characterization of the Ceramic Assemblage and Relative Chronology The chronological framework of EB I in southwestern Canaan has been discussed in detail (Yekutieli 2000; Regev et al. 2012; Braun et al. 2013; Golani 2013, 2022) and a two-part division of EB IA (EB IA1, EB IA2) and of EB IB (EB IB1, EB IB2) has been proposed by Yekutieli, based on the morphological and technological character of ceramic assemblages from this region (Yekutieli 2000, 2001). This sequential framework provides a useful tool for discussion of EB I ceramic assemblages in southwestern Canaan. However, in the present work we have opted to use the comparative terms early and late EB IA and early and late EB IB. The ceramic assemblage from Barne‘a spans the late EB IA into the late EB IB (Strata IV–II). This attribution was established based on stratigraphy and architectural styles (see Golani 2019a) and is upheld by radiometric dating of short-lived carbonized seeds from each of the excavated strata (Boaretto 2019). The numerous ceramic vessel forms are all recognized as typical of this timespan (see above). Also within the assemblage are certain ceramic forms and technologies familiar from Late Chalcolithic contexts in southwestern Canaan (Types B Ia, B V, B VI, H I, H V, H VI, cornets, thumb-indented decoration). This is not unexpected, as previous research has established that in this region, ceramic cultural traditions were carried over from the Late Chalcolithic into EB I (Yekutieli 2000, 2001; Dessel 2009:105–106; Braun 2011:162–167, Figs. 12.1–5; Brink 2011:63, 67–68; Braun et al. 2013:30; Golani 2013:101–102; 2022). Only small variations are seen between Strata IV, III and II, probably due in part to mixing caused by the mobility of small rim sherds between the three strata, together with the constructional activities and erosional processes involved in the growth of the site from Stratum IV to Stratum III and its subsequent contraction during Stratum II (see Golani 2019a). Recognition of these and other limitations is essential when attempting a ceramic characterization of the three main strata and the various areas at Barne‘a.

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

27

Typological Characterization by Strata The relative frequencies of vessel types within each stratum were determined (see Tables 1.3–1.6), enabling certain types to be defined as characteristic of each stratum, while smaller frequencies apparently represent the initial appearance of a type or its decline, or may be seen as residual. Stratum IV (Late EB IA or EB IA–IB Transition) (Figs 1.9–1.13) Nearly all the vessel types identified at Barne‘a are present in Stratum IV; the most common are Types B Ia, B VII, H I, H II, H VIII, SJ VI and SJ VIII. Bowl Types B II and B VI are two highly distinctive forms characteristic of late EB IA at other sites, but at Barne‘a continue into early EB IB. The decorative tradition of red wash (B VI) and red-burnishing (B II) has been attributed to a late phase of EB IA (Yekutieli 2000:131, EB IA2); however, the present study shows that these surface treatments continue to appear in early EB IB (see below). Small numbers of Type B X (GBW), which is a well-known EB IA form in northern Canaan, appear in this stratum and continue into early EB IB at Barne‘a; some were imported and others were locally made. Holemouth Jar Types H IV, H VI and H VII and Storage Jar Types SJ I, SJ II, SJ III and SJ IV are late EB IA forms, most of which also continue into EB IB at Barne‘a. Comparative parallels from other sites in southwestern Canaan for the ceramic types that predominant in Stratum IV demonstrate a relative chronological association with the late phase of EB IA and into EB IB. Stratum III (Early–Mid EB IB) (Figs. 1.14–1.30) Most of the vessel types that are common in Stratum IV, continue in Stratum III: Holemouth Jar Types H IV, H V and H VIII and Storage Jar Types SJ I–IV, which are generally considered diagnostic of EB IA, apparently continue into EB IB as well. Bowl Type B III appears to be slightly more common from Stratum III onward. Bowl Types B Ib, B VIII and B IX, Holemouth Jar Type H III and Storage Jar Type SJ Ib, first appear in Stratum III and are characteristic of early EB IB at Barne‘a and other sites. Petrographic analyses revealed that some of these types are northern imports. The ceramic types common in Stratum III indicate a chronological association with the early phase of EB IB (EB IB1) and are most closely paralleled by assemblages of the ‘Erani C cultural/chronological horizon (Yekutieli 2006) and from sites such as Tel Ḥalif ‘Silo Terrace Site’ Strata III–III and Harṭuv. Numerous decorative features are also associated with the ‘Erani C horizon, such as white wash on storage jars, diagonal incisions on storage-jar necks, and various incised handles. The predominant types in Stratum III bear morphological traits and decorative traditions common to both late EB IA and early EB IB.

28

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

Stratum III also reveals the earliest examples of imported Egyptian pre-dynastic pottery at Barne‘a, which also continues into Stratum II. These imported vessels can be associated with the Naqada IIIA period and constitute one of the earliest-known Egyptian ceramic imports to the southern Levant. Stratum II (End of EB IB) (Figs. 1.31–1.35) Holemouth Jar Type H II and Storage Jar Type SJ V continue from Strata IV and III and increase in frequency in Stratum II, as do several other forms that continue from Stratum III (Types B VII, H I–III, H VIII, SJ VI, SJ VIII). The diminished frequencies of Bowl Types B lb and B II, Holemouth Jar Type H V and Storage Jar Types SJ I–J IV and SJ VII, suggest that these forms were in decline, or residual from earlier strata. Bowl Type B X, Holemouth Jar Types IVa and VII and cornets cease to appear. Nearly all the vessel types identified in Stratum II are associated with late EB IB assemblages at other sites. Functional Variation among the Strata Stratum III comprises 61.7% of the pottery assemblage (see Table 1.1), undoubtedly representing the most intensive occupation at the site. Strata IV and II comprise almost equal percentages (21% and 17.3% respectively). The percentages of each of the four main vessel categories in each stratum show little change (see Fig. 1.1). The frequency of bowls (open vessels intended for serving and consumption) comprises just under half the ceramic assemblage (Table 1.2). A slight but steady decline from Stratum IV to Stratum II is evident, possibly indicating reduced serving and consumption in the excavated areas. Closed vessels (holemouth jars, storage jars, juglets/jugs) comprise over half of the ceramic assemblage, and their frequency appears more stable over time than open vessels (see Fig. 1.1), suggesting that during Strata IV–II, households retained control over their production and storage;3 this is also attested by the increase and development of storage structures within domestic compounds during Strata IV–III (Golani 2019a: Table 4.5). As noted above, the increase in juglets/jugs in Stratum II is largely due to their concentration in Area D Pits 1327 and 1328 (Golani 2019b: Fig. 3.141), probably related to the nature of Area D, which is a deeply stratified, built-up area, where the architecture and other material-culture finds strongly suggest a public function (Golani 2019a:254–256). Quantitative Variation among Areas The size of the ceramic assemblage enabled a limited quantitative analysis of ceramic variation between the areas (see Table 1.1), and thus a better understanding of the nature of

Alongside their function in household storage, holemouth jars are also regarded as cooking vessels, indicating domestic activities; holemouth jars with rounded bottoms (not found in the Barne‘a assemblage) were identified as cooking vessels in EB II (Paz and Iserlis 2009). At Barne‘a, no clear identification of cooking vessels could be distinguished by either form (type) or fabric. 3

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

29

the activities that took place in the various excavated areas. Area D and the adjacent Area G produced the largest amounts of pottery, with Area D alone providing 57.4% of the entire ceramic assemblage, although it comprises only 20% of the total excavated area. This is a further indication of its special nature as a public zone throughout Strata IV–II. Area G, of mixed domestic and public nature, yielded 11.7% of the ceramics, perhaps as it was only occupied during Strata IV–III (Golani 2019a:255–256). In general, smaller amounts of ceramics were recovered in habitational and industrial areas. Further spatial analyses of pottery within structures (domestic, storage, public) and open areas such as compounds, was deemed infeasible due to the relatively small amounts in each unit.

Fig. 1.9 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

B Ia

M

IVB

7113

70245/1

Dark gray-brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white grits, red wash on exterior and interior, medium fired

2

B Ia

H

IV

3108

30262

Gray-brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

3

B Ia

D

IV

1060

10367

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, well fired

4

B II

D

IV

1345

12316/1

Brown-orange fabric, gray core, small white grits, red slip on exterior and interior, vertical burnish on exterior, horizontal burnish on interior, well fired

5

B II

D

IV

1362

12339

Brown-orange fabric, gray core, small white and gray grits, red slip on exterior and interior, horizontal burnish on exterior, vertical burnish on interior, well fired

6

B III

H

IV

4147

40366/1

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, poorly fired

7

B III

M

IVB

7113

70245/2

Brown fabric, gray core, small white grits, medium fired

8

B III

D

IV

1306

12203

Brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

9

B III

B

IV

326

2248

Light brown fabric, brown core, small white grits, knob below rim, well fired

10

BV

D

IV

1084

10398

Cream-colored fabric, cream-gray core, small white grits, well fired

11

BV

G

IV

1406

12301

Light gray-brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, medium fired

12

B VIa

H

IV

3098

30255

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, thumb indentations on rim, well fired

13

B VIa

L

IV

6099

60196/1

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

14

B VIa

G

IV

1434

8351

Light gray-brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

15

B VIa

I

IV

2075

20169

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

16

B VIb

L

IV

6086

60178

Brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations on outer edge of rim, medium fired

17

B VIb

D

IV

1041

10316

Light brown-gray fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, thumb indentations on outer edge of rim, medium fired

30

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

3

1

2

4

6

5

9 8

7

10

12

11

13

14

15

16

17

0

10

Fig. 1.9. Stratum IV: bowls.

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

31

Fig. 1.10 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

B VII

D

IV

1231

12064

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, medium fired

2

B VII

D

IV

1126A

10483

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, well fired

3

B VII

D

IV

1043

10345

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, medium fired

4

B VII

D

IV

1043

10323

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, horizontal burnishing on exterior and interior, well fired

5

B VII

D

IVA

1073

10383

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small white grits, red wash on exterior and interior, vertical burnishing on exterior, horizontal burnishing on interior, well fired

6

BX

B

IV

272

2153

Gray-brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white grits, burnished on exterior, medium fired

7

BX

G

IV

991

8300

Gray fabric, gray core, small white grits, well fired, horizontal burnishing on exterior

8

BX

H

Pre-IV

3106

30257

Gray fabric, gray core, small white grits, burnished on exterior, medium fired

9

HI

B

IV

218

2035

Dark brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, well fired

10

HI

H

IV

3124

30288

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

11

H II

B

IV

310

2224

Orange-brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

12

H IVb

M

IV

7149

70341/1

Brown-red fabric, brown-red core, small to medium white and gray grits, applied rope decoration below rim, well fired

13

H IVb

G

IV

959

8242

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, applied rope decoration below rim, well fired

32

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

2 1

3

4

5

6

7

9 8

11

12

13

10

0

10

Fig. 1.10. Stratum IV: bowls and holemouth jars.

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

33

Fig. 1.11 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

HV

G

IV

869

8201/1

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, thumb indentations on rim, well fired

2

HV

D

IV

1362

12342/1

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, red wash on exterior, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

3

HV

G

IV

869

8201/2

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, thumb indentations on rim, well fired

4

H VI

M

IVA

7076

70143

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, scalloped decoration on rim, medium fired

5

H VIII

D

IV

1040

10312

Brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, scalloped decoration on rim, well fired

6

H VIII

M

IV

7148

70340/1

Brown fabric, dark-gray core, small white and gray grits, scalloped decoration on rim, well fired

7

SJ II

M

IV

7082

70179

Brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

8

SJ II

D

IV

1250

12098

Light brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

9

SJ III

M

IV

7044

70090

Brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

10

SJ IV

D

IV

543

5502

Light brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

11

SJ IV

D

IV

1345

12362

Brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

34

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

2

1

3 4

5

6

7

8

10 9

11 0

10

Fig. 1.11. Stratum IV: holemouth jars and storage jars.

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

35

Fig. 1.12 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

SJ VI

M

IV

7026

70061

Brown-red fabric, dark gray core, small white grits, well fired

2

SJ VI

M

IV

7083

70182

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, medium fired

3

SJ VI

D

IV

1345

12321

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, medium fired

4

SJ VII

D

IV

1345

12361

Light brown fabric, gray core, small white and gray grits, small applied knobs around circumference, red wash on exterior, medium fired

5

SJ VII

D

IV

1335

12288

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

6

SJ VII

L

IV

6099

60196/2

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

7

SJ VII

M

IV

7149

70341/2

Dark brown-gray fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, well fired

8

SJ VIII

G

IV

869

8109

Dark brown-gray fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, medium fired

9

SJ VIII

G

IV

869

8201/3

Dark brown-gray fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, medium fired

10

SJ VIII

G

IV

869

8097

Dark brown-gray fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, medium fired

11

SJ VIII

M

IV

7148

70340/2

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white grits, well fired

12

SJ VIII

D

IV

1041

10318

Light cream-brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white grits, red wash on exterior, well fired

13

SJ VIII

D

IV

1345

12316/2

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white grits, medium fired

14

SJ VIII

D

IV

1043

10354

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small to medium white and gray grits, diagonal incisions on shoulder, well fired

15

SJ VIII

D

IV

1362

12342/2

Brown fabric, light gray core, small white and gray grits, horizontal burnish on exterior, well fired

16

SJ VIII

D

IV

1298

12276

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, well fired

36

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

1

2

3

5 6

8 7 4

10

9

11

12

13

14

15 16 0

10

Fig. 1.12. Stratum IV: storage jars.

37

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

1

2

4

3

5

6

0

10

Fig. 1.13. Stratum IV: juglet, ledge handles and cornet. No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

JT

G

IV

1430

8438

Light brown fabric, light brown core, small white grits, medium fired

2

LH II

H

IV(?)

4057

40136

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

3

LH II

H

IV

4147

40366/2

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

4

LH III

G

IV

1430

8341

Light brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white grits, medium fired

5

LH III

D

IV

1035

10303

Light brown fabric, gray-black core, small white and gray grits, red wash , medium fired

6

CT

H

IV

4057

40158

Light brown fabric, gray core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

38

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

Fig. 1.14 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

B Ia

K

IIIA

5179

50463

Gray-brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white grits, medium fired

2

B Ia

D

IIIA

1086

10405/1

Brown-orange fabric, gray-brown core, small to medium white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, medium fired

3

B Ia

H

IIIA

4063

40159/1

Gray-brown fabric, gray core, small white grits, well fired

4

B Ia

D

IIIA

1012

5250

Brown-orange fabric, light gray core, small white grits, medium fired

5

B Ia

H1

IIIA

4027

40066

Light brown fabric, light brown core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

6

B Ia

D

IIIB

1123

10499

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, medium fired

7

B Ia

D

IIIA

1096

10405

Gray-brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white grits, well fired

8

B Ia

D

IIIB

1099

10429/1

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, well fired

9

B Ia

H

IIIB

153

1096/1

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, medium fired

10

B Ia

G

IIIB

916

8171

Light brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, medium fired

11

B Ib

D

IIIA

1281

12170

Orange-brown fabric, gray-orange core, small to medium white grits, medium fired

12

B Ib

D

IIIB

1128

10491

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small to medium white grits, well fired

13

B Ib

A

III

148

1084

Light gray-brown fabric, light gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, applied rope decoration on exterior, well fired

14

B II

I

III

2129

20252

Brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white grits, red slip on exterior and interior, horizontal burnish on exterior, diagonal burnish on interior, medium fired

15

B II

H

IIIA

4103

40263

Brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, red slip on exterior and interior, horizontal and diagonal burnish on exterior, horizontal burnish on interior, medium fired

39

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

1

2

3

4 5

6

7 8

9 10

12

11

13

14 15 0

10

Fig. 1.14. Stratum III: bowls.

40

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

Fig. 1.15 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

B II

D

IIIB

1140

10515

Brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white grits, red slip on exterior and interior, horizontal and diagonal burnish on exterior, horizontal burnish on interior, well fired

2

B II

M

IIIA

7018

70044

Brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, red slip on exterior and interior, horizontal burnish on exterior, vertical burnish on interior, medium fired

3

B II

D

IIIA

1139

10510

Brown-orange fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, red slip on exterior and interior, horizontal burnish on exterior, vertical burnish on interior, medium fired

4

B II

H

IIIA

140

1076

Brown-orange fabric, gray core, small white and gray grits, red slip on exterior and interior, diagonal burnish on exterior, horizontal burnish on interior, medium fired

5

B III

D

IIIA

1258

12116

Brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white grits, red wash on exterior and interior, medium fired

6

B III

M

IIIB

235

2072

Brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white grits, medium fired

7

B III

L

III

6026

60078

Cream-colored fabric, cream-gray core, small white, gray and red grits, medium fired

8

B III

L

III

6026

60073

Light brown fabric, light brown core, small white and gray grits, poorly fired

9

B III

M

IIIB

7025

70079/1

Cream-colored fabric, cream-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, poorly fired

10

B III

K

III

5045

50067

Brown fabric, gray core, small white grits, well fired

11

B III

D

IIIB

1237

12088

Light brown fabric, light-brown core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

12

B III

D

IIIB

1357

12363/1

Light brown fabric, light brown core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

13

B III

D

IIIB

1128

10473

Cream-colored fabric, cream-gray core, small white and gray grits, plastic knob below rim, well fired

14

B III

D

IIIB

1239

12072

Brown-gray fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, plastic knob below rim, well fired

15

BV

D

IIIA

1217

12036

Light gray fabric, gray core, small white and gray grits, applied handles below rim, red wash on exterior, well fired

16

BV

H

IIIA

4078

40188

Light brown fabric, gray core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

17

BV

D

IIIB

1101

10430/1

Light brown fabric, gray core, small white and gray grits, well fired

18

BV

H

IIIA

140

1086/1

Light cream-brown clay, cream-gray core, small white and gray grits, well fired

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

2

1

3

4

5

8

7

6

9 10

13 12

11

14

16

15

17

18

0

10

Fig. 1.15. Stratum III: bowls.

