To ensure proper context control for archaeological samples, it is crucial that excavations determine and,where possible, follow the natural stratigraphic subdivisions in a sedimentary sequence.... Show moreTo ensure proper context control for archaeological samples, it is crucial that excavations determine and,where possible, follow the natural stratigraphic subdivisions in a sedimentary sequence. In cases with a single,unchanging source of sedimentary input, this may pose challenges. We present our strategies to deal with a>2 m deep homogeneous Pleistocene stratigraphy at Umhlatuzana rockshelter in South Africa, yieldingarchaeological remains from the Middle Stone Age. The site was originally excavated during a rescue project in 5–10 cm deep artificial spits for lack of visible stratigraphy. We revisited the shelter in 2018 and 2019. We integrate current standard practice such as piece-plotting archaeological materials with digital methods such as cluster analysis and geoarchaeological analyses (e.g., micromorphology, sedimentological analyses, geochemical analyses) to track the different sources of sedimentary input. We also develop an intensive sediment sampling strategy to illuminate geochemical variation within the sequence and postdepositional alterations affecting preservation conditions. We manage to reconstruct a natural stratigraphy of the site combining these methodologies, resulting in a radically changed understanding of the stratigraphy, depositional environment, and mechanisms of postdepositional disturbance. Show less
Schmid, V.C.; Sifogeorgaki, I.; Dusseldorp, G.L.; Chu, W. 2023
Raw materials are the lowest common denominator of any debitage analysis. And yet, the fracture mechanicsof eccentric raw materials are not always fully considered when performing inter-/intra... Show moreRaw materials are the lowest common denominator of any debitage analysis. And yet, the fracture mechanicsof eccentric raw materials are not always fully considered when performing inter-/intra-assemblagecomparisons. The fracture mechanics as one constraint to be respected by the knappers greatly influencearchaeological recovery of debitage products in different raw materials. Thus, our methodologies forrecording debitage morphometrics may need to be adapted to specific raw materials. This means assemblagecomparison and correlation can only be attempted in a context-dependent manner. We review results ofassemblages in both chert and other raw materials from a range of locations across Old World to examinehow such assemblages have been recorded. In doing so, we highlight various pitfalls and limitations, andpropose that it is very important to provide the contextual information and describe exactly what methodwas used and give arguments, why it was used. Show less
We develop a study protocol to efficiently and accurately identify the raw material categories constituting the lithic assemblages at Umhlatuzana rockshelter, South Africa. We combine visual and... Show moreWe develop a study protocol to efficiently and accurately identify the raw material categories constituting the lithic assemblages at Umhlatuzana rockshelter, South Africa. We combine visual and analytical methods to establish a raw material database and to provide a more accurate insight into raw material selection during the Pleistocene Middle and Later Stone Age occupational sequence of Umhlatuzana. The protocol combines petrological properties (as studied on micromorphological samples), elemental composition of the specimens (as measured with p-XRF) and visual characterization by lithic analysts. We tested the protocol by applying it to a sample of piece-plotted lithics from four spits across the stratigraphic sequence. We document the intensive use of sandstone accounting for 25% of the tested sample. We also report a larger importance of hornfels and lower proportion of quartz than was reported in previous analyses (Kaplan 1990). The combination of micromorphological and p-XRF analysis of the Umhlatuzana assemblages demonstrates that with only visual inspection, the variability of raw materials used may be misinterpreted. With accurate raw material datasets, we are better equipped to answer techno-economic questions of the southern African Stone Age. Show less
