A Reassessment of Average Lunate Length as a Chronological Marker

Abstract

Average lunate length, in conjunction with the percentage of bifacial backing retouch, has been used with moderate success as a chronological marker for ordering late Epipaleolithic Natufian assemblages in the Levant. Several problems with the use of these attributes are discussed, including sample size, radiocarbon dates, and assemblages that do not conform to the proposed frameworks. It is suggested that modifications considering macroenvironmental zones can further refine the currently existing chronological arrangements.