![]() Our taphonomic analysis indicates that the micromammals were accumulated by avian predators occupying the cave. In this paper we present the results of the first systematic, taphonomic and palaeoenvironmental study of micromammals from the Still Bay levels at Blombos Cave. 76–72 ka, a prominent techno-tradition during the Middle Stone Age of southern Africa, has yielded innovative technologies, symbolic material culture, and shows evidence of expansion of hunting techniques and subsistence strategies. Our study adds new insights to palaeoenvironmental conditions on the Cape coast during MIS 5. There was transient movement towards more aseasonal rainfall and significant alterations in the vegetation composition from MIS 5e to MIS 5a. ![]() The palaeoenvironmental reconstruction shows changes in rainfall seasonality within MIS 5. Analysis of post-depositional processes has provided information on intra-site variability and utilisation. Taphonomic analyses indicate that avian predators accumulated the micromammals. ![]() Small mammals recovered from 183 separate layers ensure a detailed record of local climate and vegetation during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5. In this paper micromammals recovered from the lower MSA sequence (MSA I and MSA II) at Klasies River Main site have been analysed to provide proxy data for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. Klasies River, a significant Middle Stone Age (MSA) site, preserves remains of anatomically modern humans and a 21 m sequence of human habitation that shows use of sophisticated lithic technology and systematic exploitation of marine and terrestrial resources. ![]()
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