41

42

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

Fig. 1.16 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

B VIa

G

IIIA

929

8182

Brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

2

B VIa

D

IIIB

1101

10448

Brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

3

B VIa

D

IIIA

1086

10401

Light brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

4

B VIa

D

IIIB

1101

10434

Brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

5

B VIb

D

IIIB

1027

10314

Light brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations on outer edge of rim, medium fired

6

B VIb

M

IIIB

7138

70296

Cream-brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations on outer edge of rim, poorly fired

7

B VIb

M

IIIB

7098

70232

Light brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations on outer edge of rim, well fired

8

B VIb

M

IIIA

7018

70035

Brown fabric, gray core, small white grits, red wash on exterior and interior, thumb indentations on outer edge of rim, medium fired

9

B VIb

H

IIIB

153

1096/2

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small white and gray grits, thumb indentations on outer edge of rim, well fired

10

B VIb

D

IIIA

591

5216

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small white and gray grits, thumb indentations on outer edge of rim, well fired

11

B VIb

M

IIIA

7020

70054

Brown fabric, brown core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, thumb indentations on outer edge of rim, poorly fired

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

1

2

3

5

4

6

7

8

9

10

11 0

10

Fig. 1.16. Stratum III: bowls.

43

44

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

Fig. 1.17 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

B VII

D

IIIA

1220A

12037/1

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white grits, red wash on exterior and interior, well fired

2

B VII

D

IIIA

1017

10277

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, well fired

3

B VII

D

IIIA

506

5021/1

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, medium fired

4

B VII

D

IIIB

1366

12350/1

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, well fired

5

B VII

D

IIIB

1097

10415

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, medium fired

6

B VII

D

IIIB

1366

12350/2

Brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, red wash on interior, well fired

7

B VII

D

IIIB

1366

12350/3

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, well fired

8

B VII

D

IIIB

1001

10279

Brown fabric, gray-brown core, small to medium white and gray grits, well fired

9

B VII

D

IIIB

1350

12309

Brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

10

B VII

B

IIIB

289

2198

Brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

11

B VII

K

IIIA

5113

50268

Brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

12

B VII

B

IIIB

328

2262

Dark gray-brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, poorly fired

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

1 2

3

4 5

6

7

8

9

11

10

12 0

10

Fig. 1.17. Stratum III: bowls.

45

46

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

Fig. 1.18 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

B VII

D

IIIB

1055

10349

Dark brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, horizontal burnishing on exterior, medium fired

2

B VII

D

IIIB

1355

12327/1

Gray-brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white grits, red wash on exterior and interior, diagonal burnishing on exterior, horizontal burnishing on interior, medium fired

3

B VII

L

III

6026

60046

Brown fabric, gray core, small white and gray grits, diagonal burnishing on exterior and interior, medium fired

4

B VII

D

IIIA

506

5021/2

Light brown fabric, gray core, small white grits, red wash on exterior and interior, vertical burnishing on exterior, vertical and horizontal burnishing on interior, medium fired

5

B VIII

D

IIIA

1342

12340

Light brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, well fired

6

B VIII

D

IIIA

1086

10413

Light cream fabric, cream-gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, well fired

7

B IX

D

IIIB

1001

5222

Brown fabric, gray core, small white grits, thumb indentations below rim, well fired

8

B IX

D

IIIA

599

5231/1

Brown-orange fabric, orange-gray core, small white and gray grits, well fired

9

B IX

L

III

6036

60422

Brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white grits, medium fired

10

BX

B

IIIB

217

2033

Cream-brown fabric, cream-gray core, small to medium white grits, horizontal burnishing on exterior, medium fired

11

BX

D

IIIB

1085

10402

Gray fabric, gray core, small white grits, burnished on exterior, medium fired

12

BX

D

IIIB–A

1050

10339

Gray fabric, gray core, small white grits, burnished on exterior and interior, well fired

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

1

2

4 3

6

5

7 8

9

11

10

12

0

10

Fig. 1.18. Stratum III: bowls.

47

48

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

Fig. 1.19 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

HI

K

IIIB

5112

50280

Gray-brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

2

HI

K

IIIA

5149

50382

Brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

3

HI

D

IIIA

592

5208/1

Cream-brown fabric, light gray core, small white and gray grits, well fired

4

HI

D

IIIA

1344

12296

Dark brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

5

HI

M

IIIB

7025

70079/2

Orange-brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, diagonal incisions below rim, medium fired

6

HI

M

IIIB

7015

70041

Dark brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

7

H II

M

IIIB

7025

70071

Dark brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, well fired

8

H II

D

IIIB

1322

12325/1

Gray-brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, well fired

9

H II

D

IIIB

1322

12325/2

Dark brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

10

H II

H

IIIA

4026

40060

Orange-brown fabric, gray core, small white and gray grits, well fired

11

H II

M

IIIB

7129

70279

Brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, diagonal thumb impressions on rim, well fired

12

H II

D

IIIB

1237

12068/1

Gray-brown fabric, gray core, small white grits, knob below rim, well fired

13

H II

D

IIIA

1344

12345/1

Gray-brown fabric, gray core, small white grits, knob below rim, well fired

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

1 2

4

3

5

6

7

8

10

9

11 12

13 0

10

Fig. 1.19. Stratum III: holemouth jars.

49

50

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

2 1

3

5 4

6

7

9 8

10 0

10

Fig. 1.20. Stratum III: holemouth jars. No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

H II

D

IIIA

1318

12243

Orange-brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, diagonal thumb impressions below rim, well fired

2

H II

D

IIIA

1216

12019

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, diagonal thumb impressions below rim, medium fired

3

H II

G

IIIB

816

8053

Brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, diagonal thumb impressions below rim, medium fired

4

H III

D

IIIA

1269

12143

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to large white and gray grits, medium fired

5

H III

D

IIIA

573

5166/1

Light brown-orange fabric, gray-brown core, small to medium white and gray grits, rope decoration below rim, well fired

6

H III

K

IIIA

5143

50381

Light brown-orange fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

7

H III

D

IIIB

1357

12363/2

Light brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, applied segmented rope decoration below rim, medium fired

8

H IVa

M

IIIB–A

7101

70221

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, well fired

9

H IVa

D

IIIB

1119

10474

Brown-gray fabric, gray core, small white and gray grits, diagonal incisions below rim, well fired

10

H IVa

G

IIIB

816

8082

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

51

Fig. 1.21 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

H IVb

M

IIIB

7024

70052

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations below rim, well fired

2

H IVb

D

IIIB

1113

10457

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, thumb indentations below rim, medium fired

3

H IVb

H

IIIB

4143

40366

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, thumb indentations below rim, medium fired

4

H IVb

J

IIIA

2015

20068/1

Cream-orange fabric, light brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, applied rope decoration below rim, well fired

5

H IVb

D

IIIB

1099

10429/2

Brown-red fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, thumb indentations below rim, medium fired

6

HV

G

IIIB

912

8153

Cream-brown fabric, light brown core, small to medium white and gray grits, applied rope decoration below rim, medium fired

7

HV

J

IIIA

2092

20232

Brown-red fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

8

HV

K

IIIB

5027

50049/1

Brown-red fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, well fired

9

HV

D

IIIB

1355

12327/2

Dark brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

10

HV

L

III

6081

60191

Light brown-orange fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

11

HV

M

IIIB

7049

70101

Cream-brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white grits, red wash on exterior, thumb indentations on rim, well fired

12

HV

D

IIIA

1352

12315/1

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, well fired

13

H VI

D

IIIB

1101

10430/2

Brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, scalloped decoration on rim, medium fired

14

H VII

D

IIIB

1137

10512

Brown-gray fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, well fired

15

H VII

D

IIIA

1086

10405/2

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, medium fired

16

H VII

I

III

2059

20157

Dark brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

52

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

2 1

4

3

6 5

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

0

10

Fig. 1.21. Stratum III: holemouth jars.

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

53

2

1

3

4

5

6

7 0

10

Fig. 1.22. Stratum III: holemouth jars. No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

H VIII

D

IIIA

1352

12315/2

Dark brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, scalloped decoration on rim, medium fired

2

H VIII

M

IIIA

7120

70272/1

Brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, scalloped decoration on rim, well fired

3

H VIII

D

IIIB

1037

10407

Dark brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, scalloped decoration on rim, medium fired

4

H VIII

D

IIIA

599

5231/2

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, well fired

5

H VIII

D

III

1329

12247

Dark brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white grits, scalloped decoration on rim, well fired

6

H VIII

H

IIIB

4171

40466/1

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, scalloped decoration on rim, medium fired

7

H VIII

D

IIIA

1086

10405/3

Light brown fabric, gray core, small white and gray grits, scalloped decoration on rim, medium fired

54

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

1

2 3

0

4

10

5 6 0

10

Fig. 1.23. Stratum III: storage jars. No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

SJ Ia

D

IIIB

1114

10458

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

2

SJ Ib

D

IIIB

1140

10575

Brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations, medium fired

3

SJ Ib

I

III

2100

20214

Brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations, medium fired

4

SJ Ib

H

IIIA

4070

40206

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

5

SJ Ib

D

IIIA

1220A

12037/2

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

6

SJ II

H

IIIB

4196

40463/1

Brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations, medium fired

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

Fig. 1.24 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

SJ II

D

IIIA

1086

10405/4

Brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

2

SJ II

H

IIIA

4060

40146

Brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

3

SJ II

M

IIIA

7120

70272/2

Orange-brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

4

SJ II

H

IIIB

4196

40463/2

Brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

5

SJ II

H

IIIA

4069

40209

Brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

6

SJ III

J

IIIB

2091

20288

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small white grits, greenish-white wash on exterior, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

7

SJ III

H

IIIA-B

4104

40273

Brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

8

SJ IV

D

IIIA

1242

12075

Brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

55

56

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

2 1

3

4

5

6

8

7

0

10

Fig. 1.24. Stratum III: storage jars.

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

57

Fig. 1.25 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

SJ IV

D

IIIB

1112

10452

Light brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

2

SJ IV

D

IIIB

1100

10427

Light brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

3

SJ Va

D

III

1349

13312

Brown-gray fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

4

SJ Va

D

IIIA

1344

12345/2

Brown-gray fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

5

SJ Va

D

IIIA-B

1052

10350

Brown-gray fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

6

SJ Va

D

IIIB

1353

12323

Brown-gray fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

7

SJ Va

D

IIIA

1261

12127

Brown-gray fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

8

SJ Va

D

IIIA

536

5080

Brown-gray fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

9

SJ Va

D

IIIA

1344

12345/3

Brown-gray fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

10

SJ Vb

D

IIIB

1357

12330

Brown-gray fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

11

SJ VI

D

IIIB

1313

12313

Dark gray-brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, well fired

12

SJ VI

I

III

2129

20257

Brown-red fabric, dark gray core, small white grits, faint red wash on exterior, well fired

13

SJ VI

K

IIIB

5027

50049/2

Dark brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, medium fired

14

SJ VI

D

IIIA

1341

12300

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, medium fired

15

SJ VI

L

IIIB

6094

60421

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, red wash and vertical burnish on exterior, poorly fired

58

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

1

2

5

3

4

8

7

6

10 9

11

14

13

12

15 0

10

Fig. 1.25. Stratum III: storage jars.

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

Fig. 1.26 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

SJ VI

H

IIIA

4068

40168

Brown fabric, gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, medium fired

2

SJ VI

D

IIIB

1313

12319

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, red wash on exterior, medium fired

3

SJ VII

D

IIIA

1341

12286/1

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, vertical burnish on exterior, well fired

4

SJ VII

D

IIIA

573

5166/2

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, well fired

5

SJ VII

M

IIIB

7097

70202

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, well fired

6

SJ VII

D

IIIA

580

10167

Light brown-red fabric, brown-gray core, small white, grits, red wash on exterior, well fired

7

SJ VII

M

IIIA

7120

70272/3

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, well fired

8

SJ VII

H

IIIB

4171

40427

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

9

SJ VII

D

IIIB

1355

12327/3

Brown-gray fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, well fired

10

SJ VII

J

IIIA

2007

20142

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, medium fired

11

SJ VIII

D

IIIB

1034

10308

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

12

SJ VIII

H

IIIA

4063

40159/2

Dark brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white grits, medium fired

13

SJ VIII

D

IIIB

1310

12211

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

14

SJ VIII

D

IIIB

1129

123476

Light brown fabric, gray core, small white grits, well fired

59

60

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

2 1

4 5

3

7

6

8

9 11 10

14

12 13 0

10

Fig. 1.26. Stratum III: storage jars.

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

61

2

1

3

4

5

6

7

0

10

Fig. 1.27. Stratum III: storage jars. No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

SJ VIII

D

IIIA

1261

12177

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small to large white grits, diagonal incisions on shoulder, well fired

2

SJ VIII

D

IIIB

1039

10322

Dark gray-brown fabric, gray core, small white grits, medium fired

3

SJ VIII

D

IIIA

1261

12136

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small to medium white grits, white wash on exterior, well fired

4

SJ VIII

D

IIIB

1357

12363/3

Light cream-brown fabric, light gray core, small white grits, red wash on exterior, diagonal incisions on shoulder, well fired

5

SJ VIII

D

IIIA

1354

11326

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, well fired

6

SJ VIII

D

IIIB

1357

12363/4

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, applied rope decoration on shoulder, white wash on exterior, well fired

7

SJ VIII

D

IIIA

592

5208/2

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small to medium white and gray grits, well fired

62

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

Fig. 1.28 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

LH I

D

IIIB

1119

10494

Gray-brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white grits, well fired

2

LH I

H

IIIA

4022

40054

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash, medium fired

3

LH II

M

IIIA

7059

70344

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

4

LH II

G

IIIA-B

843

8063

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

5

LH II

D

IIIB

1357

12363/5

Light cream-brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash, well fired

6

LH II

H

IIIA

140

1086/2

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small white and gray grits, well fired

7

LH III

D

IIIB

1366

12350/4

Gray-brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white grits, well fired

8

LH II

D

IIIA

1344

12345/4

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, white wash on exterior, medium fired

63

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

2

1

3

7 4

5

6

8 0

10

Fig. 1.28. Stratum III: ledge handles.

64

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

2

1

4

3

5

7

8

6

9

11 10 0

10

Fig. 1.29. Stratum III: juglets and jug. No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

JT

J

IIIB

2035

20069

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

2

JT

H

IIIB

4171

40466/2

Light brown fabric, small to medium white grits, well fired

3

JT

D

IIIB

1100

1044

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, well fired

4

JT

D

IIIA

1369

12358

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, medium fired

5

JT

K

IIIB

5147

50459

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

6

JT

D

IIIB

1237

12068/2

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small white, red wash on exterior and interior, medium fired

7

JT

D

IIIB

1313

12344

Light brown fabric, gray core, small white and gray grits, well fired

8

JT

K

IIIA

5113

50292

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small to medium white grits, applied rope decoration on shoulder, medium fired

9

JT

D

IIIB

1237

12068/3

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

10

JT

D

IIIA

1369

12357

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white grits, poorly fired

11

JG

D

IIIA

1318

12277

Gray-brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white grits, well fired

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

65

Fig. 1.30 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

Decorated handle

D

IIIA

1017

10271

Light brown fabric, light brown core, small white grits, incised line on exterior, medium fired

2

Decorated handle

L

IIIA(?)

6115

60225

Light brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, two incisied vertical lines on exterior, well fired

3

Decorated handle

A

III

122

1027

Light orange-brown fabric, light orange-brown core, small white grits, incisied diagonal lines on exterior, well fired

4

Decorated handle

D

IIIA

1341

12286/2

Light brown fabric, gray core, small white grits, incisied horizontal lines on exterior, medium fired

5

Decorated handle

K

IIIA

5150

50409

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small to medium white grits, applied coil decoration, well fired

6

Loop handle of small jar

K

IIIB

5027

50039

Light cream-brown fabric, brown core, small to medium white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, well fired

7

Loop handle

B

IIIB

223

2043

Light cream-brown fabric, gray-black core, small to medium white and gray grits, well fired

8

Lug handle

G

IIIB

921

8169

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

9

CT

B

IIIB

217

2036

Gray-brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white grits, vertical burnishing, well fired

10

CT

D

IIIB

588

5207

Light brown fabric, gray core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

11

Churn(?)

I

III

2125

20250

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, applied rope decoration on exterior, remains of white slip on exterior, medium fired

12

String-cut bowl base

G

891

8091

Light brown fabric, gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, well fired

13

String-cut base

J

IIIA

2015

20068/2

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

14

Painted jug with decorated handle

D

IIIA

519

5082

Light cream-brown fabric, light cream-brown core, small gray grits, white wash on exterior, diagonal red stripes on exterior, three impressed vertical lines handle, medium fired

15

Small Egyptian jar

D

IIIA

1289

12178

Light cream-brown fabric, light gray core, small gray grits, applied coil wavy decoration, pale graygreen slip on exterior and interior, medium fired

66

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

1

2

5

6

3

4

7 8

10

9

11

12

13

15 14 0

10

Fig. 1.30. Stratum III: varia.

