Assessing Patterning in the Upper Paleolithic and Epipaleolithic at Warwasi, Iran

The Warwasi (Iran) sequence contains Early Zagros Aurignacian, Late Zagros Aurignacian, and Zarzian lithic assemblages. By examining attributes of the lithic assemblages from each of the 10 cm arbitrary levels, several patterns characteristic of each of chronological block of deposits emerge. These document aspects of how the Warwasi rockshelter was used at certain points in time, but are not necessarily statements about base versus task camps or duration of site visits. This is because each level and each chronological block represents time-averaged activities (tasks, discard, and artifact transport) that form cumulative palimpsests. While the patterning at Warwasi provides a view of change over time for this site, this sequence cannot automatically be widely or broadly applied to other sites in the Zagros Mountains region. Comparisons to the Upper Paleolithic cumulative palimpsest deposits at Yafteh Cave and Ghār-e Boof suggest why such comparisons must be carefully considered.