The MIS 5 lithic assemblages of Klasies River

Abstract

Klasies River is a well-known site with an exceptionally long Middle Stone Age sequence. A new analysis of the early Marine Isotope Stage 5 layers from the Witness Baulk in Cave 1atKlasies River main site, SMONE - SLBS, is conducted here. This study presents a detailed technological analysis, which identified more complicated chaînes opératoires than currently known. In agreement with earlier technological analyses, the end products are points and blades of varying morphologies. The cores belong to one main chaîne opératoire although their morphologies differ depending on the reduction phase. A predominately unidirectional reduction method is found throughout the sequence of the analysed layers. The lithic characteristics point to a place provisioning system of a residential site. There is however slight variation, especially in the lowest layer SBLS, where more features of individual provisioning and mobility are found. When combining shellfish and lithic data, it was further found that the intensive lithic knapping activity coincides with a high degree of shellfish collection. Therefore, Klasies River is one of the earliest sites where coastal adaptation is evident. The lithic behaviour at Klasies River was compared with that from the broadly contemporaneous open-air Florisbad site situated within the interior. The MSA horizon at Florisbad exhibits very similar technologies in core reduction method, end product morphology and tool types. Additional reduction methods found at Florisbad, including burin-cores, are probably due to highly opportunistic behaviour and a specialised site function. Nevertheless, similarities between assemblages from sites far apart, with different settings, function and environment, might indicate past routes of mobility and knowledge transmission of much further extent than thus far estimated