67

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

3

1 2

5

4

6

7

8

9

11

10

13 12 0

10

Fig. 1.31. Stratum II: bowls. No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

B Ia

D

II

518

5031/1

Gray fabric, gray core, small white grits, well fired

2

B Ia

D

II

1328

12263

Light brown-orange fabric, orange-brown core, small-medium white grits, red wash on exterior, medium fired

3

B III

K

II

5145

50381

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, poorly fired

4

B III

D

II

1028

10295

Brown fabric, gray-brown core, small white grits, medium fired

5

B III

D

II

1282

12287

Brown fabric, gray core, small white grits, medium fired

6

B III

D

II

589

5207/1

Light brown fabric, light-brown core, small white and gray grits, medium fired

7

B III

D

II

1092

10411

Brown fabric, brown core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

8

BV

D

II

1328

12264

Light brown fabric, brown core, small white and gray grits, three plastic knobs below rim, red wash on exterior and interior, medium fired

9

BV

D

II

581

5195

Light gray-brown fabric, brown core, small white grits, red wash on exterior, well fired

10

B VIa

K

II

5012

50029

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

11

B VIb

L

II

6215

60406

Light brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations on outer edge of rim, medium fired

12

B VIb

D

II

1331

12995

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small white and gray grits, thumb indentations on outer edge of rim, well fired

13

B VIb

J

II

2013

20035

Brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white grits, thumb indentations on outer edge of rim, poorly fired, two drilled holes below rim

68

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

Fig. 1.32 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

B VII

D

II

1331

12295

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, well fired

2

B VII

D

II

589

5207/2

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, medium fired

3

B VII

D

II

1325

12265/1

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, medium fired

4

B VII

D

II

589

5207/3

Light brown fabric, light gray-brown core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior and interior, well fired

5

B IX

D

II

1265

12159/1

Brown-orange fabric, orange-gray core, small white grits, well fired

6

B IX

D

II

1282

12160/1

Light brown fabric, gray-brown core, small to medium white and gray grits, well fired

7

HI

D

II

1265

10159

Dark brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to large white grits, medium fired

8

HI

H

II

4017

40041/1

Light brown fabric, light gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

9

HI

D

II

1255

12133

Dark brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

10

H II

D

II

569

5192

Cream-orange fabric, light gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, diagonal thumb impressions on rim, plastic knob below rim, well fired

11

H III

D

II

1265

12134

Light gray-brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, well fired

12

H III

D

II

1263

12130

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, well fired

13

H III

D

II

1233

12070

Light brown-orange fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, well fired

14

H III

L

II

6120

60375

Light brown-orange fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

1

2

3

4

5 6

8 7

10

9

12

11

14

13 0

10

Fig. 1.32. Stratum II: bowls and holemouth jars.

69

70

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

Fig. 1.33 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

H III

K

II

5103

50325

Brown fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, applied rope decoration below rim, medium fired

2

HV

D

II

518

5031/2

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, well fired

3

HV

D

II

1015

10268

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, well fired

4

H VIII

D

II

1227

12065

Dark brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, scalloped decoration on rim, medium fired

5

H VIII

L

II

6016

60031

Brown-orange fabric, gray core, small white grits, scalloped decoration on rim, well fired

6

SJ II

K

II

5012

50012

Orange-brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations, medium fired

7

SJ IV

D

II

1282

12160/2

Light brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, thumb indentations, medium fired

8

SJ Va

D

II

1293

12191

Brown-gray fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

9

SJ Va

D

II

1265

12159/2

Brown-gray fabric, brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

10

SJ Vb

D

II

1136

10495

Brown fabric, dark gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

11

SJ VI

D

II

510

5023

Light brown fabric, gray core, small white grits, white wash on exterior, well fired

12

SJ VIII

D

II

529

5075

Light brown fabric, gray core, small white grits, well fired

13

SJ VIII

D

II

564

5156

Light brown-red fabric, gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, well fired

14

SJ VIII

D

II

1233

12060

Light red-brown fabric, brown-gray core, small white grits, well fired

15

SJ IX

D

II

1224

12260

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, thumb indentations on rim, medium fired

71

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

1

2

4 3

5 6

7

8

9

10

12 11

13

14

15 0

10

Fig. 1.33. Stratum II: holemouth and storage jars.

72

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

1 3

2

5

4

7

6

0

8

10

9

Fig. 1.34. Stratum II: juglets. No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

JT

K

II

5098

50236

Brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

2

JT

D

II

1327

12257/1

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, medium fired

3

JT

D

II

1327

12254

Light brown fabric, small white and gray grits, medium fired

4

JT

D

II

1327

12259

Light brown fabric, light brown core, small white and gray grits, poorly fired

5

JT

D

II

1327

12258

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white grits, poorly fired

6

JT

D

II

1327

12257/2

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white grits, red wash on exterior, medium fired

7

JT

D

II

1327

12261

Brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, applied plastic knobs on neck, medium fired

8

JT

D

II

1327

12255

Light brown fabric, light brown core, small white grits, medium fired

9

JT

D

II

1325

12265/2

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, well fired

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

73

Fig. 1.35 ► No.

Type

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Description

1

JG

D

II

1328

12262

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white grits, well fired

2

JG

D

II

1325

12242

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, medium fired

3

Small vessel

D

II

1327

12256/1

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, medium fired

4

Small vessel

D

II

1327

12256/2

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small white and gray grits, red wash on exterior, medium fired

5

LH II

H1

II

4017

40041/2

Light brown fabric, light brown-gray core, small to medium white and gray grits, medium fired

6

Decorated handle

D

II

1224

12052

Light brown fabric, brown-gray core, small to large white and gray grits, impressed horizontal line on exterior, medium fired

7

Decorated handle

D

II

1297

12194

Light brown fabric, gray core, small white grits, impressed horizontal lines on exterior, medium fired

8

Double Lug handle

D

II

530

5083

Light cream-brown fabric, light brown core, small to medium brown grits, medium fired

9

Small Egyptian jar

L

II

6025

60065

Orange-brown fabric, orange brown core, applied wavy coil decoration on exterior, pale cream slip on exterior, well fired

74

AMIR GOLANI AND SVETLANA TALIS

2

1

3

4

7 5

6

9

8 0

10

Fig. 1.35. Stratum II: jugs and varia.

CHAPTER 1: THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE

75

R eferences Alon D. and Yekutieli Y. 1995. The Tel Ḥalif Terrace ‘Silo Site’ and Its Implications for the Early Bronze Age I. ‘Atiqot 27:149–189. Amiran R. 1969. Ancient Pottery of the Holy Land, from Its Beginnings in the Neolithic Period to the End of the Iron Age. Jerusalem–Ramat Gan. Amiran R. 1985. Canaanite Merchants in Tombs of the Early Bronze Age I at Azor. ‘Atiqot (ES) 17:190–192. Baumgarten Y.Y. 2004. An Excavation at Ashqelon, Afridar—Area J. ‘Atiqot 45:161–184. Boaretto E. 2019. Radiocarbon Dating of Archaeobotanical Samples. AB I. Pp. 271–274. Braun E. 2011. The Transition from Chalcolithic to Early Bronze I in the Southern Levant: A “Lost Horizon” Slowly Revealed. In J.L. Lovell and Y.M. Rowan eds. Culture, Chronology and the Chalcolithic: Theory and Transition (Levant Suppl. S. 9). Oxford–Oakville. Pp. 160–177. Braun E., Brink E.C.M. van den., Regev J., Boaretto E. and Bar S. 2013. Aspects of Radiocarbon Determinations and the Dating of the Transition from the Chalcolithic Period to the Early Bronze Age I in the Southern Levant. In E. Braun and V. Roux eds. The Transition Late Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age in the Southern Levant (Paléorient 39/1). Paris. Pp. 23–46. Braun E. and Gophna R. 2004. Excavations at Ashqelon, Afridar—Area G. ‘Atiqot 45:185–241. Brink E.C.M. van den. 2011. Continuity and Change—Cultural Transmission in the Late Chalcolithic–Early Bronze Age I: A View from Early Modi‘in, a Late Prehistoric Site in Central Israel. In J.L. Lovell and Y.M. Rowan eds. Culture, Chronology and the Chalcolithic: Theory and Transition (Levant Suppl. S. 9). Oxford–Oakville. Pp. 61–70. Brink E.C.M. van den, Horwitz L.K., Kool R., Liphschitz N., Mienis H.K. and Zbenovich V. 2015. Excavations at Tel Lod: Remains from the Pottery Neolithic A, Chalcolithic, Early Bronze Age I, Middle Bronze Age I and Byzantine Periods. ‘Atiqot 82:141–218. Commenge-Pellerin C. 1987. La poterie d’Abou Matar et de l’Ouadi Zoumeili (Beershéva) au IVe millénaire avant l’ère chrétienne (Les Cahiers du CRFJ 3). Paris. Dessel J.P. 2009. Lahav I: Pottery and Politics; The Halif Terrace Site 101 and Egypt in the Fourth Millennium B.C.E. (Reports of the Lahav Research Project Excavations at Tell Halif, Israel I). Winona Lake. Golani A. 2003. Salvage Excavations at the Early Bronze Age Site of Qiryat Ata (IAA Reports 18). Jerusalem. Golani A. 2004. Salvage Excavations at the Early Bronze Age Site of Ashqelon, Afridar—Area E. ‘Atiqot 45:9–62. Golani A. 2008. The Early Bronze Age Site of Ashqelon, Afridar—Area M. ‘Atiqot 60:19–51. Golani A. 2013. The Transition from the Late Chalcolithic to the Early Bronze I in Southwestern Canaan—Ashqelon as a Case for Continuity. In E. Braun and V. Roux eds. The Transition Late Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age in the Southern Levant. (Paléorient 39/1). Paris. Pp. 95−110. Golani A. 2018. Ashqelon. HA–ESI 130 (May 28). http://www.hadashot-esi.org.il/Report_Detail_ Eng.aspx?id=25425&mag_id=126 (accessed August 2, 2021). Golani A. 2019a. Architecture and Settlement Planning. AB I. Pp. 249–269.

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Golani A. 2019b. The Stratigraphy. AB I. Pp. 37–247. Golani A. 2022. The Late Chalcolithic–Early Bronze I Transition and the Ashqelon Occupational Sequence. In M.J. Adams and V. Roux eds. Transitions during the Early Bronze Age in the Levant: Methodological Problems and Interpretive Perspectives (Ägypten und Altes Testament 109). Münster. Pp. 37–59. Golani A. and Brink van den E.C.M. 1999. Salvage Excavations at the Early Bronze Age IA Settlement of Azor. ‘Atiqot 38:1–49. Golani A. and Pasternak M.D. 2020. Ashqelon, Afridar Area O-2: Early Bronze Age IA Remains. Extended Report. HA–ESI 132 (December 30). http://www hadashot-esi.org.il/Report_Detail_ Eng.aspx?id=25875&mag_id=128 (accessed March 22, 2021). Gophna R. 1976. Excavations at ‘En Besor. ‘Atiqot (ES) 11:1–9. Gophna R. 1990. The Early Bronze I Settlement at ‘En Besor Oasis. IEJ 40:1–11. Gophna R. 2002. Afridar 1968: Soundings in an EB I Occupation of the “Erani C” Horizon. In E.D. Oren and S. Ahituv. Aharon Kempinski Memorial Volume: Studies in Archaeology and Related Disciplines (Beer-Sheva XV). Be’er Sheva‘. Pp. 129–137. Goren Y. and Zuckerman S. 2000. An Overview of the Typology, Provenance and Technology of the Early Bronze Age I ‘Grey Burnished Wareʼ. In G. Philip and D. Baird eds. Ceramics and Change in the Early Bronze Age of the Southern Levant (Levantine Archaeology 2). Sheffield. Pp. 165–182. Hamilton T.P. 1993. Economics with an Entreprenurial Spirit: Early Bronze Trade with Late Predynastic Egypt. BA 56:81–93. Jucha M.A. 2008. Wavy-Handled and Cylindrical Jars in the Nile Delta—A View from Tell elFarkha. Studies in Ancient Art and Civilisation 12:63–74. Kempinski A. and Gilead I. 1991. New Excavations at Tel Erani: A Preliminary Report of the 1985– 1988 Seasons. Tel Aviv 18:164–191. Khalaily H. 2004. An Early Bronze Age Site at Ashqelon, Afridar—Area F. ‘Atiqot 45:121–159. Levy T.E. ed. 1987. Shiqmim I: Studies concerning Chalcolithic Societies in the Northern Negev Desert, Israel (1982–1984) (BAR Int. S. 356). Oxford. Macdonald E. 1932. Beth Pelet II: Prehistoric Fara (BSAE LII). London. Mazar A. and Miroschedji P. de. 1996. Hartuv, an Aspect of the Early Bronze I Culture of Southern Israel. BASOR 302:1–40. Oren E.D. and Yekutieli Y. 1992. Taur Ikhbeineh: Earliest Evidence for Egyptian Interconections. In E.C.M. van den Brink ed. The Nile Delta in Transition: 4th–3rd Millennium B.C. (Proceedings of the Seminar Held in Cairo, 21.–24. October 1990, at the Netherlands Institute of Archaeology and Arabic Studies). Tel Aviv. Pp. 361–384. Paz Y. and Iserlis M. 2009. Golanite Production and Distribution Center of Cooking Pots during Early Bronze Age II. In S.A. Rosen and V. Roux eds. Techniques and People: Anthropological Perspectives on Technology in the Archaeology of the Proto-Historic and Early Historic Periods in the Southern Levant (Mémoires et travaux du Centre de recherches préhistoriques français de Jérusalem 9). Paris. Pp. 99–110. Petrie W.M.F. 1921. Corpus of Prehistoric Pottery and Palettes (BSAE XXIII). London.

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Pumpenmeier F. 1998. Ägyptische Keramik. In G. Dreyer. Umm el-Qaab I: Das prädynastische Königsgrab U-j und seine frühen Schriftzeugnisse (Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Abteilung Kairo 86). Mainz. Pp. 21–91. Regev J., Miroschedji P. de., Greenberg R., Braun E., Greenhut Z. and Boaretto E. 2012. Chronology of the Early Bronze Age in the Southern Levant: New Analysis for a High Chronology. Radiocarbon 54:525–566. Roshwalb A.F. 1981. Protohistory in Wadi Ghazzeh: A Typological and Technological Study Based on the Macdonald Excavations. Ph.D. diss. University of London. London. Tufnell O. 1958. Lachish (Tell ed-Duweir) IV: The Bronze Age (The Wellcome Archaeological Research Expedition to the Near East Publications IV) (2 vols.). London–New York–Toronto. Wright G.E. 1958. The Problem of the Transition between the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages. EretzIsrael 5:37*–45*. Yekutieli Y. 1992. The Early Bronze Age IA of Southwestern Canaan: Settlement, Economy and Society. M.A. thesis. Tel Aviv University. Tel Aviv (Hebrew). Yekutieli Y. 2000. Early Bronze Age I Pottery in Southwestern Canaan. In G. Philip and D. Baird eds. Ceramics and Change in the Early Bronze Age of the Southern Levant (Levantine Archaeology 2). Sheffield. Pp. 129–152. Yekutieli Y. 2001. The Early Bronze Age IA of Southwestern Canaan. In S.R. Wolff ed. Studies in the Archaeology of Israel and Neighboring Lands in Memory of Douglas L. Esse (SAOC 59/ ASOR Books 5). Chicago–Atlanta. Pp. 659–688. Yekutieli Y. 2006. The Ceramics of Tel ‘Erani, Layer C. Journal of the Serbian Archaeological Society 22:225–242. Yekutieli Y. and Gophna R. 1994. Excavations at an Early Bronze Age Site near Nizzanim. Tel Aviv 21:162–185.

Appendix 1.1: Ceramic Type Frequencies According to Area and Stratum

Table 1.8. Bowls: Area A Stratum

Type

B Ia

B Ib

IV

1

III

2

1

Total

3

1

B III

B VIa

1 1

B VII

Total

2

4

1

8

12

1

10

16

Stratum IV (Loci 152, 155, 156, 3036) Stratum III (Loci 132, 133, 137, 148, 157, 3016, 3026, 3029, 3071, 3089) Table 1.9. Bowls: Area B Stratum

Type

B Ia

B II

B III

B VIa

B VIb

B VII

1

BX

Total

IV

12

1

1

15

III

21

3

2

3

2

13

1

45

Total

33

3

3

3

2

14

2

60

Stratum IV (Loci 214B, 218, 227, 247, 248, 249, 256, 261, 272, 326, 327) Stratum III (Loci 200, 202, 205, 214A, 217, 219, 220, 223, 230, 231, 233, 234, 236, 237, 245, 253, 257, 277, 279, 281, 287, 289, 291, 307, 322, 328) Table 1.10. Bowls: Area D Stratum

Type

B Ia

B Ib

IV

25

III

106

6

27 158

II Total

B II

B III

BV

B VIa

B VIb

B VII

B VIII

B IX

BX

Total

9

5

219

5

2

5

402

12

5

2

12

30

3

51

95

1

8

13

4

4

4

96

4

2

7

32

48

9

13

9

366

9

4

163 5

660

Stratum IV (Loci 1035, 1041, 1043, 1060, 1072, 1073, 1074A, 1084, 1088, 1117, 1126A, 1231, 1250, 1295, 1298, 1306, 1317, 1335, 1345, 1351, 1358, 1362) Stratum III (Loci 506, 516, 521, 531, 532, 536, 537, 544, 546, 568, 572, 577, 580, 583, 584, 588, 591, 592, 596, 599, 1000, 1001, 1011, 1012, 1013, 1016, 1017, 1019, 1020, 1027, 1030, 1032, 1034, 1037, 1048, 1049, 1050, 1052, 1055, 1059, 1076, 1078, 1081, 1085, 1086, 1087, 1090, 1093, 1096, 1097, 1098, 1099, 1100, 1101, 1102, 1104, 1107, 1110, 1112, 1113, 1115, 1119, 1123, 1125, 1128, 1129, 1133, 1134, 1137, 1139, 1140, 1142, 1144, 1216, 1217, 1220, 1223, 1237, 1239, 1242, 1248, 1258, 1261, 1269, 1275, 1276, 1279, 1281, 1283, 1284, 1289, 1290, 1294, 1299, 1304, 1307, 1310, 1313, 1315, 1316, 1318, 1322, 1323, 1324, 1329, 1341, 1342,1344, 1346, 1349, 1350, 1352, 1353, 1354, 1355, 1357, 1359. 1361, 1366) Stratum II (Loci 512, 518, 524, 530, 557, 564, 567, 569, 581, 589, 593, 595 1015, 1021, 1026, 1028, 1054, 1080, 1092, 1135, 1136, 1203, 1210, 1214, 1218, 1219, 1221, 1224, 1226, 1227, 1228, 1232, 1245, 1252, 1254, 1255, 1256, 1263, 1265, 1271, 1282, 1287, 1293, 1308, 1320, 1325, 1327, 1328, 1331)