Svante Pääbo won in 2022 de Nobelprijs voor Fysiologie of Geneeskunde voor zijn werk op het gebied van ‘ancient DNA’ (aDNA). Hij is de grondlegger van het onderzoek naar DNA uit het verleden,... Show moreSvante Pääbo won in 2022 de Nobelprijs voor Fysiologie of Geneeskunde voor zijn werk op het gebied van ‘ancient DNA’ (aDNA). Hij is de grondlegger van het onderzoek naar DNA uit het verleden, eerst met heel jonge resten, zoals een Egyptische mummie, maar sinds de jaren ’90 van de twintigste eeuw legt hij zich toe op resten van grotere ouderdom, zoals het DNA van Neanderthalers. Zijn werk zorgt voor een ware revolutie in onze kennis van het verleden. Door de analyse van aDNA blijkt dat verschillende mensensoorten regelmatig genetisch materiaal uitwisselden. Met behulp van aDNA is een nieuwe mensen- soort ontdekt, de Denisovanen, waarvan anatomisch alleen maar niet informatieve botten bekend zijn. Bovenal geeft paleogenetische analyse een beeld van het sociale leven in het verleden. Zo kun je niet alleen bestuderen in hoeverre mensen in megalieten zoals hunebedden familie van elkaar waren, maar ook hoe de sociale organisatie van Neanderthalers in elkaar stak. Door archeologische en genetische gegevens te combineren is ons begrip van de sociale geschiedenis van Homo sapiens en van andere mensensoorten ongekend veel rijker geworden. Show less
Umhlatuzana is an important archaeological site for the study of the Middle and Pleistocene Later Stone Age in South Africa with a largely continuous occupation sequence spanning MIS 4-2 (~70,000 -... Show moreUmhlatuzana is an important archaeological site for the study of the Middle and Pleistocene Later Stone Age in South Africa with a largely continuous occupation sequence spanning MIS 4-2 (~70,000 - 10,000 BP). The main technocomplexes represented are Still Bay, Howiesons Poort, Sibudan, final MSA and Robberg (from old to young). Changing selection of raw materials is an important issue in the study of the Middle-to-Later Stone Age transition that appears characterised by a shift in raw material use in addition to a technological organisation. Umhlatuzana was first excavated in 1975 by Jonathan Kaplan who suggested that the lithic assemblage of the Pleistocene deposits consisted mainly of quartz (61%), hornfels (37.6%), and quartzite (1.4%) (Kaplan 1990). Renewed excavations at the site were conducted during 2018 and 2019. This campaign aims to clarify the site’s formation processes employing micromorphological analysis and other techniques (Reidsma et al. 2021, Sifogeorgaki et al. 2020). Micromorphology uses thin sections of undisturbed sediment samples for microscopic studies. The sections allow a petrological inspection of rock fragments embedded in the deposits. Rather unexpectedly, the Umhlatuzana thin sections yield different raw material determinations than Kaplan (1990). While quartz and hornfels are present (around 23% and 25% respectively), they represent a much less sizable proportion than previously reported. Instead, the most prominent raw material observed is a quartz arenite sandstone (42%). Quartzite fragments were not detected.We therefore initiated an in-depth mineralogical and elemental classification of the raw materials. We distinguish 6 raw material types based on the thin section analysis: sandstone, quartz, hornfels, dolerite, chert and diorite. We then determined the elemental composition of the raw material types of the micromorphology samples using p-XRF. Additionally, p-XRF analysis was conducted on c. 100 specimens from the 2018-2019 excavation lithic collection. This allowed us to determine elemental characteristics of the raw materials used during the Pleistocene occupation of the site. Subsequently, p-XRF analysis was systematically performed on a larger sample set of lithics from the site in order to correctly determine their raw material type. The combination of micromorphological and p-XRF analysis of the Umhlatuzana assemblages demonstrates that if only visual inspection is done, the variability of raw materials used may be misinterpreted and the relative frequency of different rock types in an assembly may be over- or underestimated. Future work will aim at re-visiting the raw material categorization of artefacts excavated during the 1975 excavations. Show less
Murungi, M.; Esteban, I.; Sifogeorgakis, E.; Dusseldorp, G.L. 2021
The period between ~40 and 20 ka BP encompassing the Middle Stone Age (MSA) and Later Stone Age (LSA) transition has long been of interest because of the associated technological change.... Show moreThe period between ~40 and 20 ka BP encompassing the Middle Stone Age (MSA) and Later Stone Age (LSA) transition has long been of interest because of the associated technological change. Understanding this transition in southern Africa is complicated by the paucity of archaeological sites that span this period. With its occupation sequence spanning the last ~70,000 years, Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter is one of the few sites that record this transition. Umhlatuzana thus offers a great opportunity to study past environmental dynamics from the Late Pleistocene (MIS 4) to the Late Holocene, and past human