The Technology of Skull Modelling in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB): Regional Variability, the Relation of Technology and Iconography and their Archaeological Implications

Goren, Yuval; Goring-Morris, A. Nigel; Segal, Irina

doi:10.1006/jasc.1999.0573

Cited by 57 publications

(65 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Three more or less complete modeled faces of plastered skulls were recovered, two from grave contexts and one from a favissa; the modeled skulls are made of different compositions of lime, ash, and other binding material (Goren, Goring-Morris, & Segal, 2001). …”

Section: Plaster Use and Production At Kfar Hahoreshmentioning

confidence: 99%

Early pyrotechnology in the Near East: Experimental lime‐plaster production at the Pre‐Pottery Neolithic B site of Kfar HaHoresh, Israel

Goren

Goring-Morris

2008

Geoarchaeology

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A characteristic hallmark of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) in the southern Levant was the extensive use of lime plaster for architectural and other purposes. Yet no obvious kilns have been identified in archaeological contexts. Here we present details of an experimental pit-kiln modeling lime-plaster production based on observed burnt stone accumulations in pits at the PPNB site of Kfar HaHoresh in the lower Galilee. The experimental kiln was loaded in layers with ~500 kg of limestone (pebbles and stones) and ~1000 kg of fuel (branches and dung). Fired for 24 hours, and reaching a maximum 870ºC, the kiln yielded almost 250 kg of quicklime (calcium oxide, CaO). Micromorphological samples, general observations, and scaled plan view drawings made immediately following and nine years after ignition demonstrate that the original shape of the kiln and residual quicklime within and around it rapidly dissipated through bioturbation, trampling by animals, erosion, rain, and exposure to the elements. This could account for the seeming absence of kilns within sites, although they were probably located close to where lime-plaster was applied, given the unstable nature and toxic effects of handling quicklime. Calculations of the manpower and fuel involved indicate that PPNB lime-plaster production may have been less labor intensive and less detrimental to the environment than previously portrayed.

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Section: Plaster Use and Production At Kfar Hahoreshmentioning

confidence: 99%

Early pyrotechnology in the Near East: Experimental lime‐plaster production at the Pre‐Pottery Neolithic B site of Kfar HaHoresh, Israel

Goren

Goring-Morris

2008

Geoarchaeology

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“…Some skulls had faces modelled in plaster adhered onto them, occasionally providing a realistic impression of fl esh. A variety of techniques were used, these appearing to vary between localities (Goren et al 2001 ). These included multiple plastering events, painting, and inserting shells for eyes.…”

Section: Ppna and Ppnb Mortuary Practicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Death and Architecture: The Pre-Pottery Neolithic A Burials at WF16, Wadi Faynan, Southern Jordan

Mithen¹,

Finlayson²,

Maricevic³

et al. 2015

Death Rituals, Social Order and the Archaeology of Immortality in the Ancient World

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F8, Context 298 , Structure F8, Evaluation Trench 2Cut into redeposited gravel, with the skull protruding through the fl oor of a PPNA structure and stratigraphically sealed by two PPNA fl oors and associated occupation. A NE-SW orientated arrangement of articulated and disarticulated bones with disarticulated skull placed on a 'pillow' stone. Fragile especially in the upper part of the inhumation. At least two adults and a juvenile appear to be present. Chipped stone artefacts including bladelets, a microlith and an awl. F39910, Structure F3992, Evaluation Trench 3 With its skull probably protruding through the fl oor of a PPNA structure and positioned on a 'pillow' stone; stratigraphically sealed by a PPNA fl oor. A NE-SW orientated crouched inhumation on its right side with the skull facing NW. The skull was disarticulated but in position by appearing to have been stretched from the body and then placed on a 'pillow' stone. Appears to be a complete but fragile adult skeleton. Chipped stone artefacts.O3 , Structure O31 Cut through the infi ll and wall of a disused PPNA structure and sealed by defl ated overburden. Undetermined. Fragmentary remains, appearing to consist of only two hand or foot bones, one long bone and several ribs O4 , Midden O60 Cut into PPNA midden deposits and sealed by defl ated overburden. Probably a crouched inhumation; a mortar fragment had been set on an edge appearing to form one side of the burial. Fragmentary -only some hand and feet bones survive. Fragment of a mortar stoneCut through the wall of a PPNA structure and sealed by defl ated overburden. A NE-SW orientated crouched inhumation, lying on its back with legs bent to the right and head facing to the left. Appears to be a complete, well preserved juvenile skeleton. Fragment of a possibly worked animal bone.O7 , Structure O31 Cut through PPNA infi ll inside the structure and sealed by a PPNA fl oor. A N-S orientated crouched inhumation on its left side, facing east. Appears to be a complete but poorly preserved adult skeleton. A hammerstone, an El Khiam point and a chipped stone pick.O8 , Area O108 Cut through the infi ll of a disused PPNA structure and sealed by defl ated overburden. A semi-crouched inhumation, orientated E-W with its head at the east end facing NE. A fragmentary and poorly preserved juvenile skeleton appearing to have the lower right arm, complete left arm, hand and unfused epiphyses missing. A green stone bead. O9 , Structure O65Cut through the wall of a PPNA structure and sealed by defl ated overburden. A crouched inhumation on its right side, orientated E-W and facing north with its left hand under the skull. A fragmentary juvenile skeleton appearing to have only the skull, arms, hands and feet present. Four chipped stone artefacts and a caprine pelvis. O10 , Structure O84Cut through the infi ll of a disused PPNA structure and sealed by defl ated overburden. A N-S orientated crouched inhumation on its right side with its head to the south facing east. Fragmentary remains with, at least, both scapulae, left...

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“…However, there is no discussion of the evidence for symbolic behavior or theory of mind amongst other hominid species, which would have been interesting. Some discussion of Neolithic ritual practices would have been enlightening, given the abundant evidence for ancestor worship in the Neolithic, from sites as diverse as Jericho, where plastered skulls are buried under floors (Goren et al, 2001), to the long barrows of Wiltshire, where disarticulated human remains are repeatedly manipulated and reinterred (Bayliss et al, 2007 Overall God is Watching You is a neat argument for the supernatural punishment hypothesis. Johnson synthesizes a number of experimental game theory studies demonstrating how punishment is vital to achieving cooperation in human society.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Fear over Hope: A Review of Dominic Johnson’s God is Watching You

Collins¹

2017

CDN

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The Technology of Skull Modelling in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB): Regional Variability, the Relation of Technology and Iconography and their Archaeological Implications

Cited by 57 publications

References 22 publications

Early pyrotechnology in the Near East: Experimental lime‐plaster production at the Pre‐Pottery Neolithic B site of Kfar HaHoresh, Israel

Early pyrotechnology in the Near East: Experimental lime‐plaster production at the Pre‐Pottery Neolithic B site of Kfar HaHoresh, Israel

Death and Architecture: The Pre-Pottery Neolithic A Burials at WF16, Wadi Faynan, Southern Jordan

Fear over Hope: A Review of Dominic Johnson’s God is Watching You

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