The technology of skull modelling in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB): Regional variability, the relation of technology and iconography and their archaeological implications

The manufacturing techniques of two PPNB plastered skulls each from Jericho , Kfar haHoresh and Beisamoun were studied by a series of different and com plementary analyses. These revealed that all share a common general technol ogical background, and yet marked intra-site details of fabrication can be identified. All appear to have been locally produced. Similar conclusions a re reached on the basis of iconographic features. Thus, although the artisa ns shared general concepts of the objects to be created and their means of manufacture, strong site-specific traditions were displayed. This conclusio n is further reinforced by recent information concerning plastered faces fr om Ain Ghazal, as well as the preliminary reports on skulls from Ramad. Acc ordingly it is suggested that, while broad pyrotechnological and ritual inf ormation was most likely disseminated by oral communication, the artisans p roducing the plastered skulls were locally based and working within the fra mework of powerful on-site traditions.