Abstract
Analysis of the flint assemblage from the single-period Intermediate Bronze Age/Early Bronze Age IV site of Tel Iẓṭabba indicates the coexistence of locally produced ad hoc debitage and tools alongside Canaanean blade products, the latter apparently imported as finished implements from specialized production centers. The Canaanean blade component exhibits considerable variability in backing, truncation, edge modification, gloss distribution and dimensions. This diversity suggests the presence of several harvesting implements and hafting solutions, including large blades with proximal modification and oblique or curved truncations, interpreted as probable reaping knives. Comparison with a smaller assemblage recovered in later excavations at Tel Iẓṭabba suggests that these technological characteristics reflect site-wide patterns, while comparison with Early Bronze Age assemblages from the Bet She’an Valley demonstrates both continuity and change within the Canaanean blade tradition. The assemblage indicates that specialized production systems persisted through the profound social and economic transformations of the Intermediate Bronze Age, adapting their products to changing economic realities while maintaining regional networks of production and exchange.
Keywords
Canaanean blades, curved truncation, sickle blades, reaping knives, backing, hafting modification
Recommended Citation
Yaroshevich, A.
2026.
Tel Iẓṭabba: The Flint Assemblage.
Qadum: Journal of Excavation Reports from Israel 2:1–14.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70967/3078-8528.1084
Available at:
https://publications.iaa.org.il/qadum/vol2/iss1/40
Included in
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