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
Een onderkaak die in 1887 in Spanje is gevonden, is niet van een neanderthaler maar hoogstwaarschijnlijk van een homo sapiens. Het is een nieuw puzzelstukje in de geschiedenis van de mens. En die... Show moreEen onderkaak die in 1887 in Spanje is gevonden, is niet van een neanderthaler maar hoogstwaarschijnlijk van een homo sapiens. Het is een nieuw puzzelstukje in de geschiedenis van de mens. En die wordt door moderne DNA-technieken ook steeds duidelijker. Show less
Analysis of Late Pleistocene fauna exploitation (~130,000–12,000 years ago) in southern Africa is of global academic relevance. Faunal analyses from southern African sites have led to the... Show moreAnalysis of Late Pleistocene fauna exploitation (~130,000–12,000 years ago) in southern Africa is of global academic relevance. Faunal analyses from southern African sites have led to the development of influential hypotheses on the evolution of modern human hunting methods and subsistence economies. In the 1970s and 1980s, analysis of faunal remains from the Middle Stone Age site Klasies River informed the hypothesis that Middle Stone Age humans were less effective hunters than ethnographically documented huntergatherers. This was based on the underrepresentation of dangerous prey species in the bone assemblages. The development of detailed taphonomic research in the 1990s and 2000s demonstrated that the accumulation of faunal assemblages was the result of complex processes involving both human and nonhuman agents. These studies helped establish that Middle Stone Age hunters were as capable as those in ethnographically documented societies. Since then, important progress has been made in the identification of the weapons systems that were used to hunt animals. Analyses of lithic implements indicate bow-and-arrow use in southern Africa going back to at least 65,000 years ago. Animal exploitation strategies do change over time. Hunting strategies probably focused on large antelope during the Middle Pleistocene, and the importance of smaller animals increased This change was likely caused by a shift in prey populations that stemmed from a combination of environmental change and perhaps human population pressure. Late Pleistocene archaeological sites show increasing evidence for intensification; that is, an increase in the amount of food extracted from the environment by more thorough processing of prey, exploitation of new prey types, and development of new exploitation strategies. This pattern is usually linked to animal overexploitation and may be a result of human population expansion or environmental change if decreasing productivity limits the supply of animal prey. Notable examples of this are shellfish middens at coastal sites, the abundance of tortoises, and the presence of large numbers of small mammals that were likely snared instead of pursued. Show less
A destructive force across entire landscapes, mining at times threatens the preservation of priceless archaeological sites across southern Africa. The UNESCO World Heritage site of the Mapungubwe... Show moreA destructive force across entire landscapes, mining at times threatens the preservation of priceless archaeological sites across southern Africa. The UNESCO World Heritage site of the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape is one of the recent legal battlegrounds pitting the interests of the natural world and archaeological heritage against mining. Mineral resource extraction carries within its destruction creative potential too. In southern Africa mining has been instrumental in illuminating human history and in the creation of archaeological landmarks.The relationship between archaeology and mining is a complex one. The gold industry and associated lime-mining has specifically been instrumental in the development of palaeoanthropology in South Africa (Bonner 2007). With the discovery of gold, lime was required for the desulfurization process. This was obtained locally and many lime works were exploited during the 1890s (Esterhuysen 2019). The miners drew attention to fossils found within the deposits leading to the discovery of hominins at Taung, Makapan and Sterkfontein in the early 20th century. Mining may thus be seen as crucial to the genesis of the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage site in South Africa. Similarly guano, zinc and vanadium mining have yielded important palaeoanthropological finds in southern Africa.In the 19th and early 20th century, scientific focus was on discovering unknown objects. In this context, the efficient removal of great quantities of overburden was a great asset. With increasing scientific rigour in the 20th century, archaeological focus shifts from objects to their interrelationships and their context. The documentation of finds and find contexts requires time that is not available in the context of industrial resource extraction. Fruitful collaboration now becomes more difficult. As the early lime works closed down in the first half of the 20th century, archaeologists were free to continue work at a comparative snail’s pace but yielding far greater insight in the human past.In active mining operations, collaboration is difficult. While mining still exposes valuable sites and materials that would otherwise be inaccessible, this is of limited value in current archaeological practice. Current ethical standards emphasise in situ preservation of archaeological remains over excavation. When finds are documented, the time-pressure from mining companies makes these situations ambiguous in value. Examples are the discovery of