An Experimental Study of Bone Artifacts from the Neolithic Site of Tell Abu Suwwan (PPNB-PN), Jordan

A considerable number of Pre-Pottery Neolithic sites in the southern Levant have yielded worked bone artifacts, including ornaments and tools. Such artifacts are thought to have played an important role in the economy and in exchange at these sites. Although many bone artefacts have been recovered from these Neolithic sites, few technological or experimental studies have been done. Such studies are needed to understand the processes of production and distribution, and the relationship between the artefacts and the animals from which they were derived. This research used data from the Neolithic site of Tell Abu Suwwan in Jordan. Approximately 20,000 bone fragments have been analyzed from selected squares from Area B at the site. Fifty-eight worked bone artifacts were recovered from this sample. To attempt to identify the technologies used in bone fabrication at Tell Abu Suwwan during the Neolithic period, an experimental approach was undertaken that involved replication of bone artifacts using replicas of stone tools. The experiment helped to demonstrate the types of stone artifacts that could have been used to make the bone tools and the type of animal bones that were used in this manufacturing process