Ksar Akil and the Upper Palaeolithic of the Levant

Abstract

Ancient collections from Ksar Akil, levels XXV-XVI (Transitional/early Upper Palaeolithic), XIII-VI (later Upper Palaeolithic) have been re-examined; the samples have enabled the author to give a techno-typological description of the industry and to present the main features of its evolution. This study permits to place Ksar Akil in relation to other Upper Palaeolithic sites in the Northern and Southern Levant. Ksar Akil is neither isolated or unique. However, the industries from these levels as well as some specific types such as chamfered pieces or "pointes à face place" do reflect regional variability.