The early Natufian occupation at El Wad, Mt. Carmel reconsidered

The poorly preserved Early Natufian architectural remains of layer B2 excavated many years ago by Garrod on the terrace of el Wad are re-interpreted in light of analogies with more recent excavations attributable to the same period elsewhere in the Levant. It is tentatively suggested that the scanty remains represent a large, 8–9 m in diameter, U-shaped or circular residential structure. If valid, the internal arrangement other features and activities raise anew the question as to the significance of the co-association of structures and cimetières/group burials during the Early Natufian. Also it illustrates yet again the spatial segregation of certain activities between caves and terraces, with residential occupation being limited to the latter. Finally evidence is presented for an overall trend in the diminution of habitation size during the course of the Natufian sensu lato throughout the Southern Levant.