The Techno-Typology of the Tayacian Tool Industry of Karain Cave

Abstract

Within the scope of our study, totally 261 chipped stone tools which are found from the Lower Paleolithic layers of Karain Cave have been analyzed techno-typologically. The studies revealed that the chipped stone tool industry shows Lower Paleolithic Tayacian culture's features. The radiolarite sources near Karain had been preferred frequently in the production of Tayacian Industry. Also it was seen that the intstone was used in more lower ratios. The technological data which were detected on chipped stone tools show that the technique of direct percussion with hard hammer had been preferred. There is no evidence that reects Levallois technology. According to the typological observations, many different chipped stone tool types have been identified. Also, based on the studies conducted on the tools, it is seen that the predominant retouch type is the scaled type retouch. The results in the scope of the study offer a database that provides a better understanding of the Karain Lower Paleolithic chipped stone tool industry.

Keywords

• Karain
• Alt Paleolitik
• Tayacian
• Yontmataş