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AMIR GOLANI

Table 1.11. Bowls: Area G Stratum

Type

B Ia

B Ib

B II

B III

BV

B VIa

B VIb

B VII

IV

54

3

1

1

10

1

9

III

44

2

2

2

1

9

5

12

Total

98

2

5

3

2

19

6

21

BX

Total

1

80

1

157

77

Stratum IV (Loci 815, 865, 869, 870, 897, 914B, 918, 920B, 935, 938, 976, 979, 991, 992, 993, 995, 1406, 1409, 1410, 1411, 1413, 1414, 1418, 1430, 1434) Stratum III (Loci 816, 826, 833, 836, 840, 843, 844, 862, 882, 888, 912, 916, 917, 921, 922, 928, 929, 939, 940, 941, 942, 944, 950, 956, 958, 962, 973, 1417)

Table 1.12. Bowls: Area H B Ia

B II

B III

IV

11

2

2

III

36

4

1

Stratum

Type

BV

2

B VIa

B VIb

1

1

B VII 3

7

BX

Total

1

21

13

II

63

1

Total

47

6

3

2

8

1

1

17

1

85

Stratum IV (Loci 3096, 3098, 3100, 3108, 3110, 4046B, 4057, 4147, 4182) Stratum III (Loci 140, 153, 3060, 3071, 4021, 4023, 4026, 4027, 4029, 4030, 4036, 4046A, 4048, 4054, 4058, 4060, 4063, 4068, 4069, 4070, 4072, 4078, 4079, 4081, 4104, 4109, 4124, 4129, 4140, 4151, 4167, 4169, 4171, 4196) Stratum II (Locus 4041)

Table 1.13. Bowls: Area I B Ia

B II

IV

6

3

1

6

16

III

3

1

1

1

9

15

Total

9

4

1

2

15

31

Stratum

Type

B III

B VIa

B VII

Total

Stratum IV (Loci 2067, 2073, 2075, 2080, 2094, 2101, 2108) Stratum III (Loci 2045, 2056, 2059, 2063, 2068, 2085, 2100, 2109, 2114, 2129)

Table 1.14. Bowls: Area J Stratum

Type

B Ia

B Ib

III

11

II

1

1

12

1

Total

B II

B III

B VIa

4

2

4

B VIb

B VII

Total

7

28

1 4

2

4

1

3 7

31

Stratum III (Loci 2007, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2029, 2030, 2033, 2034, 2041, 2043, 2064, 2066, 2092) Stratum II (Loci 2013, 2065)

81

APPENDIX 1.1: CERAMIC TYPE FREQUENCIES

Table 1.15. Bowls: Area K Stratum

Type

B Ia

III

7

II

3

Total

B Ib

B II

B III

B VIa

B VIb

1

5

4

5

1

1

10

1

B VII

4

7

Total

8

2

6

B IX

1

31

3

1

10

11

1

41

Stratum III (Loci 5023, 5027, 5045, 5052, 5061, 5110, 5113, 5119, 5122, 5123, 5125, 5143, 5152A, 5164, 5179) Stratum II (Loci 5012, 5014, 5043, 5079, 5088, 5090, 5100, 5111, 5114, 5121, 5145)

Table 1.16. Bowls: Area L Stratum

Type

B Ia

B II

B III

B VIa

B VIb

2

1

IV

9

2

1

III

7

2

4

II

1

Total

17

4

B VII

B VIII

2

2

1

4

2

17

Total 17

11

5

B IX

1

1

26

1

1

49

6

Stratum IV (Loci 6031, 6033, 6049, 6086, 6087, 6099, 6103, 6121, 6163, 6169, 6182, 6207, 6220, 6221, 6225) Stratum III (Loci 6020, 6026, 6036, 6037, 6063, 6069, 6070, 6076, 6080, 6081, 6122, 6147, 6148, 6153, 6158, 6210) Stratum II (Loci 6016, 6019, 6048, 6058, 6215)

Table 1.17. Bowls: Area M Stratum

Type

IV

B Ia

B II

B III

B VIa

16

1

2

4

B VIb

B VII

B IX

Total 23

III

14

4

4

1

7

3

1

34

Total

30

5

6

5

7

3

1

57

Stratum IV (Loci 7026, 7029, 7038, 7043, 7044, 7064, 7076, 7078, 7106, 7113, 7118, 7119, 7121, 7149) Stratum III (Loci 235, 7010, 7015, 7018, 7020, 7022, 7024, 7025, 7028, 7037, 7045, 7056, 7066, 7068, 7079, 7080, 7084, 7092, 7097, 7098, 7122, 7126, 7138, 7145)

Table 1.18. Holemouth Jars: Area A Stratum IV

Type

HI 1

III Total

H II

H IVa

H VI

H VII

1

3

2

1

1

3

8

2

1

1

4

11

1 1

1

HV

1

1

Stratum IV (Loci 156, 3077, 3107) Stratum III (Loci 122, 134, 157, 3018, 3035, 3057)

H VIII

Total

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AMIR GOLANI

Table 1.19. Holemouth Jars: Area B Stratum

Type

HI

H II

H IVa

HV

H VI

H VII

H VIII

Total

IV

7

3

1

1

12

III

4

2

3

3

2

1

6

21

11

5

3

3

2

2

7

33

Total

Stratum IV (Loci 214B, 218, 248, 260, 272, 282, 310, 326) Stratum III (Loci 200, 205, 208, 213, 214A, 217, 220, 223, 231, 233A, 237, 245, 268, 285, 315, 322, 325)

Table 1.20. Holemouth Jars: Area D Stratum

Type

HI

H II

H III

H IVa

11

9 3

1

4

15

12

26

28

IV

2

III

34

23

12

II

21

16

12

Total

57

39

24

H IVb

4

HV

H VI

H VII

H VIII

Total

3

9

1

13

32

22

15

2

82

210

31

88

3

126

330

Stratum IV (Loci 538, 543, 548, 1035, 1040, 1046, 1060, 1084, 1088, 1117, 1126A, 1229, 1298, 1317, 1345, 1351, 1358, 1362, 1364) Stratum III (Loci 519, 537, 551, 573, 577, 587, 588, 591, 592, 599, 1001, 1016, 1017, 1019, 1030, 1032, 1034, 1037, 1048, 1050. 1055, 1071, 1081, 1086, 1087, 1090, 1093, 1096, 1097, 1098, 1099, 1101, 1104, 1110, 1112, 1113, 1114, 1118, 1119, 1123, 1124, 1125, 1128, 1133, 1137, 1139, 1140, 1142, 1216, 1217, 1222, 1237, 1239, 1251, 1261, 1269, 1275, 1281, 1284, 1289, 1313, 1315, 1316, 1318, 1322, 1329, 1342, 1344, 1348, 1349, 1350, 1352, 1353, 1354, 1355, 1357, 1361, 1366, 1369) Stratum II (Loci 504, 510, 514, 518, 524, 557, 564, 567, 569, 595, 1015, 1021, 1028, 1047, 1054, 1092, 1203, 1208, 1213, 1214, 1224, 1227, 1228, 1233, 1243, 1245, 1252, 1254, 1255, 1263, 1264, 1265, 1282, 1325, 1330, 1331)

Table 1.21. Holemouth Jars: Area G HI

H II

IV

15

3

III

10

Total

25

Stratum

Type

H III

H IVa

2

1

1

5

1

1

H IVb 2 2

HV

H VI

H VII

H VIII

Total

1

13

54

12

41

25

95

4

16

10

5

14

21

1

Stratum IV (Loci 815, 859, 865, 869, 897, 914B, 918, 920B, 935, 938, 959, 970, 974, 979, 991, 993, 1409, 1410, 1414, 1430, 1433, 1437) Stratum III (Loci 816, 836, 843, 862, 864, 880, 883, 888, 912, 921, 929, 944, 950, 951A, 953, 956, 962, 994, 1417)

83

APPENDIX 1.1: CERAMIC TYPE FREQUENCIES

Table 1.22. Holemouth Jars: Area H Stratum

Type

HI

H II

H IVa

H IVb

2

1

IV

5

3

III

15

3

II

4

Total

24

HV

H VI 3

3

17

5

10

7

40

v 6

H VIII

Total

3

2

1

5

7

16

10

64

Stratum IV (Loci 3090, 3098, 3100, 3108, 3124, 4057, 4147, 4182) Stratum III (Loci 140, 3079, 3091, 4023, 4026, 4027, 4030, 4051, 4054, 4058, 4060, 4063, 4068, 4069, 4081, 4096, 4104, 4128, 4131, 4143, 4144, 4167, 4171, 4178, 4194) Stratum II (Loci 4017, 4020, 4041)

Table 1.23. Holemouth Jars: Area I Stratum

Type

HI

IV

H IVa

H VI

H VII

1

1

1

1

1

III

2

Total

2

1

H VIII

Total

2

3

1

5

3

8

Stratum IV (Locus 2110) Stratum III (Loci 2048, 2059, 2121, 2129)

Table 1.24. Holemouth Jars: Area J HI

H IVb

HV

H VI

H VIII

Total

III

3

1

2

7

3

16

II

1

Total

4

1

2

7

Stratum

Type

2

3

5

19

Stratum III (Loci 2010, 2011, 2015, 2030, 2034, 2047, 2050, 2092) Stratum II (Loci 2038, 2123)

Table 1.25. Holemouth Jars: Area K HI

H II

H III

H IVb

HV

H VI

H VIII

Total

III

5

1

1

1

4

2

3

17

II

2

1

2

Total

7

2

3

3

24

Stratum

Type

2 1

4

4

7

Stratum III (Loci 5018, 5022, 5027, 5032, 5061, 5071, 5080, 5104, 5110, 5112, 5142, 5143, 5149, 5150) Stratum II (Loci 5008, 5043, 5074, 5079, 5103, 5108)

84

AMIR GOLANI

Table 1.26. Holemouth Jars: Area L HI

H II

IV

4

3

III

4

4

Stratum

Type

HIII

H IVa

HV

1

1

2

7

19

2

1

3

7

3

4

10

34

1 8

H VIII

Total

1

II Total

H VI

7

1

1

8

Stratum IV (Loci 6086, 6113, 6117, 6134, 6182, 6186) Stratum III (Loci 6020, 6026, 6036, 6037, 6074, 6076, 6081, 6101, 6126, 6151, 6170, 6206) Stratum II (Loci 6016, 6048, 6051, 6120)

Table 1.27. Holemouth Jars: Area M Stratum

Type

HI

H II

H IVa

H IVb

HV

H VI

H VIII

Total

IV

3

2

2

2

6

2

17

III

6

2

1

1

1

7

5

23

Total

9

4

3

3

1

13

7

40

Stratum IV (Loci 7029, 7038, 7064, 7076, 7083, 7103, 7104, 7106, 7118, 7148, 7149) Stratum III (Loci 7011, 7015, 7024, 7025, 7028, 7037, 7049, 7059, 7066, 7084, 7101, 7114, 7120, 7126, 7129, 7142)

Table 1.28. Storage Jars: Area A Stratum

Type

IV

SJ IV

SJ V

SJ VI

1

3

III Total

SJ VIII

1

Total 4

1

2

1

4

1

5

1

8

Stratum IV (Loci 156, 3036) Stratum III (Loci 130, 132, 3015, 3016)

Table 1.29. Storage Jars: Area B Stratum

Type

SJ Ib

IV

SJ II

SJ III

1

SJ VI

SJ VIII

1

Total 2

III

1

6

1

3

3

14

Total

1

7

1

4

3

16

Stratum IV (Loci 241, 249, 272, 283, 293) Stratum III (Loci 202, 203, 206, 232, 233B, 245, 251, 268, 307)

85

APPENDIX 1.1: CERAMIC TYPE FREQUENCIES

Table 1.30. Storage Jars: Area D Stratum

Type

SJ Ia

IV

3

III

2

SJ Ib

SJ II

SJ III

SJ IV

1 7

11

1

II Total

SJ Va

5

7

12

1

SJ Vb

SJ VI

SJ VII

SJ VIII

SJ IX

Total

10

1

16

1

24

56

5

132

4

77

9

71

1

38

2

49

9

14

1

114

6

180

7

142

19

109

1

489

319

Stratum IV (Loci 538, 543, 547, 548, 1035, 1040, 1041, 1043, 1046, 1060, 1072, 1073, 1083, 1088, 1095, 1117, 1126A, 1231, 1250, 1295, 1298, 1306, 1317, 1335, 1345, 1351, 1358, 1362) Stratum III (Loci 516, 531, 536, 540, 546, 551, 572, 573, 577, 580, 584, 585, 587, 588, 591, 592, 594, 596, 597, 599, 1000, 1001, 1011, 1012, 1013, 1016, 1017, 1019, 1020, 1023, 1027, 1029, 1030, 1032, 1034, 1037, 1039, 1048, 1049, 1050, 1052, 1055, 1057, 1059, 1078, 1086, 1087, 1090, 1097, 1098, 1100, 1101, 1102, 1104, 1106, 1107, 1108, 1112, 1114, 1124, 1125, 1128, 1129, 1133, 1134, 1137, 1138, 1140, 1142, 1216, 1220, 1222, 1223, 1237, 1242, 1248, 1258, 1261, 1268, 1269, 1276, 1281, 1283, 1284, 1289, 1290, 1294, 1299, 1304, 1307, 1310, 1313, 1315, 1316, 1318, 1322, 1324, 1329, 1341, 1344, 1346, 1347, 1349, 1350, 1352, 1353, 1354, 1355, 1357, 1361, 1366) Stratum II (Loci 504, 510, 524, 529, 530, 557, 564, 569, 579, 589, 593, 595, 1015, 1028, 1047, 1053, 1054, 1080, 1092, 1135, 1136, 1203, 1208, 1218, 1219, 1221, 1224, 1225, 1227, 1228, 1232, 1233, 1245, 1252, 1264, 1265, 1280, 1282, 1287, 1292, 1293, 1297, 1308, 1320, 1325, 1326, 1331)

Table 1.31. Storage Jars: Area G Stratum

Type

SJ Ib

SJ II

IV

SJ VI

SJ VII

SJ VIII

Total

9

16

2

4

31

III

1

3

18

2

1

25

Total

1

12

34

4

5

56

Stratum IV (Loci 815, 865, 869, 914B, 920B, 927, 935, 976, 979, 991, 993, 1410, 1418, 1428, 1430, 1433) Stratum III (Loci 816, 843, 875, 917, 921, 928, 930, 939, 940, 950, 957, 994)

Table 1.32. Storage Jars: Area H Stratum IV

Type

SJ Ia

SJ Ib

SJ II

3

13

1

3

14

1

1

III

SJ III

1

SJ IV

SJ Va

SJ VI 1

1

4

9

2

10

2

7

38

1

2

2

12

3

12

49

1

II Total

SJ VII

1 1

1

SJ VIII

Total

Stratum IV (Loci 3093, 3110, 4147, 4182, 4192) Stratum III (Loci 140, 143, 153, 3071, 4021, 4022, 4027, 4030, 4046A, 4036, 4048, 4060, 4063, 4068, 4069, 4070, 4072, 4081, 4097, 4104, 4124, 4131, 4132, 4140, 4171, 4176, 4178, 4196) Stratum II (Loci 4011, 4017)

86

AMIR GOLANI

Table 1.33. Storage Jars: Area I Stratum

Type

SJ Ib

IV III

1

Total

1

SJ II

SJ III

SJ IV

2

2

1

2

2

1

SJ Va

SJ VI

SJ VII

SJ VIII

Total

1

6

1

1

4

10

17

1

2

4

10

23

Stratum IV (Loci 2067, 2073, 2095, 2102, 2108, 2110) Stratum III (Loci 2045, 2048, 2056, 2063, 2085, 2100, 2107, 2120, 2125, 2129)

Table 1.34. Storage Jars: Area J Stratum

Type

III

SJ Ib

SJ III

SJ VI

SJ VII

SJ VIII

1

1

1

1

4

II Total

1

1

1

1

Total 8

2

2

6

10

Stratum III (Loci 2007, 2015, 2032, 2034, 2047, 2050, 2091, 2116) Stratum II (Locus 2038)

Table 1.35. Storage Jars: Area K Stratum

Type

SJ II

SJ III

III

1

II

1

1

Total

2

1

SJ IV

SJ V

SJ VI

SJ VII

3

1

5

5

SJ VIII 7

22

6

9

13

31

1 3

1

6

5

Total

Stratum III (Loci 5017, 5027, 5030, 5052, 5071, 5089, 5110, 5113, 5119, 5135, 5148, 5164, 5165) Stratum II (Loci 5012, 5078, 5081, 5088, 5098, 5114, 5126)

Table 1.36. Storage Jars: Area L Stratum

Type

SJ Ia

SJ II

IV III

2

II

1

Total

3

SJ III

SJ VI

SJ VII

1

2

1

1 1

1

SJ VIII

Total

2

6

6

6

15

1

4

6

12

27

9

1

Stratum IV (Loci 6033, 6086, 6099, 6180, 6207) Stratum III (Loci 6020, 6029, 6030, 6034, 6037, 6046, 6076, 6081, 6094, 6179) Stratum II (Loci 6014, 6015, 6016, 6025)

87

APPENDIX 1.1: CERAMIC TYPE FREQUENCIES

Table 1.37. Storage Jars: Area M SJ Ia

SJ II

SJ III

SJ VI

SJ VII

Total

IV

2

2

1

12

1

18

III

1

2

13

8

24

Total

3

4

25

9

42

Stratum

Type

1

Stratum IV (Loci 7026, 7029, 7044, 7060, 7076, 7082, 7083, 7085, 7094, 7113, 7118, 7133, 7148, 7149) Stratum III (Loci 7011, 7015, 7018, 7025, 7033, 7037, 7059, 7068, 7080, 7092, 7097, 7102, 7120, 7122)

