en
Book chapter
English

Technology and Function of Middle Stone Age Points. Insights from a Combined Approach at Bushman Rock Shelter, South Africa

Published inCulture History and Convergent Evolution: Can We Detect Populations in Prehistory?, Editors Groucutt, H. S., p. Chap.7,p.127-141
PublisherCham : Springer
Collection
  • Vertebrate Paleobiology and Paleoanthropology
Publication date2020
Abstract

Edge convergence, which is typical for pointed tools, is a major morphological feature contributing to the definition of the African Middle Stone Age (MSA). The multifaceted character of points might be the key to their success and for their recurrent adoption by prehistoric populations. Whether MSA points represent a good proxy to identify populations and to discuss their interconnectedness is a question to address at several scales of observation. In this paper, we develop an approach on technological point production based on the collections from Bushman Rock Shelter (Limpopo Province, South Africa), relying on a combined study of technology and tool use. The large-scale comparison of our results with other MIS 5 occurrences in southern African show similar technological and use-wear patterns, indicating regionally-specific features. We emphasize the limits of current knowledge and the future research goals to be developed in order to better serve the interpretation of cultural contacts or convergent evolutions between ancient groups during this period of the MSA.

Keywords
  • Point production in Africa
  • South African Middle
  • Stone Age
  • Tool use
  • Residue analysis
  • Technological points
Citation (ISO format)
DOUZE, Katja et al. Technology and Function of Middle Stone Age Points. Insights from a Combined Approach at Bushman Rock Shelter, South Africa. In: Culture History and Convergent Evolution: Can We Detect Populations in Prehistory? Cham : Springer, 2020. p. Chap.7,p.127–141. (Vertebrate Paleobiology and Paleoanthropology) doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-46126-3_7
Main files (1)
Book chapter (Published version)
accessLevelRestricted
Identifiers
ISBN978-3-030-46125-6
14views
0downloads

Technical informations

Creation08/17/2020 11:21:00 AM
First validation08/17/2020 11:21:00 AM
Update time03/30/2023 11:05:30 AM
Status update03/30/2023 11:05:30 AM
Last indexation10/19/2023 1:21:18 PM
All rights reserved by Archive ouverte UNIGE and the University of GenevaunigeBlack