The epipalaeolithic faunal sequence in Israel: A view from Neve David

We carried out a detailed taphonomic, palaeoeconomic and palaeoecological analysis of the faunal remains from Neve David, a major Geometric-Kebaran open air site at the foot of the slope of Mount Carmel. The bone assemblage comprised 15 mammal species, two reptile species and seven genera of molluscs of the Mediterranean Sea. Bone fractures, cut marks and burned bones reflect human activity. The major prey species, as in other Epipalaeolithic sites from Israel, are gazelle and fallow deer (at 60 and 30%, respectively). It is possible that male fallow deer were selectively hunted. Neve David does not differ appreciably from the general Epipalaeolithic faunal sequence. Our attempt to compare the faunal remains of Neve David to other fossil assemblages from the Epipalaeolithic sequence revealed no significant difference between pre-Natufian and Natufian fossil assemblages in the economic characteristics studied, putting in question the basis for various hypotheses regarding the development of early domestication.