Tell Halula, Syria: Pre-Pottery Neolithic, Pre-Halaf and Halaf bone objects. From technology to typology

Abstract

The exceptional bone artefact assemblage from the Neolithic site of Tell Halula (Syria)— PPNB, Pre-Halaf, and Halaf periods— comprises 670 items. The abundant data provided by the faunal remains analysis and the stratigraphic distribution of the bone items, as well as their very good conservation and diversity, permit a holistic analysis of raw material and morphologies. The ultimate goal of this research is the understanding of cultural and social dynamics that occur at Tell Halula, through evolution, cultural, and functional representations of the bone objects. The rich PPNB assemblage includes cutting tools, pointed tools, needles, tubular items and hooks : a typical equipment of the Northern Levant overall but also of the Southern Levant. With Pre-Halaf and Halaf objects, this study fills an important documentary gap in the Near East.