Table 1.38. Jug and Ledge Handle: Area A Stratum

Type

JT

IV III

1

Total

1

LH III

Total

1

1 1

1

2

Stratum IV (Locus 156) Stratum III (Locus 3015)

Table 1.39. Juglets, Ledge Handles and Cornets: Area B Stratum

Type

JT

LH I

LH II

LH III

CT

1

Total

IV

1

1

3

III

1

1

5

3

1

11

Total

2

1

6

3

2

14

Stratum IV (Loci 214B, 227, 326) Stratum III (Loci 200, 205, 209, 217, 220, 229, 230, 231, 266, 286)

Table 1.40. Juglets, Jugs, Ledge Handles and Cornets: Area D Stratum

Type

JT

JG

LH I

2

IV

5

III

14

1

II

27-includes twin vessels

4

Total

46

5

2

LH II

LH III

CT

Total

1

9

1

16

8

19

3

47

9

8

18

36

48 4

111

Stratum IV (Loci 1035, 1073, 1074A, 1082, 1295, 1298, 1306, 1335, 1345, 1351, 1362). Stratum III (Loci 546, 577, 587, 588, 592, 599, 1001, 1012, 1013, 1016, 1020, 1034, 1050, 1059, 1081, 1086, 1087, 1093, 1096, 1100, 1104, 1107, 1119, 1124, 1139, 1237, 1242, 1289, 1305, 1313, 1318, 1344, 1357, 1361, 1366, 1369) Stratum II (Loci 530, 564, 569, 581, 595, 1015, 1028, 1053, 1054, 1080, 1203, 1208, 1218, 1224, 1225, 1228, 1245, 1252, 1253, 1254, 1255, 1263, 1264, 1265, 1282, 1308, 1325, 1326, 1327, 1328, 1331)

88

AMIR GOLANI

Table 1.41. Juglets, Ledge Handles and Cornet: Area G Stratum

Type

JT

IV

LH I

4

III Total

4

LH II

LH III

CT

Total

2

6

1

1

8

1

12 11

1

3

14

1

23

Stratum IV (Loci 815, 865, 920B, 935, 979, 993, 1409, 1410, 1430) Stratum III (Loci 827, 843, 871, 930, 962, 994)

Table 1.42. Juglets, Ledge Handles and Cornet: Area H Stratum

Type

JT

LH I

LH II

LH III

CT 1

IV

2

1

4

III

3

2

7

3

5

2

8

II

8 15

1

Total

Total

1

8

1

24

Stratum IV (Loci 3087, 3090, 3098, 3100, 4057, 4147) Stratum III (Loci 140, 143, 4022, 4069, 4078, 4081, 4087, 4143, 4171, 4178, 4194) Stratum II (Loci 4017, 4184) Table 1.43. Juglet and Ledge Handles: Area I Stratum

Type

III

JT

LH III

Total

1

2

3

Stratum III (Loci 2100, 2109, 2125)

Table 1.44. Juglet, Ledge Handles and Cornets: Area J Stratum III

Type

JT

LH III

CT

Total

1

7

2

10

2

11

II Total

1 1

8

1

Stratum III (Loci 2007, 2010, 2015, 2034, 2035, 2041, 2047, 2091, 2130) Stratum II (Locus 2038)

APPENDIX 1.1: CERAMIC TYPE FREQUENCIES

Table 1.45. Juglets and Ledge Handles: Area K JT

LH II

LH III

Total

III

5

1

6

12

II

1

Total

6

Stratum

Type

1

1

2

7

14

Stratum III (Loci 5030, 5041, 5095, 5113, 5122, 5147, 5149, 5150, 5161, 5179, 5183) Stratum II (Loci 5098, 5114)

Table 1.46. Ledge Handles: Area L Stratum

Type

LH I

LH II

IV III

LH III

Total

1

1

2

1

3

II

1

1

4

6

Total

1

3

6

10

Stratum IV (Locus 6130) Stratum III (Loci 6020, 6037, 6046) Stratum II (Loci 6028, 6041, 6215)

Table 1.47. Ledge Handles: Area M Stratum

Type

LH II

LH III

Total

IV

4

III

4

2

6

Total

8

2

10

Stratum IV (Loci 7029, 7113, 7148, 7149) Stratum III (Loci 7037, 7059, 7081, 7084, 7122)

4

89

A. Golani, 2022, Ashqelon Barne a II (IAA Reports 70)

Chapter 2

Petrographic Analysis of Selected Vessels Anat Cohen-Weinberger

This chapter presents the results of the petrographic analysis of 47 Early Bronze Age vessels from the excavations at Ashqelon Barne‘a (see AB I).1 The aims of this study were to identify the raw materials used, describe their variability, determine their geological sources and assess the possible geographical region of their manufacture. The analyzed vessels (Table 2.1) include bowls (Nos. 1–29), of which seven are Gray Burnished Ware (GBW; Nos. 23–29), storage jars (Nos. 30–37, 44, 45), juglets and a jug (Nos. 38–41), holemouth jars (Nos. 42–43), a single churn(?) (No. 46) and a single cornet (No. 47). Table 2.1. Inventory of the Petrographically Analyzed Vessels Sample No.

Type (see Chapter 1)

Petrographic Group

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Fig. (see Chapter 1)

1

B Ia

A1

D

II

1328

12263

1.31:2

2

B Ia

A2

G

IIIB

916

8171

1.14:10

3

B Ib

B

A

III

148

1084

1.14:13

4

B II

A2

H

IIIA

140

1076

1.15:4

5

B II

A2

H

IIIA

4103

40263

1.14:15

6

B III

A1

D

IIIB

1237

12088

1.15:11

7

B III

A1

D

II

589

5207/1

1.31:6

8

BV

D

D

IIIA

1217

12036

1.15:15

9

BV

A1

D

II

1328

12264

1.31:8

10

BV

C

H

IIIA

140

1086/1

1.15:18

11

B VIa

A1

G

IV

1434

8351

1.9:14

12

B VIa

A1

I

IV

2075

20169

1.9:15

13

B VIa

A2

D

IIIA

1086

10401

1.16:3

14

B VIb

A1

M

IIIA

7020

70054

1.16:11

10321

15

B VIII

B?

D

V

1044

16

B VIII

B

D

IIIA

1342

12340

1.18:5

17

B VIII

B?

D

IIIA

1086

10413

1.18:6

18

B IX

A1

L

III

6036

60422

1.18:9

19

B IX

B

D

II

1282

12160/1

1.32:6

20

B IX

C

D

II

1265

12159/1

1.32:5

21

B IX

A2

D

IIIB

1001

5222

1.18:7

22

B IX

C

D

IIIA

599

5231/1

1.18:8

23

B X (GBW)

A1

D

V

1337

12280

24

B X (GBW)

B

B

IIIB

217

2033

This paper was submitted in 2010, and only minor updates were made in 2021.

1

1.18:10

92

ANAT COHEN-WEINBERGER

Table 2.1 (cont.) Sample No.

Type (see Chapter 1)

Petrographic Group

Area

Stratum

Locus

Basket

Fig. (see Chapter 1)

25

B X (GBW)

A1

B

IV

272

2153

1.10:6

26

B X (GBW)

B

G

IV

991

8300

1.10:7

27

B X (GBW)

A2

D

IIIB

1085

10402

1.18:11

28

B X (GBW)

B?

H

Pre-IV

3106

30257

1.10:8

29

B X (GBW)

A1

D

IIIB-A

1050

10339

1.18:12

30

SJ Ib

B

D

IIIA

1220A

12037/2

1.23:5

31

SJ I

A?

D

V

549

5100/2

32

SJ II

A2?

H

IIIA

4060

40146

33

SJ II

C

D

III

1029

10284

34

SJ III

C

J

IIIB

2091

20288

1.24:6

35

SJ VI

C

D

II

510

5023

1.33:11

36

SJ VIII

C

D

IIIB

1310

12211

1.26:13

37

SJ IX

B? C?

D

II

1224

12260

1.33:15

38

JT

A1

D

II

1327

12261

1.34:7

39

JT

B

D

II

1327

12255

1.34:8

40

JT

A1

D

II

1325

12265/2

1.34:9

41

JG

B

D

II

1325

12242

1.35:2

42

H III

C?

K

IIIA

5143

50381

1.20:6

43

HV

C

K

IIIB

5027

50049/1

1.21:8

44

Egyptian Jar

E

D

IIIA

1289

12178

1.30:15

45

Egyptian Jar

E

L

II

6025

60065

1.35:9

46

Double LH (Churn?)

B

D

II

530

5083

1.35:8

47

CT

A1

D

IIIB

588

5207

1.30:10

1.24:2

Methodology A representative selection of 47 samples was analyzed, comprising typical and special forms as well as a variety of fabrics that were discerned with the aid of a magnifying glass. The results of the analysis were compared to geological and pedological data, as well as to previous petrographic analyses of pottery from other sites in the area of Ashqelon, which constitute an exhaustive collection of data on raw materials used for the manufacture of pottery, including Early Bronze Age pottery from Ashqelon Afridar (Cohen-Weinberger 2004), Middle Bronze and Iron Age pottery from Tel Ashqelon (Cohen-Weinberger 2007, 2019; Master 2001, 2003), Late Bronze Age Amarna tablets originating in Ashqelon (Goren, Finkelstein and Na’aman 2004) and Byzantine kiln wasters (Goren, Finkelstein and Na’aman 2004:294). Consideration of the above data enabled a determination of the local raw materials.

CHAPTER 2: PETROGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF SELECTED VESSELS

93

Geological Setting The geological setting of the coastal site of Ashqelon is associated with Quaternary sand dunes and calcareous sandstone (kurkar), as well as alluvial soil of the Kurkar Group (Sneh and Rosensaft 2008). The calcareous sandstone is characterized by subangular to rounded quartz grains cemented by calcite. Coralline algae, mollusks and foraminifera are also common in several units (Nir 1970:42–44). The area is also characterized by dark brown grumusolic soils and residual dark brown soils (Dan and Raz 1970; Ravikovitch 1970; Dan, Marish and Saltzman 1975).

R esults The results of the petrographic analysis cluster into five petrographic groups (A–E) according to the characteristics of the raw material (Table 2.1). Group A This petrographic group is divided into two subgroups: Subgroup A1: characterized by an optically active calcareous silty (e.g., Nos. 25, 40, 47) or clayey silty matrix (e.g., Nos. 14, 23). The silty fraction contains mainly quartz grains, together with other minerals, among them hornblende, minerals of the mica group, zircon, epidote and feldspar. The silt is well sorted and comprises 10–20% of the matrix. The sandsized non-plastic components (f:c ratio {0.062 mm} = ~90–80:10–20)2 comprise mainly quartz grains (often rounded and exhibiting an undulatory extinction) of up to 1 mm, as well as carbonatic rock fragments that include mainly kurkar and rarely nari, chalk and chert fragments. Grog was often added to the paste as well. This subgroup is identified as loess or other aeolian-derived soil. Loess soils are exposed mainly in the Negev and the southern Shephelah. In the Ashqelon region, loess soils are restricted to a limited number of sites (Dan, Marish and Saltzman 1975), and are abundant about 16 km to the south–southeast of Ashqelon (Ravikovitch 1970). In previous petrographic studies of pottery from sites in the Negev and the Shephelah regions, a set of aeolian soils were generally included under the definition of loess, as they are typified by a similar high proportion of aeolian silt-sized quartz grains (10–20%) and abundant accessory minerals (Goren, Finkelstein and Na’aman 2004:112).

The f:c ratio expresses the relative proportions of the fine (f) and coarse (c) components of a fabric. In this case, the boundary between these two components is 0.062 mm, which is the boundary between silt and sand size (Kemp 1985:22). 2

94

ANAT COHEN-WEINBERGER

Loess-derived soils such as the dark brown grumusols are also found near the site (Wieder and Gvirtzman 1999) and they consist almost entirely of silt-sized quartz grains. Some samples from Barne‘a are extremely rich in phytoliths (e.g., Nos. 6, 7, 14, 38, 47). The phytoliths are incorporated into the fabric of ceramics with plant material used for tempering. Phytoliths are commonly observed in vessels made of Nile sediments (Nordström and Bourriau 1993:173) and have also been noted in vessels made of loess soils (Porat 1989:51; Cohen-Weinberger 2004). The highly fired, clayey, non-calcareous pottery samples of this subgroup, with abundant phytoliths (e.g., Nos. 14, 38), can be confused with Egyptian-made vessels. The vessels related to this subgroup could have been manufactured in the vicinity of Ashqelon from one of the local aeolian soils. Subgroup A2: characterized by a calcareous silty matrix. The silty fraction is composed mainly of quartz grains and constitutes ~5% of the paste. Other silty minerals are rare. The sand-sized non-plastic components (f:c ratio {0.062 mm} =~95:5) comprise mainly fine quartz grains (~300 µm) and some coarse grains of up to 1.5 mm. Grog and calcareous rock fragments, including kurkar with algae fragments and echinoids, are also present, as well as small amounts of crushed calcite and rarely metaquartz and chert fragments. One sample is rich in elongated voids of vanished straw (No. 5). This subgroup differs from Subgroup A1 in the smaller amount of silty quartz grains and sand-sized non-plastic components. This raw material is also identified as a local aeolian soil, a variant of loess soil and, like Subgroup A1, could have been manufactured in the vicinity of the site. Group B This group is characterized by a calcareous foraminiferous matrix. Where identification is possible, the foraminifera belong to Upper Cretaceous–Paleogene ages and include the planktonic genii Hetrohelix and Hedbergela (e.g., Nos. 24, 26). The foraminifera are often recrystalized. In two examples, glauconite pellets appear rarely in the matrix (Nos. 3, 16). Some samples are characterized by crushed calcite as the main non-plastic component (e.g., Nos. 3, 19, 24), in others the main non-plastic components are grog fragments (e.g., Nos. 16, 26, 39, 46). Sample No. 26 also contains crushed calcite and phytoliths. In Nos. 17 and 39, the grog is identified as Moẓa marl. Sample No. 41 is characterized by abundant (f:c ratio {0.062 mm}=~85:15), well-sorted, fine (200–500 µm) quartz grains and a few chert and feldspar grains. No. 15 is a variant of Group B with less foraminifera and the appearance of fine, sand-sized quartz grains. The most common non-plastic components in this group (grog and crushed calcite) cannot be used as provenance indicators, as there is no certain relationship between the source of the grog and the source of the vessel in which it is embedded, and calcite is found in veins within carbonatic rocks in many regions in Israel. The matrix of this group is identified as marl. It must be emphasized that the vessels of this group can be related to several different marl units and provenances. The coastal non-plastic components in No. 41 suggest that it was manufactured close to the Mediterranean coast. The grog fragments made of Moẓa marl in Nos. 17 and 39 indicates a provenance in the geographical distribution of vessels

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produced of Moẓa marl. The main distribution of vessels made of Moẓa marl is in the Samarian and Judean Hills and the Shephelah, but they were also distributed westward to the coastal plain (see Group D). Marl units of the Upper Cretaceous–Paleogene ages that are suitable to pottery production are widespread in Israel (e.g., Shephelah, Menashe Hills, Galilee) and archaeological considerations may help in determining the provenance of each vessel related to this group. Vessels related to Group B were not manufactured at Ashqelon. Group C This group is characterized by an optically active calcareous matrix and is devoid of foraminifera. It contains hematite particles (1%) up to 5 µm in size. The sand-sized non-plastic components are calcite crystals, which comprise the main or even the sole components (Nos. 22, 33, 42, 43), grog fragments (Nos. 35, 36) and in a single sample densely spread, sand-sized idiomorphic dolomite (No. 20). This petrographic group is identified as originating from a clay unit of the Moẓa Formation. The dolomitic sand in No. 20 was quarried from the Aminadav Formation. This group dominates ceramic assemblages in large areas of the Samarian and Judean Hills (Goren, Finkelstein and Na’aman 2004:263– 264; Cohen-Weinberger, Levi and Beʼeri 2020). Group D The matrix of this group is characterized by tiny, silt-size rhombohedral dolomite crystals and is identified as the marl unit of the Moẓa Formation that is exposed throughout the Samarian and Judean Hills (Arkin et al. 1976). This group dominates ceramic assemblages at sites in the Samarian and Judean Hills (e.g., Cohen-Weinberger and RosenthalHeginbottom 2019:251, Group A). A single sample (No. 8) belongs to this group. Group E This group is characterized by ferruginous clay with about 5% silty quartz grains. The sand-sized non-plastic components (f:c ratio {0.062 mm} = ~90:10) consist mainly of fine quartz grains (100–200 µm) along with coarser quartz grains of up to 1 mm. The quartz is poorly sorted. Minerals of the feldspar group, mica laths and hornblende are common. Two samples (Nos. 44, 45) belong to this group—No. 44 contains fine carbonatic particles and No. 45 is rich in phytoliths. The non-carbonatic ferruginous clay of these samples, together with the relative abundance of heavy minerals and the poorly sorted quartz grains, suggest the Nile Valley as the origin of these vessels.

