An Early Neolithic Hunting Camp: Jebel Queisa

Abstract

Given the relatively high density of Neolithic sites in southern Jordan, it is somewhat surprising that a systematic, intensive survey of some 32 km² within the region recorded only a single occupation. And even this find, the site of Jebel Queisa (J24), represents an ephemeral occupation that most likely served as a hunting camp or vantage spot. The Neolithic horizon at the site is deeply buried under more than a meter of deposit containing Chalcolithic artifacts. The occupation is defined by a concentration of lithic artifacts within a 20 cm thick horizon that is restricted to an area of a little more than 10 m². The artifact inventory is composed largely of debitage and debris. The small toolkit is dominated by points and casually retouched specimens. The few temporally diagnostic characteristics of the assemblage (i.e., Helwan points, Netiv Hagdud truncation, and opposed platform, naviform-like blade cores) indicate an early Neolithic placement, probably on the order of 9,500 B.P.