Bielderman, Sebastian Christopher2024-10-172024-10-172024Bielderman, Sebastian Christopher. (2024). SBLS Lithic Technology and its Behavioural Implications [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WireDSpace.https://hdl.handle.net/10539/41681A research report Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science In Archaeology In the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2024In the Middle Stone Age (MSA) of the southern Cape in South Africa significant research has been undertaken to understand the behaviours linked to coastal adaptation as well as the exploitation of terrestrial resources, however but relatively little is understood on how lithic technology relates to human behaviour during certain MSA periods in this region. The Silty Black Soils (SBLS) layer at Klasies River main site (KRM), which is older than 110 000 years ago, falls within one of these lesser understood periods and has yielded lithic material in association with both faunal and shellfish remains and other important features such as hearths. Understanding the behaviours of the SBLS is significant in broadening our understanding of the MSA I/earlier MSA technologies. Through the analysis of the Chaî ne Opé ratoire (or production sequence), macro-fractures, and the Tip Cross-Sectional Area of the SBLS lithics, significant information on the manufacturing and utilisation behaviours has been inferred. The data gained from these analyses allow for widespread behavioural comparison between the SBLS, overlaying KRM layers, and other sites. Broadly speaking, the assemblage shares several technological signatures with the MSA I/Klasies River technology previously identified at KRM and on a technological attribute level widespread similarities are shared with several MIS 5 assemblages in South Africa; an example of this is the widespread use of locally available raw materials. There is, however, a key behavioural inference which clearly indicates that the SBLS is different to other assemblages both at KRM and in the broader MIS 5. The SBLS points and their TCSA values point towards significantly smaller points. This supports a different and varied hunting approach which is unique to KRM during this period at KRMen© 2024 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.Lithic TechnologyTCSAChaîne OpératoireMSA IStone pointsBehaviour.UCTDSDG-9: Industry, innovation and infrastructureDissertationUniversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg