k) hk19b #2 elephant

HK19A and 19B, Har Karkom, Israel, c. 128,000 to 50,000 BP; k) hk19b #2 elephant

From the white stone circle, in hutfloor, HK19B, artifact #2. Size: 9 cm. by 7 cm. maximal distances.

Tentative interpretation (James Harrod): intentionally flaked artifact, 'opposed platform core'. Compare 'opposed platform cores' and 'change of orientation' flake cores from central Negev site of Rosh Ein Mor [Figure 5.10 in Marks, A. (1976). Prehistory and paleoenvironments in the Central Negev, Israel, Vol 1, The Avdat/Aqev Area, Part 1. Dallas: SMU Press]. Unlike typical opposed platfrom cores, in this artifact it appears that small trimming flakes were removed along the right edge, which do not serve the utilitarian purpose of flake or blade removal, nor do they make this artifact into a scraper.

The shaping is zoomorphic; it appears to be an elephant, facing right. There is an eye chip on both sides of the 'head'; the 'trunk' is made by continuous retouch. It has the stereotypical S-curve. Turned upside down the trimmed edge reveals a second possible elephant (see next photo). Note that such rotation would have been second-nature to a Mousterien toolmaker who uses 'opposing platform' and 'change of orientation' cores.

k) hk19b #2 elephant