Standardization of Nubian Levallois technology in Dhofar, Southern Arabia

Abstract

The characteristics and distribution of “Nubian" Levallois technology have been prominent in recent discussions of Middle Palaeolithic/Middle Stone Age technological variability and its implications. Here we explore Nubian Levallois technology by focusing on the relative “standardization” of the TH.69 assemblage from western Dhofar, one of the most “Nubian” of all “Nubian” assemblages. Aspects evaluated include the shape of cores and the dorsal surface preparation patterns. We found that in some ways – such as the overall reduction method, and coefficients of variation for various features of core shape – the assemblage does demonstrate standardization. Yet, in others, such as the precise way in which dorsal surface convexity was prepared, the assemblage is rather less standardized. Our findings highlight the complexity of defining and operationalizing the concept of standardization. On balance, we argue that TH.69 does demonstrate relatively standardized reduction, yet the wider meaning of this is not clear.