Time and space in the middle paleolithic: Spatial structure and occupation dynamics of seven open‐air sites

Abstract

The spatial structure of archeological sites can help reconstruct the settlement dynamics of hunter-gatherers by providing information on the number and length of occupations. This study seeks to access this information through a comparison of seven sites. These sites are open-air and were all excavated over large spatial areas, up to 2,000 m(2) , and are therefore ideal for spatial analysis, which was done using two complementary methods, lithic refitting and density zones. Both methods were assessed statistically using confidence intervals. The statistically significant results from each site were then compiled to evaluate trends that occur across the seven sites. These results were used to assess the "spatial consistency" of each assemblage and, through that, the number and duration of occupations. This study demonstrates that spatial analysis can be a powerful tool in research on occupation dynamics and can help disentangle the many occupations that often make up an archeological assemblage.

Spatial patterning and occupation dynamics during the Early Holocene in an archaeological site from the south coast of Tierra del Fuego: Binushmuka I

“…colluvial processes, bioturbation or use of land surface by animals), it is normally assumed that the degree of size sorting is contingent on the duration of the occupation. The longer the stay of the group at a site, the greater and denser is the dispersion of obtrusive waste (O'Connell, 1987;Bartram, Kroll & Bunn, 1991;Clark, 2016;Codding, Zeanah, Bliege Bird, Parker & Bird, 2016). On the other hand, the amount of small material remaining in situ can vary depending on the efficiency of the cleaning technology (Hitchcock, 1987;O'Connell, 1987;Stevenson, 1991).…”

“…On the other hand, the amount of small material remaining in situ can vary depending on the efficiency of the cleaning technology (Hitchcock, 1987;O'Connell, 1987;Stevenson, 1991). In this sense, it is inferred that the increase in duration or number of occupations is correlated to the development level of size sorting processes and the size of the archaeological assemblage (Clark, 2016;Codding, Zeanah, Bliege Bird, Parker & Bird, 2016).…”

“…This paper explores the implications of spatial structure on the artifact assemblages at this site, and of its spatial consistency in terms of land use by ECF in southern coastal Tierra del Fuego. We assume here that the spatial distribution of artifacts and features in relation to the paleogeographic location and the archaeological landscape can be used to evaluate the temporal characteristics of the assemblage (Bailey, 2008;Clark, 2016;. First, the site location and its relation to the paleogeography reconstructed for Cambaceres Bay is presented.…”

Home‐range size in large‐bodied carnivores as a model for predicting neandertal territory size

“…This may have forced a heavy reliance on camp moves (that is, a circulating 42 mobility strategy) as a personnel positioning strategy. 3,7,[64][65][66] If this was the case, it implies a very different relationship between home-range size and site settlement dynamics than what is typically seen in recent huntergatherers, whose larger territories are generally associated with increasingly logistically organized (radiating mobility) subsistence systems.…”

“…Given that the energetic cost of transport per kilogram of body mass may have been 30% greater for Neandertals than for modern humans, and that at times they may have carried external loads equivalent to 35% of their body mass, Neandertals undoubtedly faced energetic and burden‐carrying constraints on logistical foraging radii. This may have forced a heavy reliance on camp moves (that is, a circulating mobility strategy) as a personnel positioning strategy . If this was the case, it implies a very different relationship between home‐range size and site settlement dynamics than what is typically seen in recent hunter‐gatherers, whose larger territories are generally associated with increasingly logistically organized (radiating mobility) subsistence systems.…”