Pleistocene shell middens after their partial destruction, or the recovery of lithic materials from conveyor belts in diamond plants.In the late 20th century and 21st century, the discipline of archaeology has been included in legal frameworks on environmental planning. Archaeological contractors conduct Heritage impact assessments and advise on mitigation measures for large-scale environmental projects such as mining operation and the building of large dams of infrastructure works.Highlighting human history was an unintended consequence for large mining operations. Yet both on a grand level, the activity of mining, as well as on a personal level, the activities of miners and foremen have played a crucial role in uncovering ancient humans and their world in southern Africa. I argue that the insights produced as a result of early resource extraction are one (albeit often minor) consideration in the network of values, stakeholders and resources that embed mining operations in society. Show less
Van collega’s hoor ik wel eens dat archeologie zo’n witte discipline is omdat we ‘ons’ verleden opgraven. Dat zou voor mensen wier voorouders recent naar Nederland emigreerden oninteressant zijn....Show moreVan collega’s hoor ik wel eens dat archeologie zo’n witte discipline is omdat we ‘ons’ verleden opgraven. Dat zou voor mensen wier voorouders recent naar Nederland emigreerden oninteressant zijn. Maar volgens mij gaan dit soort verhalen over de prehistorie niet helemaal op, en laten we belangrijke mogelijkheden liggen om juist onze gezamenlijke oorsprong te bestuderen.Show less
Here we evaluate the hypothesis that during cold climatic phases, people and resources became increasingly packed along highland Lesotho's riverine corridors as the viability of palatable... Show moreHere we evaluate the hypothesis that during cold climatic phases, people and resources became increasingly packed along highland Lesotho's riverine corridors as the viability of palatable grasslands for large mammal hunting on the upland plateaus declined. These intensification efforts resulted in increased reliance on lower-ranked aquatic (fish) resources with knock-on effects for lithic technological organization. We compare data on the relative contributing of fishing to the diets of highland hunter-gatherers at Sehonghong rockshelter with a faunal proxy widely argued to correlate with subsistence intensification (faunal assemblage evenness). In addition, we compare these data with two measures of lithic technological intensification (cutting edge production and core reduction intensity) to test whether diet intensification tracks technological intensification. We show that at Sehonghong, aquatic resource exploitation is not always correlated with faunal assemblage evenness. We find that some layers (i.e. RF) show spikes in aquatic resource use irrespective of changes in mammal hunting. Other layers (i.e. layer RBL/CLBRF) were intensively occupied, but they do not have many fish. Our data also demonstrate that aquatic resource use is not associated with lithic technological intensification. These results suggest that while aquatic resource exploitation was a ‘fallback’ option for some of Lesotho's highland hunter-gatherers, there is considerable variability. Our data show that multiple intensification dimensions were variably combined through the Late Pleistocene at Sehonghong as they were elsewhere in southern Africa. Show less
Dusseldorp, G.L.; Raczynski-Henk, Y.; Amkreutz, L. 2022
De afgelopen 20 jaar wordt steeds duidelijker hoe de eerste Europeanen eruitzagen en dat die mensen waarschijnlijk al vanaf 800.000 jaar geleden sporadisch in onze streken komen. Uitgerekend in... Show moreDe afgelopen 20 jaar wordt steeds duidelijker hoe de eerste Europeanen eruitzagen en dat die mensen waarschijnlijk al vanaf 800.000 jaar geleden sporadisch in onze streken komen. Uitgerekend in Nederland is een vindplaats opgegraven die een uniek kijkje in de wereld van die vroegste Europeanen geeft. Die vindplaats, Maastricht-Belvédère, staat internationaal in alle handboeken, maar in Nederland kent niemand haar. Je kan er bijna tot op de seconde nauwkeurig een episode reconstrueren in het leven van mensen die hier 250.000 jaar geleden leefden. Een beeld van een voor ons vrijwel onvoorstelbare manier van leven verschijnt, waarin geleidelijk een aantal prominente menselijke kenmerken verschijnen, zoals complexe planning en de ontwikkeling van verfijnde technologische snufjes. Daaruit wordt duidelijk dat die hele vroege ‘Nederlanders’ alleen vanuit een pan-Europees perspectief begrepen kunnen worden. Show less
Lombard, M.; Bradfield, J.; Caruana, M.V.; Makhubela, T.V.; Dusseldorp, G.L.; Kramers, J.D.; Wurz, S. 2022
A decade ago, we summarised the South African and Lesotho Stone Age technocomplex sequence as a heuristic exercise, anchored in 242 dated assemblages (Lombard et al. 2012). Following Clarke (1968),... Show moreA decade ago, we summarised the South African and Lesotho Stone Age technocomplex sequence as a heuristic exercise, anchored in 242 dated assemblages (Lombard et al. 2012). Following Clarke (1968), Sampson (1974) and Deacon (1980), we defined a technocomplex as a group of industries characterised by assemblages that have many, but not all, properties in common. Spatiotemporal changes and shifts in artefact design and frequencies owing to material use/availability and socio-economic factors are built into the framework. The accompanying dataset was intended to serve as a useful resource to both students and professionals, and to fuel research and debate. 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
