ABSTRACT Symmetry is a morphological variable that has cognitive significance and is among the most important factors for the manufacture and function of a lithic point. The central idea of this research is that symmetry, alongside the other quantitative variables, plays a role in determining the changing nature of lithic points in the Middle Paleolithic. Accordingly, this investigation takes the form of a case-study of Iranian Middle Paleolithic points from five major open-air sites of Mirak, Chah-e Jam, Mehran Plain, Kouhrang and Bandepey. The methodological approach taken in this study is a mixed methodology based on measuring the deviation from symmetry using 3D comparison and statistical analysis. Further quantitative analysis showed that there are three types of lithic points in the sites, although these types do not constitute regional “styles”. In addition, the availability of raw material plays a crucial role in determining the morphology of lithic points.

中文翻译：

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分析伊朗高原旧石器时代中期新方法：样式与环境

摘要对称性是一种形态学变量，具有认知意义，并且是制造石柱点和功能的最重要因素之一。这项研究的中心思想是对称性以及其他定量变量在确定中古石器时代石器点的变化性质中起着作用。因此，这项调查采取了对来自Mirak，Chah-e Jam，Mehran Plain，Kouhrang和Bandepey的五个主要露天场所的伊朗中古石器时代遗址进行案例研究的形式。本研究采用的方法学方法是基于使用3D比较和统计分析测量与对称性偏差的混合方法。进一步的定量分析表明，这些地点有三种类型的岩性点：尽管这些类型不构成区域“样式”。此外，原材料的可用性在确定岩屑点的形态方面起着至关重要的作用。