Middle Paleolithic Lithic Industry from Qaleh Kurd Cave, Qazvin Province,Iran

Abstract

This paper focuses on the lithic finds from two seasons of excavations at Qaleh Kurd (QK), a cave site inwestern Central Plateau. Through sedimentological studies, Holocene and Pleistocene deposits were identifiedduring the excavations. Analysis of sedimentary context and the spatial distribution of the faunal remains andlithics suggested that the Pleistocene deposits at QK split into three sub-periods. Statistical analysis based on thelithic techno-typology confirmed such suggestion with the lithics featuring Middle Paleolithic (MP) affinities inall phases. The cross-sequence comparisons of QK’s lithics with the Zagros and Central Plateau MP assemblagessuggested stronger affinities of QK with the former. The overall characteristics of the QK tool kit consist of ascraper-rich, flake-base typology, low frequency of denticulate and notch, the abundance of points, applicationof Levallois technique, frequent signs of direct percussion, minimal preparation of platform, and the presence ofintense retouching and rejuvenating the edges.

Keywords

• qaleh kurd cave
• middle paleolithic
• lithics
• the zagros
• iranian central plateau