Microliths Typology and Technology of the Upper

and Epipaleolithic transition period, Jordan

Abstract. For the past 50 years, the division between the Late Upper Paleolithic and Early Epipaleolithic has depended on perceptions of lithic typological variation. For example, backed microliths were considered temporal markers for the Epipaleolithic; Ouchtata bladelets were thought to mark the Late Upper Paleolithic. This research examines lithic assemblages that date to the 22-17 kyr BP collected from thirteen sites in Jordan. The analysis suggests patterns in lithic technology, typology, raw material procurement, subsistence, and site distribution, especially as the latter relates to mobility.The morphological and the metrical attributes of microlith types strongly suggest that these types correspond to manufacturing stages. Additionally, this research shows that backed microliths and Ouchtata bladelets are present at the same time (c. 22-15 kyr BP) and same sites. That their ratios differ from one site to another is probably due to site function rather than to the stage at which they appeared.