Technological variability at Sibudu Cave: The end of Howiesons Poort and reduced mobility strategies after 62,000 years ago

Abstract

We evaluate the cultural variation between the youngest Howiesons Poort layer (GR) and the oldest post-Howiesons Poort layers (RB-YA) of Sibudu Cave (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa). We first conducted a technological analysis, secondly we performed a cladistic study with all the technological traits and, finally, we compare the technological variability with other data from Sibudu (ochre, micromorphology, fauna and plant remains). The synapomorphies of the cladistical analysis show numerous lithic technological changes between the youngest Howiesons Poort and the oldest post-Howiesons Poort layers as previously concluded. However, some technological strategies that are present, yet uncommon, in the Howiesons Poort become abundant in the overlying layers, whereas others that were fundamental to the Howiesons Poort continue, but are poorly represented in the overlying layers. We further show that lithic technological strategies appear and disappear as pulses in the post-Howiesons Poort layers studied. Among the most notable changes in the post-Howiesons Poort layers is the importance of flake production from discoidal knapping methods, the unstandardized retouched pieces and their infrequent representation, and the higher than usual frequency of grindstones. We evaluate various hypotheses to explain the transformation of a Howiesons Poort formal industry to a more ‘expedient’ assemblage. Since no marked environmental changes are contemporary with the technological transformation, a change in residential mobility patterns seems a plausible explanation. This hypothesis is supported by the changes observed in stratigraphy, lithic technology, site management, ochre and firewood collection.

Regional patterns of diachronic technological change in the Howiesons Poort of southern Africa

“…Since the size cut-off was applied to all HP layers, this methodical choice does not affect the diachronic comparability of blank types among our excavations. It did, however, lead to differences in assessment compared to previous studies at Sibudu with regard to the proportion of microlithic strategies [see for more details: 67 , 69 , 70 , 73 ]. This being said, retouched artefacts and cores have been analyzed regardless of size, including n = 129 backed pieces and n = 50 cores with maximum dimension <30 mm and occurring in all HP layers.…”

“…Only the top layer of the HP (QUENTIN) shows some expected signals of reduced mobility and lower site occupation intensity [ sensu 132 – 135 ]: low densities of lithic and faunal remains, high amounts of sandstone suggesting a reduced procurement radius, and increased reduction intensity coupled with more expedient core reduction such as bipolar. Considering a recent model of reduced mobility as an explanation towards more expedient lithic strategies across the interface of the HP and the following Sibudan [ 73 ], this trend may have already begun at the end of the HP. At Klasies River and Rose Cottage Cave, there is a tendency towards more expedient technology and ephemeral occupations at the top of the HP [e.g.…”

“…Regarding the first question, detailed work on the HP lithic assemblages at Sibudu from Lyn Wadley’s excavation has produced manifold, high-quality data on tool assemblages, core reduction and functional interpretation [ 67 – 70 , 73 – 78 ]. These studies emphasized detailed qualitative analyses of individual assemblages, with little emphasis on examining diachronic trends within the HP sequence.…”

Identifying animal taxa used to manufacture bone tools during the Middle Stone Age at Sibudu, South Africa: Results of a CT-rendered histological analysis

“…Several changes in technology and subsistence strategies between the Howiesons Poort and post-Howiesons Poort have been described. Lithic technology changes from formalised reduction strategies in the Howiesons Poort to more expedient strategies in the post-Howiesons Poort, where different reduction strategies seem to appear and disappear in pulses [34]. In the post-Howiesons Poort there is evidence that bedding construction and other site maintenance activities intensified, suggesting that during this period the site was being occupied for longer periods at a time [35].…”

Was yellow lead chromate pigment used during Middle Stone Age at Sibudu rock shelter (South Africa)?

“…[15] It also recorded multiple examples of technologies, especially large collections of pointed lithic artefacts from different industries. [16,17] During MSA, ochre was extensively used [18] for practical [19] and symbolic rituals. [20] Recently, Raman micro-spectroscopy identified a wide variety of mineral and organic materials such as ochre and bones on grindstones from the 58,000-year-old layers at Sibudu.…”