Douka, K. 2011. An Upper Palaeolithic shell scraper from Ksar Akil (Lebanon). Journal of Archaeological Science 38 (2):429-437 (original) (raw)

The article discusses the discovery of a unique Upper Palaeolithic shell scraper made from the valve of a mollusc, Glycymeris bimaculata, found at the Ksar Akil site in Lebanon. This finding challenges the traditional focus on lithic tools in Palaeolithic archaeology, highlighting the potential use of non-lithic materials by early humans. The paper outlines the excavation history of Ksar Akil and the stratigraphic context of the shell scraper, analyzing its implications for our understanding of tool-making behaviors and material choices among anatomically modern humans.