A5029772008- Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology
- Archaeology and ancient environmental studies
- Geochemistry and Geologic Mapping
- Archaeology and Rock Art Studies
- Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
- Morphological variations and asymmetry
- Image Processing and 3D Reconstruction
- Mineral Processing and Grinding
Leiden University
2020-2023
Abstract Umhlatuzana rockshelter has an occupation sequence spanning the last 70,000 years. It is one of few sites with deposits covering Middle to Later Stone Age transition (~40,000–30,000 years BP) in southern Africa. Comprehending site’s depositional history and thus important for broader understanding development Homo sapiens ’ behavior. The was first excavated 1980s by Jonathan Kaplan. He suggested that integrity late sediments compromised large-scale sediment movement. In 2018, we...
We develop a study protocol to efficiently and accurately identify the raw material categories constituting lithic assemblages at Umhlatuzana rockshelter, South Africa. combine visual analytical methods establish database provide more accurate insight into selection during Pleistocene Middle Later Stone Age occupational sequence of Umhlatuzana. The combines petrological properties (as studied on micromorphological samples), elemental composition specimens measured with p-XRF)...
Umhlatuzana rockshelter is an archaeological site with occupational record covering the Middle Stone Age, Later and Iron Age. The presence of both Age assemblages makes ideal location for study MSA–LSA transition (20–40 ka) in southern Africa. This transitional period characterized by important modifications stone tool technology, from prepared core technology to a toolkit based on microlith production. These changes are argued have occurred response climate environment leading up Last...
A lateral offset in sediment colour the Pleistocene archaeological sequence of Umhlatuzana has been interpreted as representing large-scale movement (Kaplan 1990). Renewed excavations suggest materials are situ based on multiple lines evidence (Sifogeorgaki et al. 2020). We analyse from samples across laboratory conditions to demonstrate homogeneous comprising sequence. interpret observed difference deposits result site’s hydraulic environment.
Abstract Umhlatuzana rockshelter is known for its continuous record of Middle and Later Stone Age lithic assemblages. This study presents multiproxy geoarchaeological data (micromorphology, X‐ray diffraction scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy) to reconstruct the depositional post‐depositional history site. Although deposits macroscopically appear homogeneous, micromorphological analysis reveals existence primary, unaltered microlayering throughout sequence....