subsistence strategies, their social organisation, technological and symbolic innovations. Although organic preservation is poor (bones, seeds, and charcoal) at the site, silica phytoliths preserve generally well throughout the sequence. These microscopic silica particles can identify different plant types that are no longer visible at the site because of decomposition or burning to a reliable taxonomical level. Thus, to trace site occupation, plant resource use, and in turn reconstruct past vegetation, we applied phytolith analyses to sediment samples of the newly excavated Umhlatuzana sequence. We present results of the phytolith assemblage variability to determine change in plant use from the Pleistocene to the Holocene and discuss them in relation to taphonomical processes and human plant gathering strategies and activities. This study ultimately seeks to provide a palaeoenvironmental context for modes of occupation and will shed light on past human-environmental interactions in eastern South Africa. Show less
The Dutch wetlands witness the gradual adoption of Neolithic novelties by foraging societies during the Swifterbant period. Recent analyses provide new insights into the subsistence palette of... Show moreThe Dutch wetlands witness the gradual adoption of Neolithic novelties by foraging societies during the Swifterbant period. Recent analyses provide new insights into the subsistence palette of Middle Swifterbant societies. Small-scale livestock herding and cultivation are in evidence at this time, but their importance if unclear. Within the framework of PAGES Land-use at 6000BP project, we aim to translate the information on resource exploitation into information on land-use that can be incorporated into global climate modelling efforts, with attention for the importance of agriculture. A reconstruction of patterns of resource exploitation and their land-use dimensions is complicated by methodological issues in comparing the results of varied recent investigations. Analyses of organic residues in ceramics have attested to the cooking of aquatic foods, ruminant meat, porcine meat, as well as rare cases of dairy. In terms of vegetative matter, some ceramics exclusively yielded evidence of wild plants, while others preserve cereal remains. Elevated δ15N values of human were interpreted as demonstrating an important aquatic component of the diet well into the 4th millennium BC. Yet recent assays on livestock remains suggest grazing on salt marshes partly accounts for the human values. Finally, renewed archaeozoological investigations have shown the early presence of domestic animals to be more limited than previously thought. We discuss the relative importance of exploited resources to produce a best-fit interpretation of changing patterns of land-use during the Middle Swifterbant phase. Our review combines recent archaeological data with wider data on anthropogenic influence on the landscape. Combining the results of plant macroremains, information from pollen cores about vegetation development, the structure of faunal assemblages, and finds of arable fields and dairy residue, we suggest the most parsimonious interpretation is one of a limited land-use footprint of cultivation and livestock keeping in Dutch wetlands between 4600 and 3900 BCE. Show less
The causes of Neanderthal disappearance about 40,000 years ago remain highly contested. Over a dozen serious hypotheses are currently endorsed to explain this enigmatic event. Given the relatively... Show moreThe causes of Neanderthal disappearance about 40,000 years ago remain highly contested. Over a dozen serious hypotheses are currently endorsed to explain this enigmatic event. Given the relatively large number of contending explanations and the relatively large number of participants in the debate, it is unclear how strongly each contender is supported by the research community. What does the community actually believe about the demise of Neanderthals? To address this question, we conducted a survey among practicing palaeo-anthropologists (total number of respondents = 216). It appears that received wisdom is that demography was the principal cause of the demise of Neanderthals. In contrast, there is no received wisdom about the role that environmental factors and competition with modern humans played in the extinction process; the research community is deeply divided about these issues. Finally, we tested the hypothesis that palaeo-anthropologists’ stand in the debate co-varies with their socio-political views and attitudes. We found no evidence for such a correlation. Show less