Discussion and Summary The analyzed vessels show variability in raw materials. Vessels of Group A were made in the vicinity of the site from local aeolian soils, the most common raw material at Ashqelon, as suggested by the current and previous studies (Master 2001; Cohen-Weinberger 2004; Goren, Finkelstein and Na’aman 2004). The Group B vessels have a foraminiferous matrix and can be related to several different provenances in Israel (e.g,. Shephelah, Menashe

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Hills, Galilee); it should be noted that a number of these vessels have close parallels in form at sites in northern Israel (Nos.16, 24, 26, 28, 30, 37; see Chapter 1). Vessels made of Moẓa clay (Group C) and Moẓa marl (Group D) were manufactured at sites to the east of Ashqelon in the Samarian and Judean Hills. A holemouth jar made of Moẓa clay (No. 43) resembles a jar from the EB I site of Azor in the coastal plain (Golani and Brink 1999: Figs. 6:10; 7:7, 8; 11: 9) in both shape and raw material (Goren 1999:21, Table 2), and several EB I holemouth jars from the Palmaḥim Quarry (Braun 1992) in the southern coastal plain were also made of Moẓa clay (Cohen-Weinberger, unpublished); other vessel types of the same raw material, including a bowl, amphoriskos and funnelspouted jars, originated in EB IB burials at Palmaḥim (Paz et al. 2021).3 Two juglets from Strata IIIA and II were imported from Egypt (Group E; Nos. 44, 45). This is in accordance with Porat’s conclusion that only closed vessels of Egyptian manufacture were imported in EB IB, while the cooking, serving and drinking vessels were made of locally silty sediments (Porat 1992:433; Paz, Elad and Cohen-Weinberger 2021). The presence of Egyptian imports corresponds well with the ‘Egyptian phenomenon’ at EB IB sites in southern Israel, characterized by Egyptian imports (Brink 2002:297; Paz, Elad and Cohen-Weinberger 2021). The presence of phytoliths is typical of late EB I sites in southern Israel with varying degrees of Egyptian affiliation (Anđelković 1995). This technology was common in Egypt and may reflect an Egyptian influence on the local industry in southern Canaan. At Barne‘a, vessels rich in phytoliths are related to Groups A and E. While the origin of the vessels in Group E is the Nile Valley, the phytolithrich vessels of Group A are of local provenance. These finds demonstrate that abundant phytoliths can appear in local forms (Nos. 6, 7, 14, 38, 47), and hence, it remains uncertain if this phenomenon is due to Egyptian inspiration. Of special note are the seven GBW bowls analyzed in this study. The manufacturing regions of GBW vessels have been identified in previous studies as the Jezreel Valley, the Galilee and eastern Samaria (Goren 1991; Fischer 2000:204; Goren and Zuckermann 2000:174–175). The GBW bowls from the Ashqelon area are among the southernmost examples of this ware (Braun 1991:77).4 Previous analyses of GBW bowls from EB I sites in the area of Ashqelon (Goren and Zuckermann 2000:182) showed that two originated in eastern Samaria, and two in an unknown region within the southern Levant. The results of the present study partly correspond with these findings. Of the seven analyzed samples, two (possibly three) belong to Group B, made of foraminiferous marl (Nos. 24, 26, 28?).

Further petrographic analyses of holemouth jars and other ceramic types from the Israel coastal plain can assist in evaluating the trade and exchange systems between the Samarian and Judean Hills and the coastal plain during the Early Bronze Age. 3

Other southern sites where such bowls were found in the southern coastal plain and the Shephelah include Palmaḥim Quarry (Braun 1991:77), Azor (Golani and Brink 1999: Fig.12:4), Lod (Yannai and Marder 2000) and Mazor (unpublished). The provenance of those from the Palmaḥim Quarry was generally attributed to central or southern Israel (Goren and Zuckermann 2000:180), and that from Azor matches the raw material of the GBW vessels from the Jezreel Valley (Goren 1999:23). 4

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Based on the spatial distribution of the GBW vessels, this marl was previously attributed to the Galilee in northern Israel (Goren and Zuckermann 2000:169; Getzov, Nagar and Cohen-Weinberger 2015). Four of the sampled GBW bowls were made of aeolian (loess) soil (Group A; Nos. 23, 25, 27, 29), most probably locally made. Two GBW bowls from Ashqelon Afridar (Goren and Zuckermann 2000:182) and another from the Palmaḥim Quarry examined by the author (unpublished), were also made of local aeolian soils from southern Israel. The growing corpus of data indicating locally made GBW bowls in southern Israel is an interesting phenomenon. It is noteworthy that from nearly 200 samples of GBW vessels from sites throughout Israel examined by Goren (Goren and Zuckermann 2000:179–182), only a single sample from Tel Qiri contained vegetal matter, while in two locally made GBW bowls in the present study (Nos. 23, 25), straw and phytoliths were abundant.

R eferences Anđelković B. 1995. The Relations between Early Bronze Age I Canaanites and Upper Egyptians (Centre for Archaeological Research 14). Belgrade. Arkin Y., Braun M., Buchbinder B., Diamant E., Itzhaki Y., Lasman N., Rot I. and Shachani E. 1976. Jerusalem and Vicinity, Geological Map 1:50,000. Jerusalem. Braun E. 1991. The Early Northern EB I of Israel and Jordan. M.A. thesis. The Hebrew University. Jerusalem. Braun E. 1992. Palmaḥim Quarry–1989/1990. ESI 10:21–23. Brink E.C.M. van den. 2002. An Egyptian Presence at the End of the Late Early Bronze Age I at Tel Lod, Central Coastal Plain, Israel. In E.C.M. van den Brink and T.E. Levy eds. Egypt and the Levant: Interrelations from the 4th through the Early 3rd Millennium B.C.E. London. Pp. 286–305. Cohen-Weinberger A. 2004. A Petrographic Study of the Early Bronze Age Pottery from Ashqelon, Afridar—Area E. ‘Atiqot 45:101–104. Cohen-Weinberger A. 2007. Petrography of Middle Bronze 2 Age Pottery: Implications to Understanding Egypto–Canaanite Relations. Ph.D. diss. Tel Aviv University. Tel Aviv (Hebrew; English summary, pp. I–IV). Cohen-Weinberger A. 2019. Petrographic Analysis of Middle Bronze Age II Vessels from the Burial Pits in Ashqelon. ‘Atiqot 97:89–96. Cohen-Weinberger A., Levi, D. and Beʼeri, R. 2020. On the Raw Materials in the Ceramic Workshops of Jerusalem, before and after 70 C.E. BASOR 383:33–59. Cohen-Weinberger A. and Rosenthal-Heginbottom R. 2019. Petrographic Analyses of Local and Imported Ceramics. In R. Rosenthal-Heginbottom. Jerusalem; Western Wall Plaza Excavations II: The Pottery from the Eastern Cardo (IAA Reports 64). Jerusalem. Pp. 249–267.

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Dan J., Marish S. and Saltzman G. 1975. Soils of the Ashqelon–Yad Mordekhay Region (Volcani Center Institute. Soil and Water Pamphlet 153). Bet Dagan (Hebrew). Dan J. and Raz Z. 1970. Soil Association Map of Israel, 1:250,000. Bet Dagan (Hebrew). Fischer P.M. 2000. The Early Bronze Age at Tell Abu al-Kharaz, Jordan Valley: A Study of Pottery Typology and Provenance, Radiocarbon Dates, and the Synchronization of Palestine and Egypt during Dynasty 0–2. In G. Philip and D. Baird eds. Ceramics and Change in the Early Bronze Age of the Southern Levant (Levantine Archaeology 2). Sheffield. Pp. 201–232. Getzov N., Nagar Y. and Cohen-Weinberger A. 2015. A Burial Cave of the Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age I at Midrakh ‘Oz, Western Jezreel Valley. ‘Atiqot 82:21*–46* (Hebrew; English summary, pp. 224–225). Golani A. and Brink E.C.M. van den. 1999. Salvage Excavations at the Early Bronze Age IA Settlement of Azor. ‘Atiqot 38:1–49. Goren Y. 1991. The Beginning of Pottery Production in Israel: Technology and Typology of ProtoHistoric Ceramic Assemblages in Eretz-Israel (6th–4th Millenia B.C.). Ph.D. diss. The Hebrew University. Jerusalem (Hebrew; English summary, pp. 6*–19*). Goren Y. 1999. A Petrographic Study of the Pottery Assemblage from Azor, Area A. ‘Atiqot 38: 20–23. Goren Y., Finkelstein I. and Na’aman N. 2004. Inscribed in Clay: Provenance Study of the Amarna Letters and Other Ancient Near Eastern Texts (Tel Aviv University Institute of Archaeology Monograph Series 23). Tel Aviv. Goren Y. and Zuckerman S. 2000. An Overview of the Typology, Provenance and Technology of the Early Bronze Age I ‘Grey Burnished Wareʼ. In G. Philip and D. Baird eds. Ceramics and Change in the Early Bronze Age of the Southern Levant (Levantine Archaeology 2). Sheffield. Pp. 165–182. Kemp R.A. 1985. Soil Micromorphology and the Quaternary (Quaternary Research Association Technical Guide 2). London. Master D.M. 2001. The Seaport of Ashqelon in the Seventh Century BCE: A Petrographic Study. Ph.D. diss. Harvard University. Cambridge, Mass. Master D.M. 2003. Trade and Politics: Ashkelon’s Balancing Act in the Seventh Century B.C.E. BASOR 330:47–64. Nir D. 1970. Geomorphology of Israel. Jerusalem (Hebrew). Nordström H.Å. and Bourriau J. 1993. Ceramic Technology: Clays and Fabrics. In D. Arnold and J. Bourriau eds. An Introduction to Ancient Egyptian Pottery (Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Abteilung Kairo, Sonderschrift 17). Mainz am Rhein. Pp. 143–190. Paz Y., Elad I. and Cohen-Weinberger A. 2021. Three Egyptian Serekh-like Incisions Found on One Vessel at the Early Bronze Age IB City of ʽEn Esur, Israel. Journal of Ancient Egyptian Interconnections 29:52–66. Paz Y., Segal O., Gophna R., Liphshitz S. and Cohen-Weinberger, A. 2021. The Early Bronze Age IB Burials in the Chalcolithic–Early Bronze Age I Cemetery in the Palmaḥim Quarry. ‘Atiqot 103:1–43. Porat N. 1989. Composition of Pottery: Application to the Study of the Interrelations between Canaan and Egypt during the 3rd Millennium B.C. Ph.D. diss. The Hebrew University. Jerusalem.

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Porat N. 1992. An Egyptian Colony in Southern Palestine during the Late Predynastic–Early Dynastic Period. In E.C.M. van den Brink ed. The Nile Delta in Transition: 4th–3rd Millennium B.C. (Proceedings of the Seminar Held in Cairo, 21.–24. October 1990, at the Netherlands Institute of Archaeology and Arabic Studies). Tel Aviv. Pp. 433–440. Ravikovitch S. 1970. Soil Map. Jerusalem. Sneh A. and Rosensaft M. 2008. Geological Map of Israel 1:50:000. Ashqelon, Sheet 10-III. Jerusalem. Wieder M. and Gvirtzman G. 1999. Micromorphological Indications on the Nature of the Late Quaternary Paleosols in the Southern Coastal Plain of Israel. Catena 35:219–237. Yannai E. and Marder O. 2000. Lod. ESI 112:63*–65*.

A. Golani, 2022, Ashqelon Barne a II (IAA Reports 70)

Chapter 3

The Flint Assemblage Mae Goder-Goldberger

The flint assemblage presented here originated in Strata V–II (Table 3.1) and from all areas of EB I habitation (A, B, D, G–M; Area C is part of the Byzantine settlement, and no flint artifacts were recovered from Areas E and F; see AB I).1 Of 3826 flint artifacts collected during excavation, this study focuses on 2647 that were retrieved from clear stratigraphic contexts, or have intrinsic value. The flint assemblage underwent a techno-typological study (following Rosen 1997), and is composed of: (1) a small number of Neolithic tools that are considered intrusive and not included in the statistical tables; (2) a fairly large Chalcolithic component of formal tools; (3) the EB I assemblage, which includes debitage, cores, products of the Canaanean industry, and ad-hoc tools; (4) a group of artifacts with Egyptian affinity. Sieving of excavated sediments was minimal, which explains the general lack of artifacts smaller than 2 cm. Moreover, collection of artifacts during excavation may have been biased toward more distinct and formal tool shapes, as indicated by the high percentage of tools in the assemblage (37.1%; Table 3.1). As no clear technological or typological differences were discerned among the assemblages from the different areas, the flint artifacts were combined into a single assemblage and the tools are described typologically, according to period. All artifacts not distinctively Chalcolithic are attributed to the EB I assemblage (Zbenovich 2004a; 2004b; Khalaily 2008). Artifacts attributed to Stratum V are included in the Stratum IV assemblage, as they account for only seven artifacts: two blades, two sickle blades and three ad-hoc tools.

R aw Material Six main types of flint were used in the assemblage, two of which are local. Each type was employed for a different set of artifacts. The material is listed according to provenance (local and non-local) and relative frequency: (1) A local translucent and semi-translucent flint was used for the production of sickle blades, blades and bladelets. This flint type originates from nodules found in small local

My thanks are extended to Amir Golani for inviting me to study the flint assemblage. I would like to thank Hamoudi Khalaily and Ofer Marder for their comments on earlier drafts, Ianir Milevski for his valuable insights and Maria Gurova for examining the reaping knifes and sharing her thoughts with me. The lithics were drawn by Michael Smilansky and Leonid Zeiger, and photographed by Clara Amit. 1

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streambeds crossing the kurkar ridges and the sand dunes (Khalaily 2004:144). These nodules have a thick, chalky cortex, often polished by erosion. (2) A brecciated flint, also apparently of local origin as many large natural chunks were found in the excavation, was used for ad-hoc tools and hammerstones. (3) A brown Eocene flint was used for the Canaanean industry. This flint type is not found locally, but large outcrops are known in the southern Shephelah (Rosen 1997). (4) A coarse-grained, light brown flint, whose origin is unclear, was used mainly for Canaanean sickle blades. (5) A brown flint with black veins used for blades and bladelets does not appear to be local to the southern Levant. It resembles the raw material used to produce Epipaleolithic and Neolithic cores at Fayum, Egypt (Shirai 2010:198, 229), and these artifacts were most probably brought from Egypt. Bladelets made of this unique flint are also known from Ashqelon Afridar and Tel ‘Erani.2 (6) An opaque, light amber-colored flint with a milky shine is also considered to be of Egyptian origin, as the same raw material was associated with Egyptian artifacts at Gaza Site H (Roshwalb 1981:275–300) and Tel ‘Erani (Rosen 1988; Valde-Nowak and Skłucki 2016). A single obsidian bladelet (see Fig. 3.2:5) was recovered from Area D (not included in the statistics). The bladelet resembles obsidian bladelets found at the neighboring PrePottery Neolithic C (PPNC) site some 2 km to the south (Garfinkel and Dag 2008:203). Obsidian tools are known primarily from Neolithic sites in the Levant, but also from Chalcolithic and Early Bronze sites. The nearest source of obsidian is Anatolia (Yellin, Levy and Rowan 1996; Garfinkel and Dag 2008:271).

The Assemblage The flint assemblage at Barne‘a in all strata was mainly a flake-based industry (see Table 3.1), and both cores (Fig. 3.1) and flakes (see Fig 3.5) portray a low level of standardization. The low percentages of primary elements (2.7% of the assemblage), core-trimming elements (1.6%) and cores (2.1%), along with hammerstones (0.5%), indicate that a small amount of flint knapping took place on-site. Between 25% and 30% of the artifacts are burnt, most probably post-depositional and unintentional. The majority of the cores are of the local semi-translucent or the brown Eocene flint (50% and 40% respectively). Flake cores dominate, comprising single-platform cores (n = 9; 17%; Fig. 3.1:1), amorphic cores (n = 44; 81%; Fig. 3.1:2, 3) and a Canaanean preform core (Fig. 3.1:4). The use of these two flint types and the almost complete absence of Canaanean cores has been noted at other EB I sites amongst which are the neighboring

See: Egyptian Flint Items from Early Bronze I Assemblages, Southern Coastal Plain, Israel. Poster presented at the Israel Prehistoric Society Annual Conference, 2018, by M. Oron, M. Goder-Goldberger, A. Golani, D. Yegorov and I. Milevski. 2

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site of Afridar (Khalaily 2004; Zbenovich 2004a, 2004b), and sites in the Shephelah: Tel ‘Erani (Valde-Nowak and Skłucki 2016), Ḥorbat ‘Illin (Marder, Braun and Milevski 1995) and Harṭuv (Rosen 1996). Table 3.1. The Flint Assemblage Strata V–IV

Type N Primary elements Flakes

Stratum III

%

N

%

Stratum II N

%

Total N

%

12

3.6

12

1.5

10

7.3

34

2.7

227

69.0

674

82.1

101

73.7

1002

78.1

Canaanean blades

26

7.9

33

4.0

6

4.4

65

5.1

Non-Canaanean blades

28

8.5

53

6.5

6

4.4

87

6.8

Bladelets

25

7.6

37

4.5

5

3.6

67

5.2

9

2.7

10

1.2

7

5.1

21

1.6

Core-trimming elements Burin spalls

2

0.6

2

0.2

2

1.5

6

0.5

329

100.0

821

100.0

137

100.0

1282

100.0

57

86.4

192

94.6

40

97.6

289

93.2

9

13.6

11

5.4

1

2.4

21

6.8

66

100.0

203

100.0

41

100.0

310

100.0

329

49.7

821

48.5

137

46.8

1287

48.6

Debris

66

9.9

203

12.0

41

14.0

310

11.7

Cores

14

2.1

35

2.1

5

1.7

54

2.1

Tools

250

37.9

626

37.1

106

35.8

982

37.1

Total Debitage Chunks Chips Total Debris Debitage

Hammerstones Total Assemblage

3

0.4

6

0.3

5

1.7

14

0.5

662

100.0

1691

100.0

294

100.0

2647

100.0

1

2 0

2

Fig. 3.1. Cores.

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MAE GODER-GOLDBERGER

3

4

0

2

Fig. 3.1 (cont.). Cores. No.

