Jebel Moya
Habitation
Habitation
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Because of the permanent source of water, there were multiple habitation sites as well as grave sites at Jebel Moya used by [pastoralists](/wiki/Pastoralism "Pastoralism") in the area.

During the Wellcome Excavations, evidence of habitation sites were found. Most field notes concerning the habitation sites did not survive. Human\-made features at Jebel Moya include three hearths, three hardened mud floors, one of which contained post\-holes, and a second contained a hearth. These finds are consistent with habitation activity and possibly contemporary with Phase I (5000 BCE). Located above these works were three ovens, as well as post\-holes. Mud plaster was found in one of the strata, and a patch of burnt clay flooring in another. These findings support the theory of habitations remaining through all three phases of occupation.

During the second field season, a series of stone structures were found and recorded by Oric Bates. On 20 January 1912, a series of small stone structures in the East sector of the cemetery were recorded. On 24 January 1912, a seventh semi\-circular stone 7 meters (23') in length was found 30 cm (1') below surface level. Bates believed the structures, composed of small stones, were not associated with any specific burial, and were perhaps parts of shelters, or stone platforms for sacrificing or feasting. Nineteen ovens were found in the Southwest sector of Jebel Moya. The ovens were barrel shaped pits plastered in mud, 40–50 cm (16" to 20") in depth,  70–80 cm (28" to 32") in diameter. The oven pits contained burnt animal bones, stones, pottery sherds, and fragments of querns. Addison posited that the stones were heated in an external area and then placed in the oven, with food placed over it, to slowly cook.

The available data suggests that settlement at Jebel Moya during Phase I was likely episodic. The lack of data from the rest of the valley prevents a concrete answer pertaining to the potentiality of a permanent settlement or a seasonal one during Phase II. The presence of ovens, co\-occurring with mortuary activity, suggests that the site was permanently occupied during Phase III.


What was the purpose of the small stones, according to Bates?