Showing papers on "Oldowan published in 2016"
TL;DR: A detailed technological study is provided and evidence of the use of these tools on the butchery and consumption of fauna, probably by early Homo erectus sensu lato is provided, showing that complex cognition was present from the earliest stages of the Acheulean.
Abstract: The appearance of the Acheulean is one of the hallmarks of human evolution. It represents the emergence of a complex behavior, expressed in the recurrent manufacture of large-sized tools, with standardized forms, implying more advance forethought and planning by hominins than those required by the precedent Oldowan technology. The earliest known evidence of this technology dates back to c. 1.7 Ma. and is limited to two sites (Kokiselei [Kenya] and Konso [Ethiopia]), both of which lack functionally-associated fauna. The functionality of these earliest Acheulean assemblages remains unknown. Here we present the discovery of another early Acheulean site also dating to c. 1.7 Ma from Olduvai Gorge. This site provides evidence of the earliest steps in developing the Acheulean technology and is the oldest Acheulean site in which stone tools occur spatially and functionally associated with the exploitation of fauna. Simple and elaborate large-cutting tools (LCT) and bifacial handaxes co-exist at FLK West, showing that complex cognition was present from the earliest stages of the Acheulean. Here we provide a detailed technological study and evidence of the use of these tools on the butchery and consumption of fauna, probably by early Homo erectus sensu lato.
147 citations
TL;DR: The discovery of the earliest known stone tools at Lomekwi 3 (LOM3) from West Turkana, Kenya, dated to 3.3 Ma, raises new questions about the mode and tempo of key adaptations in the hominin lineage and forms part of an emerging paradigm shift in palaeoanthropology.
Abstract: The discovery of the earliest known stone tools at Lomekwi 3 (LOM3) from West Turkana, Kenya, dated to 3.3 Ma, raises new questions about the mode and tempo of key adaptations in the hominin lineage. The LOM3 tools date to before the earliest known fossils attributed to Homo at 2.8 Ma. They were made and deposited in a more C3 environment than were the earliest Oldowan tools at 2.6 Ma. Their discovery leads to renewed investigation on the timing of the emergence of human-like manipulative capabilities in early hominins and implications for reconstructing cognition. The LOM3 artefacts form part of an emerging paradigm shift in palaeoanthropology, in which: tool-use and tool-making behaviours are not limited to the genus Homo; cranial, post-cranial and behavioural diversity in early Homo is much wider than previously thought; and these evolutionary changes may not have been direct adaptations to living in savannah grassland environments.This article is part of the themed issue 'Major transitions in human evolution'.
79 citations
TL;DR: The emergence of the Acheulean from the earlier Oldowan constitutes a major transition in human evolution, the theme of this special issue.
Abstract: The emergence of the Acheulean from the earlier Oldowan constitutes a major transition in human evolution, the theme of this special issue. This paper discusses the evidence for the origins of the ...
79 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used stratigraphic position, mineral assemblage, and electron probe microanalysis of phenocryst (feldspar, hornblende, augite, titanomagnetite) and glass (where available) composition.
39 citations
DOI•
20 Jun 2016TL;DR: This research indicates that hominin activities were situated in an open habitat within a grassland dominated ecosystem, the first documentation of an archaeological site in such an open setting, and suggest that the Kanjera hominins utilized a technological system that allowed them to extract nutrient dense animal and plant foods from their environment.
Abstract: The Early Stone Age archaeological record does not become persistent and widespread until approximately 2.0-1.7 million years ago, when Oldowan sites spread across Africa and ultimately into Eurasia. However, good records of hominin behavior from this important time interval are uncommon. Here we describe recent findings from the two million year old Oldowan site of Kanjera South, on the Homa Peninsula of southwestern Kenya. Kanjera South is the oldest Oldowan site with large assemblages of stone artifacts and well-preserved archaeological fauna. Our research indicates that hominin activities were situated in an open habitat within a grassland dominated ecosystem, the first documentation of an archaeological site in such an open setting. Hominins selectively collected and transported stone materials (30% of the lithic assemblage) over longer distances (at least 10 km) than is typical for the Oldowan, reflecting their preference for hard, easily-flaked lithologies unavailable on the northern half of the Homa Peninsula. They deployed different technological strategies to more intensively utilize these hard, non-local raw materials. Artifacts were used for a variety of tasks, including butchering small antelopes probably obtained by hunting, working wood, working soft plant material, and processing underground storage organs. These data suggest that the Kanjera hominins utilized a technological system that allowed them to extract nutrient dense animal and plant foods from their environment. This shift towards the acquisition of nutritious, hard-to-acquire foods in packets large enough to be shared may have facilitated brain and body size expansion in the genus Homo.
29 citations
TL;DR: A null model for Oldowan lithic artifact morphological variation is established and it is suggested that Oldowan producing hominins at DK were able to mediate the economic costs associated with stone tool procurement by utilizing high-cost materials more efficiently than is expected and low- cost materials in an inefficient manner.