Type

Stratum

Area

Locus

Basket

1

Single-platform core

IIIA

K

5166

50427

2

Amorphic core

IIIB

K

5038

50056

3

Amorphic core

IV

D

1035

10303

4

Canaanean pre-form core

IIIB

H

4110

40285

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CHAPTER 3: THE FLINT ASSEMBLAGE

Tools The bulk of the formal tools can be attributed to EB I (Table 3.2), including a small component of Egyptian tools (2% of the tools). A relatively large component of Chalcolithic tools (14.6% of the tools) can be considered an integral part of the flint-tool assemblage of the EB I settlement (see Chapter 13; Golani 2013). The small number of Neolithic tools can be attributed to the nearby PPNC settlement. Neolithic Tools Five Neolithic tools were scattered throughout the site (not included in the statistics). These include three Niẓẓanim points (Fig. 3.2:1, 2), one of which was pressure flaked on its tip (Fig. 3.2:2), a Haparsa point (Fig. 3.2:3) and a coarsely denticulated Yarmukian sickle blade (Fig. 3.2:4). These small types of arrowheads and the Yarmukian sickle blade are typical of the Pottery Neolithic (PN) period, but can also be associated with the PPNC (Garfinkel and Dag 2008:17, 121); therefore, it seems reasonable that they originated at the nearby PPNC site (Garfinkel and Dag 2008). Table 3.2. The Tool Assemblage Strata V–IV

Tool Type

Total

N

%

N

%

N

%

N

%

7.2

45

7.2

8

7.5

71

7.2

Micro-endscrapers

7

2.8

15

2.4

3

2.8

25

2.5

Retouched bladelets

11

4.4

29

4.6

1

0.9

41

4.2

1

0.4

1

0.2

2

0.2

1

0.2

1

0.1

Adzes Axe (Chalcolithic or Neolithic) Bifacial fragments

2

0.8

2

0.3

4

0.4

39

15.6

93

14.9

12

11.2

144

14.6

Canaanean sickle blades

30

12.0

87

13.9

20

18.9

137

14.0

Canaanean retouched blades

42

16.8

96

15.3

15

14.2

153

15.6

Non-Canaanean sickle blades

20

8.0

56

8.9

10

9.3

86

8.6

Reaping knives

4

1.6

1

0.2

5

0.5

Fan scrapers

3

1.2

16

2.5

2

1.9

21

2.1

Total Chalcolithic Tools

EB I Formal Tools

Stratum II

18

Backed sickle blades Chalcolithic Formal Tools

Stratum III

Total EB I Formal Tools

99

39.6

256

40.8

47

44.3

402

40.9

Scrapers

6

2.4

17

2.7

2

1.9

25

2.5

Burins

1

0.4

4

0.6

1

0.9

6

0.6

8

3.2

29

4.6

3

2.8

40

4.1

17

6.8

37

5.9

7

6.6

61

6.2

Truncated pieces

2

0.8

2

0.3

4

0.4

Retouched flakes

21

8.4

64

10.2

2

1.9

87

8.9

Retouched blades

49

19.6

114

18.2

30

28.3

193

19.7

104

41.6

267

42.5

45

42.4

416

42.3

8

3.2

10

1.6

2

1.9

20

2.0

Total EB I Tools

211

84.4

533

85.1

94

88.7

838

85.3

Total Tools

250

100.0

626

100.0

106

99.9

982

99.9

EB I Ad-Hoc Tools

Perforators Notches and denticulates

Total EB I Ad-Hoc Tools Egyptian

Egyptian tools

106

MAE GODER-GOLDBERGER

1

2

3

0

4

2

5

Fig. 3.2. Neolithic tools. No.

Type

Stratum

Area

Locus

Basket

1

Niẓẓanim point

IV(?)

G

804

8004

2

Pressure-flaked Niẓẓanim point

II

K

5090

50193

3

Haparsa point

III

G

843

8063

4

Yarmukian sickle blade

J

2046

20098

5

Obsidian bladelet

D

1121

10502

Chalcolithic Tools A distinct Chalcolithic component was found at the site, including the predominant tool types: backed sickle blades and micro-endscrapers (Gilead 1984, 1988; Gilead, Hershman and Marder 1995). The frequency of the Chalcolithic tools diminishes slightly from Strata V–IV to Stratum II (15.5% to 11.2%; Table 3.2). Sickle Blades The frequency of Chalcolithic sickle blades is constant throughout the strata, comprising 7.2% of the total number of tools (Table 3.2). The sickle blades exhibit an average width of 13 mm, an abruptly retouched, straight or arched back, and sickle gloss on the working edge (Fig. 3.3:1–8). Of the 18 backed sickle blades recovered from Strata V–IV, 11 are

107

CHAPTER 3: THE FLINT ASSEMBLAGE

1

2

3

4 5

7

6

8

9

0

2

Fig. 3.3. Chalcolithic tools.

108

MAE GODER-GOLDBERGER

10

11

12

13

0

14

2

Fig. 3.3 (cont.). Chalcolithic tools. No.

Type

Stratum

Area

Locus

Basket

1

Backed truncated sickle blade

IIIA

J

2034

20076/1

2

Backed truncated sickle blade

IIIA

K

5122

50340

3

Backed truncated sickle blade

IIIB

D

1019

5241

4

Backed truncated sickle blade

IV

D

1072

10382

5

Backed sickle blade

IIIB

H

4166

40406

6

Backed sickle blade

III

J

2015

20059

7

Backed sickle blade

II

H

4026

40076

8

Backed sickle blade

IIIB

D

588

5202

9

Backed retouched blade

II

H

4011

40020

10

Micro-endscraper

IIIA(?)

J

2015

20040/1

11

Micro-endscraper

III–II

K

5129

50312

12

Micro-endscraper

IIIB

K

5105

50026

13

Micro-endscraper

III–II

H

4139

40394

14

Retouched bladelet

IIIB

K

5140

50353

abruptly truncated at one or both ends (Fig. 3.3:4), three are complete without truncations and four have one or two broken ends. Most (72%) are made of translucent or semitranslucent flint (Type 1). The 45 backed sickle blades from Stratum III present a similar pattern, with 30 truncated at one or both ends (Fig. 3.3:1–3), and 73% made of translucent or semi-translucent flint. In Stratum II, five of the eight backed sickle blades (60%) are made of translucent or semi-translucent flint. An unusual backed sickle blade from Stratum II has both lateral sides abruptly retouched forming a pointed end (Fig. 3.3:7). A backed, retouched blade without gloss was found in Stratum II (Fig. 3.3:9). Micro-Endscrapers The frequency of micro-endscrapers is constant throughout the strata, comprising 2.5% of the total number of tools (Table 3.2). These distinctive retouched bladelets, identified based on Gilead’s definition (1984), are characterized by a finely retouched, rounded distal

CHAPTER 3: THE FLINT ASSEMBLAGE

109

edge (Fig. 3.3:10–13). Approximately half of the micro-endscrapers have a twisted profile, while others are slightly curved. All the Chalcolithic micro-endscrapers are made of the local translucent flint (Type 1). Retouched twisted bladelets are also a typical Egyptian tool (Roshwalb 1981:282; Rosen 1997), therefore the twisted micro-endscrapers may reflect an Egyptian influence (see discussion below). No bladelet cores were found in the assemblage. Retouched Bladelets All the retouched bladelets are made of the local translucent or semi-translucent flint (Type 1). Most are characterized by a fine, barely discernible retouch along one lateral edge (Fig. 3.3:14). In some instances, the retouch continues along the distal edge as well. The retouched bladelets comprise c. 4.5% of the tools from Strata V–IV and III, but decline to less than 1% in Stratum II (see Table 3.2). A similar decline in frequency is seen in the nonretouched bladelets (see Table 3.1). This stands in contrast to the micro-endscrapers and sickle blades, which appear in steady percentages throughout the strata. Bifacial Tools Two adzes, one axe and four fragments of bifacial tools were found at the site, comprising 0.7% of the tool assemblage. While adzes (Fig. 3.4:1) are typical of the Chalcolithic period, the axe (Fig. 3.4:2) could be Neolithic or Chalcolithic. A complete bifacial tool that could not be defined as an adze or an axe (Fig. 3.4:3) was recovered from an unclear stratigraphic context.

1

0

2

Fig. 3.4. Bifacial tools.

110

MAE GODER-GOLDBERGER

2

3

0

2

Fig. 3.4 (cont.). Bifacial tools. No.

Type

Stratum

Area

Locus

Basket

1

Adze

IIIB

K

5150

50396

2

Axe

IIIA

H

4027

40066

3

Bifacial varia

D

1067

10377

The Early Bronze Age I Assemblage The EB I assemblage (Figs. 3.5–3.13) is composed of Canaanean-industry artifacts (Figs. 3.1:4; 3.5:7; 3.6–3.9), non-Canaanean sickle blades (not illustrated), fan scrapers (Fig. 3.10) and ad-hoc tools (Figs. 3.11–3.13). The Egyptian component is described separately. The use of the non-local, brown Eocene flint (Type 3) for the Canaanean industry, and the absence of Canaanean blade cores, indicate that these tools were manufactured

111

CHAPTER 3: THE FLINT ASSEMBLAGE

1

2

3

4

6

5 0

7 2

Fig. 3.5. EB I Debitage.

112

MAE GODER-GOLDBERGER

◄ Fig. 3.5 No.

Type

Strata

Area

Locus

Basket

1

Core-trimming element (hinged flake)

IIIA

H

4076

40181

2

Flake

IIIA(?)

J

2015

20040/2

3

Flake with partially cortical platform

IIIA

J

2014

20024

4

Flake with retouched platform

IIIB

J

2070

20157

5

Flake with impact fracture (pièce esquillée)

IIIB

K

5057

50172

6

Retouched, laterally broken blade with impact fracture

IIIA

H

4108

40280/1

7

Blade

IIIB

D

1115

10456/1

off-site (Rosen 1997). The lack of Canaanean blade cores is a common phenomenon at other EB I sites in the southern Levant, as at Tel ‘En Besor (Gophna and Friedman 1993), Tel ‘Erani (Rosen 1988; Valde-Nowak and Skłucki 2016), Afridar Area F (Khalaily 2004), Lower Ḥorbat ‘Illin (Marder, Braun and Milevski 1995) and Harṭuv (Rosen 1996). The high level of standardization in the manufacture of Canaanean blades can be attributed to their production at designated workshops (Rosen 1983). Although Early Bronze Age flint quarries are unknown in the southern Levant, sites such as Afridar Area M, Gat Guvrin and Feẓa’el 4, where numerous Canaanean cores and knapping waste were found, could represent specialized workshops that supplied the settlement at Barne‘a, among others, with Canaanean blades (Khalaily 2008; Shimelmitz 2009; Milevski 2011:90–94; 2013; Zutovski and Bar 2017). A Canaanean pre-form core (see Fig. 3.1:4), core-trimming elements (Fig. 3.5:1), flakes (Fig. 3.5:2–5) and a blade (Fig. 3.5:7), suggest that minimal knapping occurred at the site, possibly indicating a secondary, on-site flint workshop (Milevski 2011:104; Manclossi, Rosen and Miroschedji 2016). Canaanean Sickle Blades and Retouched Blades (Table 3.3) The most abundant tool types in the assemblage are the Canaanean sickle and retouched blades, which together account for almost 30% of the tools (see Table 3.2; Figs. 3.6–3.8). Cortex appears in higher percentages on retouched blades, but never covers more than 25% of the artifact (Figs. 3.7:5; 3.8:2). The low percentage of complete artifacts is similar among Canaanean sickle and retouched blades, yet a higher percentage of sickle blades are truncated. Many of the evident distal breaks on the blade extremities are intentional snaps (Fig. 3.7:6, 7) and, together with truncations, were intended to segment the blade prior to hafting (Roshwalb 1981:282; Marder, Braun and Milevski 1995). Plain striking platforms characterize the majority of proximally complete Canaanean sickle and retouched blades. The majority of the sickle blades (75–87%) display a regular or fine retouch, while others have a slightly serrated or abrupt retouch (Fig. 3.6:2). On most sickle blades, the sickle gloss appears along the same lateral edge as the retouch. The width of Canaanean sickle and retouched blades ranges between 17 and 23 mm with an average of 20 mm. A similar width range (19–23 mm) is observed for non-retouched Canaanean blades, supporting the suggestion that these were intended as blanks for sickle and retouched blades. The trapezoidal cross section, typical of Canaanean sickle and retouched blades, characterizes c. 60% of the artifacts, while the remainder display a triangular cross section.

CHAPTER 3: THE FLINT ASSEMBLAGE

1

2

3

4 0

2

Fig. 3.6. Canaanean truncated sickle blades.

113

114

MAE GODER-GOLDBERGER

5

7

8

6

0

2

9

Fig. 3.6 (cont.). Canaanean truncated sickle blades.

115

CHAPTER 3: THE FLINT ASSEMBLAGE

◄ Fig. 3.6 No.

Stratum

Area

Locus

Basket

1

IIIB

D

1081

10410

2

IIIA

J

2014

20051/1

3

IIIB

D

1129

10476

4

IIIB

K

5072

50123

5

IIIB

D

1081

10410

6

IIIA

H

4108

40280/2

7

IIIB

H

4171

40465

8

IIIA

D

1049

10340

9

IIIA

D

1016

5255

2

0

1

Fig. 3.7. Canaanean sickle blades.

2

116

MAE GODER-GOLDBERGER

3

4

6

5

0

2

7

Fig. 3.7 (cont.). Canaanean sickle blades.

CHAPTER 3: THE FLINT ASSEMBLAGE

◄ Fig. 3.7 No.

Stratum

Area

Locus

Basket

1

IIIA

J

2014

20051/2

2

IV–III

H

4050

40137

3

IIIB

H

4186

40445

4

IIIA

J

2034

20076/2

5

IIIA

K

5155

50390

6

IV

H

4049

40124/1

7

IIIB

K

5173

50431

1

2

0

2

Fig. 3.8. Canaanean retouched blades. No.

Stratum

Area

Locus

Basket

1

IIIB

D

1324

12251

2

IV

H

4049

40124/2

117

118

MAE GODER-GOLDBERGER

Table 3.3. Relative Frequencies of Diagnostic Traits of Canaanean Sickle Blades and Retouched Blades Sickle Blades Trait

Strata V–IV (N=30)

Complete artifact

Stratum III (N=87)

6%

10%

Cortex cover (60

704

3

>50, male

>60, male

15–20

705

3

6–9

>60, male

20–40

706

2

40–60, male

30–40

707

1

20–30

708

1

>20

709

1

40–50

710

2

30–40

>5

711

2

13–18

18–25

Table 8.5. Summary of Individuals in Each Age Group Areas

NB–4 Years

5–9 Years

Intramural burials (Areas A, B, G–M)

25

3

Extramural burials (Area F) Total

25

10–19 Years

20–29 Years

30–39 Years

40–49 Years

50–59 Years

>60 Years

Age Unknown

Total 28

1

3

3

3

1

2

3

3

19

4

3

3

3

1

2

3

3

47

Discussion and Conclusions The human skeletal remains excavated at Barne‘a represent at least 47 individuals, including infants, children and adults. Infants and young children were buried in the settled area, and older children and adults in stone cists in defined, ladder-shaped burial structures just outside the settlement (Area F). These cists are considered by the excavator to represent the cemetery of the EB I settlement, and to be contemporary with the other burials at this site. Unfortunately, the bones contained no collagen, and could not be dated. An additional cemetery with stone cists may have adjoined the settlement to the south (Area E); however, these structures were not fully excavated, and the relationship between these cists and the burials described above remains unknown. The intramural burials were mostly associated with Stratum II. No burials were found in Area D, which lies at the core of the settlement and was apparently a public zone. The significance of the spatial distribution of the burials within the settled area is discussed elsewhere (Golani 2019a:263).

CHAPTER 8: HUMAN SKELETAL REMAINS AND MORTUARY PRACTICES

211

The burial practices in the two burial classes at Barne‘a differ markedly in grave and burial type, minimum number of individuals in a grave, burial postures and direction, and even the average age at death (Table 8.6). However, the age distributions in both classes are complementary: whereas in the settled area only primary burials of infants and young children were found (in all strata), in the extramural cemetery there were only secondary burials of youngsters and adults. The oldest individual in the settled area was aged 6–7 years, while the youngest individual in the adjacent cemetery was aged 6–9 years. The relatively small sample is insufficient for reliable calculation of demographic parameters such as life expectancy and mean adult age at death (Weiss 1973:11–13; Hoppa and Saunders 1998); however, if we combine both areas, a clear pattern of age distribution is evident, in which infancy posed the highest risk of death, dropping in late childhood (see, e.g., Weiss 1973:14–30; Paine 1989). This general pattern is typical of historical populations, suggesting that both the settlement and the cemetery together represent the population living at Barne‘a, buried over the years in two different manners and locations depending on their age at death (see Golani and Nagar 2011).

