Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (19.2007(2010))

TELL QARAMEL

SYRIA

stones that are all of different shapes and sizes
[Fig. 2a]. Natural stones and pebbles are
frequently used in this kind of wall, together
with partly dressed stones and even worn or
broken heavy stone tools, such as basalt
mortars [Fig. 2b]. This stone array is
characteristic of most Neolithic structures,
especially the oldest ones.
The stones in the ordered arrangement
are not dressed as a rule, but they are selected
for shape and size [Fig. 2c]. They are usually
arranged in courses. A number of subtypes
can be distinguished: walls made of small
regular pebbles; structures made of big or


midsize stones; and finally, mixed structures
in which courses of big, carefully selected
blocks alternate with rows of small pebbles or
chunks of rocks [Fig. 2d].
The first two subtypes are characteristic
of early Neolithic settlements at Gilgal


Fig. 2. Building stone array: Λ) modern exaynple ofdisordered array, Qaramel village; B) fragment of
basalt mortar used in wall construction, Qaramel village; Cj modern example of ordered array,
Qaramel village; D) modern example of mixed technique with rows of selected big blocks
separated by two rows of pebbles, Qaramel village; E) Early Neolithic example of mixed
technique: two rows of pebbles separating rows of selected big blocks, Beidha, Jordan
(Photos M. Bialowarczuk)

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Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean 19, Reports 2007