The Levallois Flaking System in Nesher Ramla Upper Sequence

Nesher Ramla is an open-air Middle Palaeolithic site located in central Israel, whose entire archaeological sequence is dated to the end of MIS 6 and MIS 5. This paper focuses on the analysis of the Levallois system along the 5-m-thick Upper sequence of the site (units I–II). The Levallois system at Nesher Ramla is characterised by the use of the centripetal method for production of sub-rectangular and oval flakes, complemented by the unidirectional-convergent method for the production of triangular blanks. Our study highlighted the importance of including by-products and cores alongside Levallois end products in the analysis, which allowed to reconstruct how unidirectional-convergent scar pattern on Levallois products derived in part from a centripetal exploitation of the cores. This study indicates that Levallois technology organisation along Nesher Ramla Upper sequence is consistent through time, with the site inhabitants always favouring the same technical solutions. Variations are of modest relevance and are mostly linked to an increased importance of the Levallois unidirectional-convergent method over time. The continuity observed in the way the Levallois system was implemented as well as the maintenance of some peculiar traits (such as the use of the lateral tranchet blow technique) advocates for a repeated use of the site by human groups belonging to the same technological tradition. Similarities between Nesher Ramla Upper sequence lithic assemblage and other MIS 5 sites in the Mediterranean area suggest a shared technological background for human groups inhabiting the region during this time span, whereas variability between assemblages can be related to the development of local traits.