Interpreting Variability through Multiple Methodologies: Form, Function and Technology of Microliths

The reason for material culture’s morphological variability is one of the most fundamental debates in archaeological studies. These debates factor strongly into Levantine Epipalaeolithic research, where the morphological variability of microlithic tools has been interpreted to represent distinct cultural or ethnic communities. Understanding the functional and technological aspects of microlith variability will greatly contribute to our understanding of how microlithic tools act as both functional artifacts and carriers of symbolic loads. My research addresses this question through the use of multiple methodologies, including analysis of retouching sequences, use-wear analysis, morphometrics, and typological studies. This research seeks to gain understanding of the transformative processes that are undertaken by tools over their life-history, addressing the diversity in Middle Epipalaeolithic material culture