Journal of Iran's Pre Islamic Archaeological Essays

Journal of Iran's Pre Islamic Archaeological Essays

Study of lithic typological and technological developments in the Upper Pleistocene, a case study: Mirak site

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 N.44-Floor 8-B.6- Golestan 3-Phase 3- Pardis.
2 Faculty of Humanities, Department of Archeology, Tarbiat Modares University Tehran Iran
3 UMR 7194 MNHN-CNRS-UPVD / Département Homme et Environnement Musée de l'Homme - Palais de Chaillot
4 Département Homme et Environnement Musée de l'Homme
5 Faculty of Humanities Department of Archeology Tarbiat Modares University Tehran Iran
6 Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Department of Archaeology, University of Tehran,, Tehran, IRAN
7 Master's degree in archaeology, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Branch, Iran
10.22034/iaej.2024.14644.1125
Abstract
This comprehensive study delves into the paleolithic settlements and lithic assemblages at Site 8 in Mirak, employing an intricate framework integrating stratigraphic, chronological, and sedimentological analyses. Previous research has delineated three discernible settlement phases within this specific locale. The initial phase, distinctly characterized as an upper paleolithic period, is accurately dated through the meticulous application of Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) techniques, spanning a temporal range from 28,000 to 21,000 years. Subsequent observations reveal a secondary phase, spanning 33,000 to 26,000 years, displaying a nuanced amalgamation of features representative of both intermediary and contemporary paleolithic contexts. The tertiary phase, identified as intermediary, traces its origins approximately from 55,000 to 43,000 years ago.

This investigation accentuates the imperative for a meticulous and nuanced exploration of the transitional phase from the Middle to upper paleolithic eras within the northern periphery of the Central Desert, particularly focusing on the transitional industries prevalent during this temporal shift. Detailed scrutiny involving typological shifts in lithic artifacts, supported by comprehensive metric and statistical analyses, remarkably showcases a striking absence of statistically significant differences in typological compositions between the lithic tool assemblages present in the second and third stratigraphic layers at the Mirak site.

This observed typological stability suggests a complex narrative influenced by several factors. It potentially stems from the sustained presence of substantial human populations and the intricate transmission of technological information across the expansive northern region of the Central Desert. This continuous interaction and knowledge dissemination might have contributed significantly to a consistent application of stone reduction methodologies. Consequently, this prolonged and consistent application might have engendered typological uniformity or the perpetuation of consistent reduction techniques in the processing of raw lithic materials throughout these successive paleolithic phases at Mirak.
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