Abrasion dentaire et travail spécialisé dans la population natoufienne de Mallaha (Israël)

Of the Levantine Epipalaeolithic population studied (13000–9500 cal BC), two individuals belonging to the early phase of occupation of the Mallaha site reveal intensive use of their teeth as tools. Although it was often suggested that ancient populations had such practice, we described in this study the oldest undeniable case. The morphology of this dental wear is studied from a functional point of view and hypotheses are put forward as to the type of work carried out. A sharing of tasks within the production chaînes opératoires appears to be established.