Re-evaluation of Scrapers Reduction Model Using Geometric Index of Reduction (Mar-Tarik Middle Paleolithic Assemblages)

Paleolithic lithic assemblages are traditionally described on the bases of presence of a variety of tool types (typology) and of different knapping technologies. In this study we tried to investigate whether the presence of different groups of scrapers in the Mar-Tarik site assigned to the Middle Paleolithic represent specific function or just different stages of the reduction process and constant changes as the result of accessibility to the raw materials. In this research Dibbleʹs scrapers reduction model which was proposed for the first time based on Bisitun rock shelter Middle Paleolithic assemblages, was tested using the Geometric Index of Reduction method for the unifacial scrapers. The results indicate that similarities in the dimensions of the different types of scrapers in Mar-Tarik and Bisitun might be a result of using small size raw materials. Meantime different functional aspects of these two sites might have been responsible for differences in the intensity of retouch on their artifacts.