Preserving Cultural Traditions in a Period of Instability: The Late Natufian of the Hilly Mediterranean Zone (original) (raw)

This research examines the Natufian culture within the Hilly Mediterranean Zone, focusing on its evolution towards sedentism and the implications for social and spiritual practices during a significant transitional period before the rise of Neolithic societies. The study emphasizes the archaeological evidence of changing subsistence methods, construction of stone architecture, and the emergence of burial practices and artistic expression. It highlights the relationships and interactions with distant regions, suggesting a broader cultural network. Through the analysis of material remains from Natufian sites, the research identifies distinct phases of the Natufian culture, delineating how these transformations contributed to the foundations of future agricultural societies.