Assessing core reduction strategies in the Early Acheulean of East and South Africa
Date
2024
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Abstract
The earliest phase of the Acheulean technocomplex is represented in archaeological sites across East and South Africa. Typologically, there is some similarity between these regions, but little is known about how lithic technological strategies compare. If archaeological assemblages in East and South Africa compare, it could provide some detail into the regional technological evolution and how that is linked to hominid behaviour. Through a technological analysis of the core and Large Cutting Tool (LCT) assemblages from three South African sites (Sterkfontein M5W in the Cradle of Humankind, two layers from Pit 6 in Canteen Kopje, and two pits at Rietputs 15) and EF-HR, in Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, comparable reduction strategies appear to have been practiced. At each site, the LCT and core flaking strategies are distinct processes, but in both cases the edge management sequences are similar (bifacial, alternating, and unifacial). Blank shape and edge angles are shown to be more relevant to reduction strategies than the size or raw material type of the blank.
Throughout the earliest phase of the Acheulean technocomplex >1.5 Ma there appears to be a progressive change in core reduction strategies. In the earliest assemblages, cores are generally exploited along multiple surfaces with no structured organisation of flake scars. In slightly younger deposits at EF-HR, the Organised Core Technology layer and Canteen Kopje, and Pits 5 at Rietputs 15, ca 1.3 Ma, there is a shift to structured flaking of a core edge or surface, as well as continuous, intensive, organised and sometimes hierarchal reduction strategies. These reduction patterns are precursors to later technological developments such as the Victoria West prepared core industry.
LCTs were primarily shaped using bifacial means, both traditional and alternating. The shape of the blank was more important for edge management, as acute angles required fewer flake scars to manipulate. These sequences reveal forethought about artefact production, which is comparable to continuous and structured core reduction sequences. Like cores, work needs to be done to understand if there are progressive changes in LCT production during the early Acheulean.
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the Faculty of Science, School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023
Keywords
Acheulean technocomplex, South African sites