The Neolithic of the Near East (1975)
James Mellaart (LC # GN 776.33 N4 M44)

Pre-History and Archaeology Glossary

Excerpts and Definitions and Addendums:

At the Kebaran sites of Wadi Madamagh (goat : 82%) and Nahal Oren (gazelle : 74%) there is evidence for some remarkably high percentages of particular animal bones which appears to be in contrast to the wider exploitation of food resources. Wild goat and gazelle are fairly easily tamed and it is possible that at these two sites Kebaran man had learned to herd animals.

Habitation during this period was still in caves and camps without any indication of permanence; groups were still small - most sites cover only 200 square meters - but they are more numerous than in the Upper Paleolithic. Most of the structures were of a perishable nature; small round stone circles for huts about 2 meters in diameter - some containing a hearth.

The Kebaran is now divided into two phases: an Early Kebaran with microliths but no geometrics and characterized by obliquely truncated bladelets and narrow micropoints and a later Geometric Kebaran A with geometric microliths and fewer burins. A still later Geometric Kebaran B characterized by triangles and lunates is contemporary with the ensuing Natufian Culture; it is a sort of desert Natufian of Kebaran tradition representing the tool-kit of hunters in the marginal areas whereas the real Natufian is the culture with the many innovations. The important point of the new classification is however that it strongly suggests that the Natufian grew out of the Kebaran and was not an introduction from the north ...

The History of the Ancient Near East Electronic Compendium