Table 8.6. Comparison between Intramural and Extramural (Cemetery) Burials Parameter

Intramural

Extramural (Area F)

Grave type

Jar burials; covered with jar fragments; pit graves; mud-brick cists

Stone cist burials in ‘ladderʼ structure

Burial type

Primary, singular burials

Secondary, multiple burials

MNI

Singular burials

1–3 individuals in a cist

Burial posture

Flexed, on either right or left side

All skulls on the right side

Burial direction

Variable, most heads in the north, none in the south

All skulls in the west, facing west

Age distribution

Infants and a few children; oldest individual 6–7 years

Children and adults; youngest individual 6–9 years

Within the settlement, individuals were either interred in a jar, covered with jar fragments, or placed in a pit or a mud-brick cist. These four types of burials were common during the preceding Chalcolithic period, especially in southern Israel and Jordan (HanburyTenison 1986; Brink 1998). The burial postures or directions of 26 of the 28 individuals were determined, revealing single individuals interred in a flexed position, with most individuals lying on their right side with their heads to the north or slightly inclined to either side. No skulls were found oriented southward. This predominance of a certain direction implies it was intentional. Although the rationale for orienting the body in a certain direction could be an abstract one, an attempt was made to find a correlation between the orientation, represented by head location, and other parameters that may be related. Figures 8.3 and 8.4 demonstrate that body orientation varied within both stratum and grave type without any noticeable pattern. In addition, no correlation was found between body orientation and the side on which the body was laid. Body orientation at Barne‘a was compared with that of intra-site burials at the nearby EB I sites of Ashqelon Afridar and Niẓẓanim. At Afridar, remains of an infant about 1 year old were found (Nagar 2021), and at Niẓẓanim, the

212

YOSSI NAGAR A. Jar burials (n=14)

B. Covered with jar fragments (n=5)

N 57%

N 60%

21%

14%

W 7%

20%

E

W 20%

E

S

S

C. Pits and mud-brick cists (n=7) N

43% 14%

W 14%

E 29%

S

Fig. 8.3. Interrelationships between head location and grave type.

remains of three infants were excavated in Stratum III (Yekutieli and Gophna 1994:166). These burials resemble those at Barne‘a in several criteria: they were single burials of infants in a flexed position in the habitation area, interred in a jar (at Afridar), covered with jar fragments (one at Niẓẓanim), or placed in a pit (two at Niẓẓanim). All the burials at Niẓẓanim had the head in the northeast, and at Afridar, the head was in the north, as was common at Barne‘a. In the extramural cemetery at Barne‘a (Area F), child and adult bones were secondarily buried in a row of cists, the number of individuals in each cist varying from one to three. The state of preservation of the bones was poor, and in cists in which only one individual was counted, the presence of another already-deteriorated skull in the same chamber is an option (especially L709). The skulls were treated differently from the postcranial bones, as all the skulls were placed in the western part of the cist, on their right side facing west,

CHAPTER 8: HUMAN SKELETAL REMAINS AND MORTUARY PRACTICES A. Stratum II (n=18)

B. Stratum IIIA (n=2)

N 61%

N

6%

17%

W 6%

213

100%

E 11%

W

E

S

S

C. Stratum IIIB (n=5)

D. Stratum IV (n=1)

N 60%

N 100%

W 40%

E

W

S

E

S

Fig. 8.4. Interrelationships between burial directions and stratum.

while the postcranial bones were scattered in the cist without apparent order. The fixed location of the skulls must have been intentional and of some importance. The grave structure in the shape of a ladder is similar to burial structures dated to the Chalcolithic period at Palmaḥim (Gorzalczany 2018:11), and at Adeimeh and Wadi ‘Ein Musa in Jordan (Mallon, Köppel and Neuville 1934:154, Pl. 59c, map on p. 148), of Chalcolithic or EB I date. Differential treatment of the skull was a common practice in the Neolithic period, and was also noticed in the relatively nearby Ghassulian Chalcolithic cemetery of Shiqmim (Levy et al. 1991). In the burials composing the Shiqmim Grave Circle 51, the skulls of two primary burials were separated and surrounded with stones. In another part of the same grave, a secondary burial within a stone rectangle (cist) was noted, as at Barne‘a Area F. As in the Barne‘a cists, all the skulls at Shiqmim were oriented in a certain direction and the postcranial bones were scattered.

214

YOSSI NAGAR

Age-dependent burial practices are also a phenomenon characteristic of the Chalcolithic period (Nagar and Eshed 2001; Eirikh-Rose et al. 2017), when infants and young children (up to three years old) were permanently buried in the vicinity of the house (i.e., in the habitation area), possibly due to their lesser importance. The burials of older children and adults were more elaborate, in a defined cemetery, often a secondary interment after an initial one in the residential area. At sites in northern Canaan an apparent change in burial practices in the succeeding Early Bronze Age was evident (e.g., at Sha‘ar Efrayim; Brink 2011), and together with differences in skull morphology between the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age populations (Nagar 1998), was explained as reflecting population change in the Chalcolithic–EB I transition (Nagar 1998; 2003:63–72; Eirikh-Rose et al. 2017). However, this break in continuity was not noticed in southern Canaan (southern coast, Negev and Sinai regions), where continuity of Chalcolithic burial practices (e.g., Bar-Yosef et al. 1977), and other archaeological features (e.g., Braun and Gophna 2004; Khalaily 2004) was the norm. In summary, the burial practices at Barne‘a, within both the habitation area and the adjacent cemetery (Table 8.6), manifest several Ghassulian Chalcolithic characteristics, such as grave types and age-dependent burials. The discovery of Chalcolithic features in the burial practices at EB I Barne‘a strongly supports the assumption of population continuity in this area of the country (see Chapter 13; Golani and Segal 2002; Golani 2004:46–48; Golani and Nagar 2011), contrary to the proposed population change in the northern regions (Nagar 1998).

R eferences Bar-Yosef O., Belfer A., Goren A. and Smith P. 1977. The Nawamis near ‘Ein Ḥuderah (Eastern Sinai). IEJ 27:65–88. Bass W.M. 1987. Human Osteology: A Laboratory and Field Manual (3rd ed.). Columbia, Mo. Braun E. and Gophna R. 2004. Excavations at Ashqelon, Afridar––Area G. ‘Atiqot 45:185–241. Brink E.C.M. van den. 1998. An Index to Chalcolithic Mortuary Caves in Israel. IEJ 118:165–173. Brink E.C.M. van den. 2011. A Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age I Burial Ground near Sha‘ar Efrayim in the Sharon Plain. ‘Atiqot 66:1–53. Eirikh-Rose A., Milevski I., Barzilai O., Matzkevich Z., Nagar Y. and Sklar D. 2017. Horbat Zur: Burial and Non-Burial Caves in the Ghassulian Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age at the Haelah Valley. JIPS 47:171–207. Golani A. 2004. Salvage Excavations at the Early Bronze Age Site of Ashqelon, Afridar––Area E. ‘Atiqot 45:9–62. Golani A. 2019a. Architecture and Settlement Planning. AB I. Pp. 249–269. Golani A. 2019b. Introduction. AB I. Pp. 1–16. Golani A. 2019c. The Stratigraphy. AB I. Pp. 37–247.

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Golani A. and Nagar Y. 2011. Newly Discovered Burials of the Chalcolithic and the Early Bronze Age I in Southern Canaan—Evidence of Cultural Continuity? In J.L. Lovell and Y.M. Rowan eds. Culture, Chronology and the Chalcolithic: Theory and Transition (Levant Suppl. S. 9). Oxford–Oakville. Pp. 84–96. Golani A. and Segal D. 2002. Redefining the Onset of the Early Bronze Age in Southern Canaan: New Evidence of 14C Dating from Ashkelon Afridar. In E.C.M. van den Brink and E. Yannai eds. In Quest of Ancient Settlements and Landscapes: Archaeological Studies in Honour of Ram Gophna. Tel Aviv. Pp. 135–154. Gorzalczany A. 2018. The Chalcolithic Cemetery at Palmaḥim (North): New Evidence of Burial Patterns from the Central Coastal Plain ‘Atiqot 91:1–94. Hanbury-Tenison J.W. 1986. The Late Chalcolithic to Early Bronze I Transition in Palestine and Transjordan (BAR Int. S. 311). Oxford. Hillson S. 1986. Teeth. Cambridge. Hoppa R. and Saunders S. 1998. The MAD Legacy: How Meaningful Is Mean Age-at-Death in Skeletal Samples. Human Evolution 13:1–14. Khalaily H. 2004. An Early Bronze Age Site at Ashqelon, Afridar––Area F. ‘Atiqot 45:121–159. Levy T.E., Alon D., Goldberg P., Grigson C., Smith P., Holl A., Buikstra J.E., Shatev S., Rosen S.A., Ben-Itzhak S. and Ben-Yosef A. 1991. Protohistoric Investigations at the Shiqmim Chalcolithic Village and Cemetery: Interim Report on the 1987 Season. In W.E. Rast ed. Preliminary Reports of ASOR-Sponsored Excavations 1982–89 (BASOR Suppl. 27). Baltimore. Pp. 29–46. Mallon A., Köppel R. and Neuville R. 1934. Teleilāt Ghassūl I: Compte rendu des fouilles de l’Institut Biblique Pontifical 1929–1932. Rome. Nagar Y. 1998. The Human Skeleton. In T. Schick. The Cave of the Warrior: A Fourth Millennium Burial in the Judean Desert (IAA Reports 5). Jerusalem. Pp. 65–72. Nagar Y. 2003. Who Lived in Israel? A Story of Ancient Populations. Tel Aviv (Hebrew). Nagar Y. 2021. Anthropological Remains from Ashqelon, Afridar (Area E-2). ‘Atiqot 103:111–112. Nagar Y. and Eshed V. 2001. Where Are the Children? Age-Dependent Burial Practices in Peqiʽin. IEJ 51:27–35. Paine R.R. 1989. Model Life Table Fitting by Maximum Likelihood Estimation: A Procedure to Reconstruct Paleodemographic Characteristics from Skeletal Age Distributions. AJPA 79:51– 61. Yekutieli Y. and Gophna R. 1994. Excavations at an Early Bronze Age Site near Nizzanim. Tel Aviv 21:162–185. Weiss K.M. 1973. Demographic Models for Anthropology (Memoirs of the Society for American Anthropology 27). Washington, D.C.

A. Golani, 2022, Ashqelon Barne a II (IAA Reports 70)

Chapter 9

The Faunal R emains Anuar Zidane and Guy Bar-Oz

Introduction This study examines the large faunal assemblage from the late Early Bronze Age IA–IB settlement at Ashqelon Barne‘a, among the largest EB I assemblages studied to date in the region.1 It assesses herd management and exploitation patterns of the major livestock species, and examines the subsistence and dietary practices of the EB I inhabitants (see also Whitcher 1999; Hesse and Wapnish 2001). This assemblage is compared with published data from other Chalcolithic and EB I sites (Table 9.1), focusing on sites within the geographic setting of Barne‘a so as to minimize the effect of variable environmental conditions and to isolate trends related to cultural choices and strategies of animal culling. Furthermore, an assessment of the environmental conditions in the vicinity of the site is based on the presence and abundance of wild taxa.

Table 9.1. Chalcolithic and EB I Faunal Assemblages from Sites in Southern and Central Israel (NISP >100 in all assemblages) Site

Region

Period

Reference

Gerar

Negev

Chalcolithic

Grigson 1995a,1995b

Gilat Str. IV–II

Negev

Chalcolithic

Grigson 2006

Shiqmim

Northern fringes of the Negev

Chalcolithic

Whitcher, Grigson and Levy 1998

Ashqelon Afridar Area G

Southern coastal plain

Early EB IA

Whitcher 1999

Ashqelon Afridar Area E

Southern coastal plain

EB IA

Whitcher 1999

Ḥalif Terrace Stratum IIIb

Between Negev and Shephelah

EB IA

Whitcher 1999; Kansa, Whitcher-Kansa and Levy 2006

Ḥalif Terrace Stratum IIIa

Between Negev and Shephelah

Early EB IB

Whitcher 1999; Kansa, Whitcher-Kansa and Levy 2006

Hartuv

Shephelah

Late EB I

Allentuck 2013

Ḥalif Terrace Stratum IIa–b

Between Negev and Shephelah

Late EB IB

Whitcher 1999; Kansa, Whitcher-Kansa and Levy 2006

Arad

Northern Negev

EB I

Davis 1976; Lernau 1978

Ashqelon Afridar Area F

Southern coastal plain

EB I

Whitcher 1999

We thank Hadas Motro for her help in identifying the equid remains and Ayelet Gilboa for her important input throughout the research. The work is based on Zidane’s M.A. thesis submitted in 2010. The chapter was submitted for publication in 2014. 1

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The southern-Levantine EB I witnessed considerable socio-political and economic transformations compared to the preceding Chalcolithic period––in architectural styles, settlement patterns, material culture and subsistence strategies. While this period features the typical package of subsistence livestock known from earlier periods (sheep, goat, cattle, pig), changes from the Chalcolithic period are evident in the proportions of the different livestock species––EB I faunal assemblages tend to show a greater predominance of sheep and goats, with sheep usually outnumbering goats––and in aspects of herd demography. It has been suggested that all these changes began to manifest mainly in the late phase of this period, EB IB (see, e.g., Gophna and Portugali 1988; Joffe 1993), when clear-cut evidence of increasing social complexity and the development of large, densely occupied settlements is observed. Such a trajectory also seems to characterize the economic system of food production (Horwitz and Tchernov 1989; Grigson 1995b), although two important changes are attested in the faunal assemblages during EB IA: (1) increasing exploitation of livestock, in particular sheep/goat and cattle, for secondary products (milk, wool, draft power; see Redding 1981), which is attested by the high survivorship rate of adult female sheep and goats (Smith and Horwitz 1984; Horwitz and Tchernov 1989: Fig. 4; Horwitz and Smith 1990); (2) increasing use of the domestic donkey as a pack animal, which corresponds with the growing importance of regional and interregional trade (Ovadia 1992; Joffe 1993; Levy 1995; Horwitz et al. 2002). Pigs and cattle are present at most EB I sites, and their relative abundance varies from site to site, mostly in relation to environmental settings: they are generally more abundant in northern wetland areas than in southern sites (Hesse 1990: Table 1; Grigson 1995b).

Faunal Analysis Methods Animal bones were collected by hand during excavation. The debris originating from habitation surfaces was sifted through a 1 × 1 cm mesh screen. The bones were wellpreserved, as is attested by the presence of a wide range of densities, including many fragile spongy bones and skeletal elements of young animals. Further evidence of the quality of bone preservation is the low fragmentation rate. All animal bones were examined and documented in the laboratory as follows: 1. Cleaning. All identifiable fragments were immersed in acetic acid (5%) for a few hours, then transferred to sodium bicarbonate in order to buffer the acid, and finally rinsed in fresh water and dried slowly. This procedure enabled us to search for various bone surface modifications (see below). 2. Recording. Only bones from stratigraphically secure loci, as defined by the excavators, were included in this report, resulting in 601 loci with material for analysis. These remains were coded in a standard Windows Excel (2007) worksheet and assigned inventory numbers. 3. Sorting. The identified and unidentified bone fragments from each locus were separately weighed, and the unidentified fraction was not considered further. 4. Taxonomic Identification. Identified bone remains were classified according to element and species, using the comparative collection of the Laboratory of Archaeozoology,

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University of Haifa.2 Where necessary, morphological markers aided in the differentiation of the bones of closely related species, mainly sheep (Ovis aries) and goat (Capra hircus; following Boessneck 1969; Zeder and Lapham 2010). Sheep and goat skeletal elements that could not be identified to species were combined in a sheep/goat (ovis/capra) category. Separation of equids into onager (Equus hemionus), horse (Equus caballus), donkey and mule (Equus asinus) was based on morphological criteria described by Grigson (1993) for various skeletal parts and criteria related to the occlusal surface of the teeth (Johnstone 2004). Also employed for this purpose were bone measurements, using the Log Size Index technique (LSI; comparative data taken from Grigson 1993). The identification of domestic versus wild cattle was based on bone measurements, using a wild aurochs female specimen from Denmark as a reference and employing the LSI technique (following Grigson 1989). Identification of domestic pig and wild boar was also undertaken using the LSI technique, and a comparison was made to a wild female pig from Anatolia (following Hongo and Meadow 1998). 5. Measurements. Bone measurements, following Driesch (1976), were recorded to the nearest 0.1 mm, using a digital caliper (Sylvac model S225). 6. Counting Methods. Number of Identified Specimens (NISP) was used as a basic measure of taxonomic abundance (Grayson 1984). Relative frequencies of the various taxa were calculated using Minimum Number of Elements (MNE) and Minimum Number of Individuals (MNI), based on assumptions described in Klein and Cruz-Uribe (1984) and Lyman (1994). 7. Recording of Taphonomic Data. Recorded elements were inspected for various macroscopic bone-surface modifications, such as signs of animal activity (i.e., rodent gnawing, carnivore punctures and digestion; Lyman 1994) and butchery marks, and coded according to Binfordʼs (1981) typology of stages in the butchery sequence: (1) removal of skin, (2) dismemberment of carcass and (3) filleting of meat from bones. 8. Pathological Analysis of Skeletal Remains. Pathologies such as bone degeneration and osteoarthritis that can attest to animal use and management were scored based on a pathological index developed by Bartosiewicz, Neer and Lentacker (1997). 9. Burning. Six categories of burnt bone were recorded (following Stiner et al. 1995): (1) less than half of the bone is carbonized, (2) half carbonized, (3) completely carbonized, (4) up to half is calcified, (5) more than half is calcified and (6) completely calcified. 10. Reconstructing Mortality Profiles. Age-at-death of the major livestock species was analyzed based on epiphyseal fusion (Silver 1969) and the eruption and wear of the lower deciduous fourth premolar (dP4) and the lower third molar (M3; Payne 1973; see also Grant 1982). Epiphyses that fuse around the age of two years were used in calculating the basic ratio of young and adult individuals (Davis 1983). 11. Reconstructing Skeletal-Element Profiles. Skeletal-element distribution was studied to discern which parts of the livestock taxa were present at the site.

The assemblage included fish remains that are described in Chapter 10.

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12. Statistical Analysis. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS© and PAST© software. 13. Labeling and Packing. Selected skeletal elements, such as complete epiphyses and teeth, were separated from the rest of the assemblage for the purpose of curation; they were packed and labeled with a catalogue number that specifies the context (i.e., locus and basket numbers).

R esults Taxonomic Representation The faunal assemblage from Barne‘a comprises a total NISP of 1288 complete and fragmentary skeletal remains from the three main EB I occupation strata (IV–II): 297 from Stratum IV (late EB IA/EB IA–IB transition), 892 from Stratum III (early–mid EB IB) and 99 from Stratum II (late EB IB; Table 9.2; detailed presentation of the data is provided in Appendix 9.1: Tables 9.13–9.21).3 Sheep and goat comprise the most abundant taxa in the faunal assemblages of Strata IV–II (>30% in each stratum, including the category sheep/goat; Fig. 9.1), while the next most abundant taxa are cattle and pig (each taxon