The Neolithic in Arabia: a view from the south. (18th April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McCorriston, Joy
• Is Part Of: Arabian archaeology and epigraphy. Volume 24:Number 1(2013:May)
• Page Start: 68
• Page End: 72
• Publication Date: 2013-04-18
• Subjects: pastoralism -- social boundary defense -- sacrifice -- feasting -- allocative and authoritative resources; Arabian Peninsula -- Antiquities -- Periodicals; Inscriptions -- Arabian Peninsula -- Periodicals; 953
• DOI: 10.1111/aae.12012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-7196

Abstract

Abstract : Maurizio Tosi alerted prehistorians to the significant evidence that Arabia followed its own path and with Serge Cleuziou has made a compelling argument about the distinctive social structure of Arabian complexity. After a decade of research and analyses based in Wadi Sana, Hadramawt, the RASA Project can offer a hypothetical scheme of the earliest social developments in highland southern Arabia. Domesticated animals came first; They were probably adopted or used by hunters still prizing wild game; Dedicated pastoralism emerged in situ, accompanied by an increase in population density and the definition of strategic territories; In southern Arabia, a distinct Neolithic culture of sacrifice began as social‐boundary maintenance to secure resources; Social strategies changed, with the introduction of more complex and broadly negotiated axes of power; Agriculture was introduced late, and the first deliberate cultivation may not have involved domesticated plants. Whatever was cultivated was used to maintain Neolithic populations committed to territories; This Neolithic culture set the foundation for subsequent Arabian cultures.