The bird remains from WF16, an early Neolithic settlement in southern Jordan: Assemblage composition, chronology and spatial distribution

Abstract

Excavations at the early Neolithic settlement of WF16 in Faynan, southern Jordan, 11.84–10.24 ka BP, recovered 17,700 bird bones, of which 7808 could be identified to at least family level. Sixty‐three different bird taxa are present from 18 families, representing a mix of resident and migrant birds, based on present‐day ecology. We describe the settlement context for the assemblage, its taxonomic composition, spatial and chronological distribution, identifying its similarities and differences to avian assemblages from broadly contemporary sites in the region.

The utilization of birds at neolithic WF16, southern Jordan: Cut marks, body parts, and experimental skinning

“…In summary, the recovery of most parts of the skeleton of honey buzzard, kite, and buzzard indicates that these birds were likely captured and brought back to the Neolithic settlement as complete carcasses, while a prevalence of bones from the pectoral girdle suggests that they may have been eaten. This pattern was also recognized in the remains of black kite in the assemblages of Netiv Hagdud (Tchernov, 1994) and Gilgal (Horwitz et al, 2010), which the authors attributed to consumption. The relative scarcity of lower wing bones in Phase 3 bears similarity with the site of Wadi Jilat 22, where a conspicuous absence of lower wing bones, combined with cut marks on the distal humeri was used as evidence to support the idea that the wings were removed for their feathers (Martin et al, 2013).…”

“…The absent trunk suggests that this bird may have also been a source of food. It is possible that the remains of the carcass had been a deliberate burial or at least a special deposition (White et al, 2021, Figure 6). Alternatively, the butchered and discarded carcass at WF16 might have simply fallen into a niche by a mud‐clay wall, where it fortuitously avoided postdepositional disturbance.…”

“…White et al (2021) describe the composition, chronology, and spatial distribution of the WF16 bird bones. In summary, 17,700 specimens were recovered of which 7808 (44.11%) were identified to at least family level.…”

Birds as indicators of early Holocene biodiversity and the seasonal nature of human activity at WF16, an early Neolithic site in Faynan, Southern Jordan

“…The 2008–2010 excavations recovered 17 700 bird bones, of which 7808 were identified to at least family level or the order of Passeriformes (Fig. 8; White et al ., 2021a). At least 63 bird taxa are represented.…”

“…Passage migrants, residents and seasonal visitors represented at WF16. Faunal data fromWhite et al (2021a); ecological data fromAndrews (1995) and Khoury (personal observations) Crex crex (18); cf. Crex crex (5); Ciconia cf.…”