Taphonomic Analysis of the Fauna from Mousterian Layers of Kobeh Cave, Iran

The analysis of fragmentation and surface modification on a large and unbiased sample of faunal remains associated with the Mousterian deposits from Kobeh Cave (Zagros Mountains, Iran) is key to assigning a primary accumulator to each stratigraphic unit and discerning changes in accumulator over time. The Mousterian is a stone tool industry associated with Neanderthals, thus, the Kobeh assemblage informs us on this extinct hominin’s foraging behavior. This assemblage is affected by a significant level of post-depositional destruction. The frequency of surface modifications were compared to frequencies of surface modifications from experimental and naturalistic contexts to infer a primary accumulator. Cut marks were the most prevalent surface modification in this assemblage followed by tooth marks and percussion marks, suggesting a complex taphonomic history of accumulating actors. All stratigraphic units showed evidence of hominin and carnivore activity, though hominins are identified as the primary actor. There is evidence that the Middle Top Unit saw significant contribution by carnivores independent of scavenging.