Archeologisch onderzoek heeft soms wel wat weg van een murder mystery. Vrijwel de gehele prehistorie, op de laatste 40.000 jaar na, leefden er meerdere mensensoorten tegelijk. Ze leefden ook vaak... Show moreArcheologisch onderzoek heeft soms wel wat weg van een murder mystery. Vrijwel de gehele prehistorie, op de laatste 40.000 jaar na, leefden er meerdere mensensoorten tegelijk. Ze leefden ook vaak in hetzelfde gebied. En de stenen werktuigen die we opgraven, zien er meestal vrij eender uit. Hoe weten we nu wie die werktuigen maakten? Met mijn Zuid-Afrikaanse collega Marlize Lombard heb ik een onderzoek gepubliceerd waarin we een aanpak voor dit soort raadsels ontwikkelen. We doen dat aan de hand van een net ontdekte Zuid-Afrikaanse mensensoort. Show less
We develop a framework to differentiate the technological niches of co-existing hominin species by reviewing some theoretical biases influential in thinking about techno-behaviours of extinct... Show moreWe develop a framework to differentiate the technological niches of co-existing hominin species by reviewing some theoretical biases influential in thinking about techno-behaviours of extinct hominins, such as a teleological bias in discussing technological evolution. We suggest that some stone-tool classification systems underestimate technological variability, while overestimating the complexity of the behaviours most commonly represented. To model the likely technological niches of extinct populations, we combine ecological principles (i.e. competitive exclusion) with physical anthropology and the archaeological record. We test the framework by applying it to the co-existence of Homo naledi and Homo sapiens during the late Middle Pleistocene in southern Africa. Based on our analysis, we suggest that tool use was probably not an essential part of H. naledi’s niche, but that technology occasionally provided caloric benefits. In contrast, tool use was a structural part of the H. sapiens way of life. We provide reasoning for our interpretation that the latter population is associated with more sophisticated reduction strategies and the development of prepared core technology. The method also has applicability to cases such as the co-existence of different toolmakers during the Earlier Stone Age (ESA) in East Africa and the co-existence of Neanderthals and H. sapiens in Eurasia. Show less
Om te achterhalen waarom mensen miniatuur-werktuigen gaan maken tijdens de laatste ijstijd, onderzocht ik een vindplaats uit Lesotho met Dr. Justin Pargeter, hoofd van het African Palaeosciences... Show moreOm te achterhalen waarom mensen miniatuur-werktuigen gaan maken tijdens de laatste ijstijd, onderzocht ik een vindplaats uit Lesotho met Dr. Justin Pargeter, hoofd van het African Palaeosciences Laboratorium aan New York University. Wij laten zien dat de technologische ontwikkeling leidt tot grotere efficiëntie in de productie van cutting edge (snijrand). Deze innovatie valt grofweg samen met een uitbreiding van het menu. De ontwikkelingen in het dieet en in de technologie lopen niet perfect parallel. Er zijn dus nog meer factoren in het spel. Show less
Tijdens de laatste ijstijd, zo’n 50.000 jaar geleden, vond een ingrijpende technologische revolutie plaats in Afrika. Moderne mensen schakelden over van grote werktuigen naar steeds kleiner... Show moreTijdens de laatste ijstijd, zo’n 50.000 jaar geleden, vond een ingrijpende technologische revolutie plaats in Afrika. Moderne mensen schakelden over van grote werktuigen naar steeds kleiner gereedschap. Uit nieuw onderzoek in de grot van Umhlatuzana (Zuid-Afrika) blijkt dat zij beide soorten lange tijd naast elkaar gebruikten. Show less
Sifogeorgakis, E.; Klinkenberg, M.V.; Esteban, I.; Murungi, M.; Carr, A.S.; Brink, V.B. van den; Dusseldorp, G.L. 2020
Umhlatuzana rockshelter has an occupation sequence spanning the last 70,000 years. It is one of the few sites with deposits covering the Middle to Later Stone Age transition (~40,000–30,000 years... Show moreUmhlatuzana rockshelter has an occupation sequence spanning the last 70,000 years. It is one of the few sites with deposits covering the Middle to Later Stone Age transition (~40,000–30,000 years BP) in southern Africa. Comprehending the site’s depositional history and occupation sequence is thus important for the broader understanding of the development of Homo sapiens’ behavior. The rockshelter was first excavated in the 1980s by Jonathan Kaplan. He suggested that the integrity of the late Middle Stone Age and Later Stone Age sediments was compromised by large-scale sediment movement. In 2018, we initiated a high-resolution geoarchaeological study of the site to clarify the site formation processes. Here, we present the results of the excavation and propose a revised stratigraphic division of the Pleistocene sequence based on field observations, sedimentological (particle size) analyses, and cluster analysis. The taphonomy of the site is assessed through phytolith and geochemical (pH, loss on ignition, stable carbon isotope) analyses. The results indicate a consistent sedimentological environment characterized by in situ weathering. The analysis of the piece-plotted finds demonstrates semihorizontal layering of archaeologically dense zones and more sterile ones. There was no indication of large-scale postdepositional sediment movement. We show that the low-density archaeological horizons in the upper part of the Pleistocene sequence are best explained by the changing patterns of sedimentation rate Show less
