Naama GOREN-INBAR

Institute of Archaeology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91905 Israel

ABSTRACT: The study of the Acheulian cultural sequence as viewed through the analyses of lithic assemblages from the site of Gesher Benot Ya‘aqov (GBY) provides extensive insight into the complexity of ancient technological systems. The research, which involves analyses of over 15 archaeological horizons representing ca. 50Ka, enables high-resolution technological investigations and illuminates processes and behavioral modes at this paleo-lakeshore site located in the Upper Jordan Valley, Israel. Among these, the most detailed system reconstructed is the chaîne opératoire or reduction sequence aimed at the production of bifacial tools (handaxes and cleavers). It includes procurement of raw material in the form of basalt slabs, their transportation to the lake margin, the modification of slabs into giant cores and the systematic production of large flakes that were later modified into handaxes and cleavers. The GBY technological studies examine intra-site and inter-site technological variability, providing a better understanding of the individual segments of the reduction process, from the application of different modes for the acquisition of large flakes to percussor types and the nature of the waste associated with production.