Spatial and temporal scales of patterning in open-air surface scatters along the Doring River, South Africa

Abstract

Individuals are considered the primary agents responsible for introducing objects into the archaeological record through discard. However, the intricate spatial distribution of artefacts within archaeological contexts is complex, being influenced not only by individual actions, but also by the aggregation of individual behaviours, temporal dynamics, and post-depositional processes. This study employs spatial data on stone tools from accumulating open-air localities in the Doring River catchment, using R and Geographic Information Systems, to explore the scales at which meaningful information can be extracted from these open-air sediment bodies. Although statistical analyses of the spatial data reveal a correlation between the distribution of artefacts and the geomorphology of the locality, it is evident that the patterning cannot solely be attributed to geomorphological factors. The findings from the study suggest the representation of various discrete temporal and spatial scales of behaviour at these sites, ranging from the individual to the broader ‘collective of systems’ scale. This diversity persists even in scenarios where temporally constrained artefacts are being lagged onto a single ancient surface. The outcomes highlight the potential of open-air sites in providing insights into the complexities of human-environment interactions.