The economic and ritual utilization of plants at the Raqefet Cave Natufian site: The evidence from phytoliths

- Sediments at Raqefet Cave revealed phytoliths representing rare evidence for Natufian plant remains.
- Occupants gathered barley and wheat as well as small-seeded grasses for subsistence.
- Phytoliths do not seem to indicate that bedrock mortars had a highly specialized plant processing function.
- Phytolith evidence suggests a layer of flowering vegetation accompanied the burials.
- Results may show evidence of symbolic behavior accompanying burial and subsistence.