Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Archaeological Science, cilt.30, sa.3, ss.325-341, 2003 (SCI-Expanded)
A series of radiocarbon dates systematically obtained from bone and charcoal samples from the stratigraphic sequence of Öküzini Cave has been analyzed in conjunction with stratigraphic and archaeological data to interpret the rates and processes of deposition and human occupation of the cave during the Epipaleolithic of southwest Turkey. AMS dates obtained on the charcoal series reveal the existence of three stratigraphic gaps. Sedimentation rates for the deposits are evaluated in relation to radiometric determinations, the nature and origin of sediment accumulation, the structure of the faunal and lithic assemblages and the changing nature of human occupation of the cave. A hypothesis is proposed to explain the processes and rates of sedimentation, including the three gaps revealed by the radiometric series. One of our aims is to caution against interpretations of cultural evolution directly linked to sedimentary rates for which the variation is not immediately evident during excavation, but which requires a more critical analysis, as we have had the opportunity to do at Öküzini. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.