Cultural and evironmental change in the Fayum, Egypt: an investigation based on faunal remains

Archaeological investigations in the Fayum have identified presence two distinct cultural assemblages: Fayum B, which has been classified as an epi-paleolithic culture possessing a generalized hunter-gather economy, and Fayum A, which is thought to represent an early Neolithic economy based on agriculture and domestic animals.

Because relatively little is known about the functional aspects of Fayum A and B lithic tool assemblages, it is impossible at this time to attribute changes in tool frequency to changes in subsistence practices. The collection and analysis of faunal remains in regard to their environmental as well as their cultural significance remains the most important record documenting cultural change in this area.

Archaeological sites to the north and southwest of Birket Qarun (Lake Qarun) contain a well preserved faunal record reflecting the transition from an epi-paleolithic to a Neolithic economy. Faunal remains from these areas were systematically collected and subjected to analysis at three separate scales of investigation:

1. Standard taxonomic identifications were conducted for the purpose of assessing Fayum A and B subsistence practices and to aid in the reconstruction of the prehistoric environment.

2. The incremental growth structures of Pisces: Clarias spp. were studied to assess the seasonal occupation of the Fayum area.

3. Isotope analysis was conducted on bone recovered from Fayum archeological sites to estimate changes in relative temperatures during the late Paleolithic-early Neolithic period.

The results of these investigations suggest that no detectable differences exist between Fayum A and B regarding the pattern of animal exploitation during the period that agriculture was becoming established. These findings contradict current interpretations regarding Fayum A cultural assemblages as representative of an early sedentary lifestyle and suggests that these peoples possessed an economy similar to that of the earlier epi-paleolithic Fayum B culture.