Evolutie beïnvloedt niet alleen fysieke aspecten zoals onze schedels met die (voor primaten) belachelijk grote hersenen. Minder zichtbaar, maar even ingrijpend, is de reorganisatie van de ... Show moreEvolutie beïnvloedt niet alleen fysieke aspecten zoals onze schedels met die (voor primaten) belachelijk grote hersenen. Minder zichtbaar, maar even ingrijpend, is de reorganisatie van de ‘dienstregeling’ van ons leven tijdens de afgelopen 7 à 8 miljoen jaar. Wij hebben onder meer een veel langere jeugd dan andere primaten. En die lange jeugd is evolutionair recent ontstaan. Onderzoek bij nu levende jager-verzamelaars suggereert dat de functie van die jeugd is om te leren. Show less
Zo’n 7500 jaar geleden verspreiden groepen boeren zich razendsnel vanuit Hongarije over grote delen van centraal Europa. Zij komen tot in Zuid-Limburg en België en zijn zo de eerste boeren in ons...Show moreZo’n 7500 jaar geleden verspreiden groepen boeren zich razendsnel vanuit Hongarije over grote delen van centraal Europa. Zij komen tot in Zuid-Limburg en België en zijn zo de eerste boeren in ons land. Archeologen verwachten vaak dat autochtone jager-verzamelaars de landbouw wel snel van de immigranten over zullen nemen. Maar in nat Nederland leven jager-verzamelaars eeuwenlang door zonder in het boerenbedrijf te stappen. Met collega Luc Amkreutz analyseerde ik de diversiteit van geëxploiteerde dierlijke voedselbronnen van de laatste jager-verzamelaars en de eerste boeren. We zagen dat de jacht in het westen van ons land nog meer dan duizend jaar van groot belang bleef.Show less
Een hardnekkige mythe over de geschiedenis van Zuid-Afrika is dat de kolonisten die zich in het binnenland vestigden, de Voortrekkers, een leeg land aantroffen. Die mythe klopt niet. Zuid-Afrika... Show moreEen hardnekkige mythe over de geschiedenis van Zuid-Afrika is dat de kolonisten die zich in het binnenland vestigden, de Voortrekkers, een leeg land aantroffen. Die mythe klopt niet. Zuid-Afrika werd bewoond door gevarieerde samenlevingen. In het binnenland waren boerensamenlevingen met heuse steden gevestigd. Recent zijn die vergeten steden met nieuwe technieken ontdekt. Show less
Neolithic societies in the Dutch wetlands are characterised as “extended broad-spectrum hunter-gatherers”. They adopted agricultural elements only gradually and wild resources continue to play an... Show moreNeolithic societies in the Dutch wetlands are characterised as “extended broad-spectrum hunter-gatherers”. They adopted agricultural elements only gradually and wild resources continue to play an important role in subsistence. However, the exact duration of the process of neolithisation in the Dutch wetlands is debated. We analyse the taxonomic diversity of faunal assemblages from the late Mesolithic and Neolithic in the Netherlands. We demonstrate that the diversity of exploited faunal resources remains remarkably constant throughout the Neolithic. We interpret this to show that the reliance on an extended broad-spectrum economy was not a transitional phase, but was a viable economic system in its own right. Show less
Amkreutz, L.; Dusseldorp, G.L.; Langejans, G.H.J.; Niekus, M. 2020
In 2016 raapte amateurarcheologe en -paleontologe Willy van Wingerden uit Honselersdijk op het strand bij Kijkduin een klein stukje vuursteen op met aan één kant een aangehechte zwarte materie. Ze... Show moreIn 2016 raapte amateurarcheologe en -paleontologe Willy van Wingerden uit Honselersdijk op het strand bij Kijkduin een klein stukje vuursteen op met aan één kant een aangehechte zwarte materie. Ze liet de vondst enkele dagen later aan archeoloog Marcel Niekus zien. Die werd direct enthousiast, het zwarte goedje zou wel eens berkenpek kunnen zijn. Daarmee werden in de prehistorie werktuigen vastgezet aan een schacht. Het bleek een topvondst te zijn, vergeleken met de vele ‘gewone’ vuurstenen artefacten die op dit strand werden gevonden. Niemand kon toen nog vermoeden dat deze vondst drie jaar later wetenschappelijk wereldnieuws zou zijn en een nieuw licht zou werpen op het gedrag van de neanderthalers. Show less
