Natufian

 
Pronunciation: /nɑːˈtuːfɪən/

adjective

Archaeology
  • relating to or denoting a late Mesolithic culture of the Middle East, dated to about 12,500–10,000 years ago. It provides evidence for the first settled villages, and is characterized by the use of microliths and of bone for implements.
  • (as noun the Natufian) the Natufian culture or period.

Origin:

1930s: from Wadi an-Natuf, the type site (a cave north-west of Jerusalem), + -ian