The Stone Age of Qatar: new investigations, new finds; interim report (original) (raw)

2014, Proceedings of the Seminar for Arabian Studies 44: 317-324

Abstract

This interim report summarizes the results of fieldwork carried out by the PADMAC Unit during 2012/2013 in a previously unexplored area of southern Qatar. The aim of this series of systematic surveys was to find undiscovered lithic surface-scatters/sites and characterize the assemblages. Prior to fieldwork, a detailed desk-based geospatial analysis of the topography, aerial satellite imagery, and geologic mapping were performed to identify areas for on-site investigation. The validity of these data was confirmed by a ground-truthing field exercise in December 2012. Work in this designated area continued during March and June 2013. Lithic surface-scatters/sites were discovered on the hills capped with (knappable) chert that surround and overlook large depressions, which appear to be fluvial in origin and may indeed have been palaeochannels and palaeolakes (geomorphological modelling suggests that this area of Qatar has remained above sea level for at least the past two million years). The initial analysis of the assemblages from the twenty-one lithic surface-scatters/sites discovered to date (June 2013) indicates that one lithic assemblage can be equated to Qatar Neolithic Group B. Of particular importance however, are the other twenty lithic assemblages that certainly predate the Neolithic (technologically and in terms of patination), appear to include two distinct assemblage types, and may represent two relatively contemporary specialized stages of the chaîne opératoire, or indeed two completely different phases of the Palaeolithic. It is envisaged that the next stage of this research will include the collection of sufficient lithics from each scatters to facilitate rigorous techno-typological analysis; further investigation of particular lithosoils that may well incorporate embedded/stratified lithics; geomorphological investigations in the depressions; and the discovery of more lithic surface-scatters/sites with the aim of resolving the long-standing debate on the stone-age history of Qatar.

Key takeaways

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  1. This report presents findings from the PADMAC Unit's 2012/2013 fieldwork in southern Qatar.
  2. Twenty-one lithic surface scatters/sites were discovered, with twenty predating the Neolithic.
  3. One assemblage is technologically similar to Qatar Neolithic Group B, indicating cultural continuity.
  4. Research methodology combines geospatial analysis and field surveys to identify Palaeolithic potential areas.
  5. Future work will focus on extensive analysis of lithic assemblages and geomorphological processes.

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  33. Authors' addresses
  34. Julie E. Scott-Jackson, Institute of Archaeology, University of Oxford, 36 Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2PG, UK. e-mail julie.scott-jackson@arch.ox.ac.uk
  35. William Scott-Jackson, Institute of Archaeology, University of Oxford, 36 Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2PG, UK. e-mail william.scott-jackson@arch.ox.ac.uk Faisal Abdulla Al Naimi, Head of Archaeology, Qatar Museums Authority, QMA Tower, Doha, PO Box 2777, State of Qatar. e-mail falnaimi@qma.org.qa
  36. Emma Tetlow, Environmental Office, Qatar National Historic Environment Record, QMA, QMA Tower, Doha, PO Box 2777, State of Qatar. e-mail emma.tetlow@gmail.com Rémy Crassard, Chargé de recherche, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), University of Lyon, France. e-mail remy.crassard@mom.fr PADMAC Unit Website: Contact Director, Dr Julie Scott-Jackson, http://users.ox.ac.uk/\~padmac/

FAQs

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AI

What are the primary results of lithic assemblage analysis in Qatar?add

The analysis indicates one Neolithic and twenty pre-Neolithic lithic assemblages, revealing significant temporal variation in tool use.

How does the methodology aid in the discovery of lithic sites?add

The research employs GIS and 3D imaging techniques to identify and analyze topographical features, enhancing site discovery.

What historical factors influenced prehistoric migration patterns in Qatar?add

Changes in global climate and tectonic activity shaped prehistoric migration, affecting sea levels in the Arabian Gulf.

What specific challenges arise in determining the density of lithic scatters?add

Determining density is complicated due to extensive covers of naturally shattered rock and geological variations in lithosoil.

How do geographic features correlate with lithic surface-scatters?add

The study finds less than 25% of outcrops with knappable chert yield surface scatters, indicating selective land use.