Abstract: Recent research suggests that variation exists among and between Oldowan stone tool assemblages. Oldowan variation might represent differential constraints on raw materials used to produce these stone implements. Alternatively, variation among Oldowan assemblages could represent different methods that Oldowan producing hominins utilized to produce these lithic implements. Identifying differential patterns of stone tool production within the Oldowan has implications for assessing how stone tool technology evolved, how traditions of lithic production might have been culturally transmitted, and for defining the timing and scope of these evolutionary events. At present there is no null model to predict what morphological variation in the Oldowan should look like. Without such a model, quantifying whether Oldowan assemblages vary due to raw material constraints or whether they vary due to differences in production technique is not possible. This research establishes a null model for Oldowan lithic artifact morphological variation. To establish these expectations this research 1) models the expected range of variation through large scale reduction experiments, 2) develops an algorithm to categorize archaeological flakes based on how they are produced, and 3) statistically assesses the methods of production behavior used by Oldowan producing hominins at the site of DK from Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania via the experimental model. Results indicate that a subset of quartzite flakes deviate from the null expectations in a manner that demonstrates efficiency in flake manufacture, while some basalt flakes deviate from null expectations in a manner that demonstrates inefficiency in flake manufacture. The simultaneous presence of efficiency in stone tool production for one raw material (quartzite) and inefficiency in stone tool production for another raw material (basalt) suggests that Oldowan producing hominins at DK were able to mediate the economic costs associated with stone tool procurement by utilizing high-cost materials more efficiently than is expected and low-cost materials in an inefficient manner.
28 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the formation of the TK bone accumulation has been studied, revealing a diverse list of taxa, many of which reflect open habitats, and only limited evidence of anthropogenic activity is documented.
27 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors presented preliminary data from a multidisciplinary study of the Early Pleistocene site of Kermek, situated near to the sites of Bogatyri/Sinyaya Balka and Rodniki 1, but which is significantly older.
26 citations
TL;DR: Based on stratigraphic, chronological, and lithic artifacts analysis in recent years, it appears that the regional lithic assemblage belongs to the Oldowan (Mode I) lithic industry, and it is dominated by choppers, cores, flakes, and simple retouched flake tools from 1.15 to 0.6 Ma.
Abstract: Hinterland intermountain basins and northern and southern piedmonts of the Qinling Mountains accumulated a large amount of loess during the Pleistocene. The loess strata not only record local paleogeographic and paleoenvironmental changes, but also contain rich hominin fossils and Paleolithic remains. In the northern piedmont of the Qinling Mountains and the lower valley of the South Luohe River, the loess strata have multi loess-paleosol sequences with aeolian loess continuously accumulating during glacial and interglacial cycles. In contrast to the northern piedmont, loess stratigraphy in the hinterland intermountain basins of the Qinling Mountains is relatively thin and contains finer loess particles. In this “mini” type of loess stratum, the density of Paleolithic remain generally is higher than the Loess Plateau in the north of the Qinling Mountains. Based on stratigraphic, chronological, and lithic artifacts analysis in recent years, it appears that the regional lithic assemblage belongs to the Oldowan (Mode I) lithic industry, and it is dominated by choppers, cores, flakes, and simple retouched flake tools from 1.15 to 0.6 Ma. Paleolithic open-air sites such as Gongwangling and Chenjiawo in the Lantian area, Shangbaichuan and Liuwan in the Luonan Basin, Qiaojiayao in the Lushi Basin, Longgangsi and Yaochangwan in the Hanzhong Basin, Guanmiao in the Ankang Basin, and the Yunxian Man Site in the Yunxian Basin are representative sites in the region; from 400 to 250 ka, the Longyadong cave site in the Luonan Basin inherited the characteristics of the local Mode I lithic industry, the stone assemblage is made up of cores, flakes, and small retouched flake tools, such as scrapers, points, and burins; during the period from 250 to 50 ka, bi-facially retouched Acheulean tools (Model II), such as hand-axes, picks, and cleavers, were commonly found in the Qinling Mountains region. The emergence of a large number of Model II artifacts indicates that local lithic industries went through a major transition process. Zhanghuokou, Guoyuan, and Huaishuping sites in the Luonan Basin, Diaozhai, Ganyu, Laochihe, and Xiehu sites in the Lantian area, Hejialiang site in the Hanzhong Basin are representative sites in this period; to the turn of the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene, it may also exist a small flake-retouched tools lithic industry in the piedmonts of the northern and southern sides of the Qinling Mountains. The lithic assemblages in different stages of the Qinling Mountains region reflect the hominin behavioral changes and the development of lithic technology during the Pleistocene.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the lower Paleolithic localities near the town of Medzhibozh in the Khmelnitsky region of western Ukraine and found evidence for a temperate climate as well as confirming the biochronological attribution, as the fauna correspond to those typically associated to middle Pleistocene interglacial periods.
16 citations
TL;DR: The identification of wooded grassland in association with nearby freshwater drainages and Oldowan artifacts significantly extends the paleoenvironmental purview on the basal parts of Lower Bed I, and highlights the hitherto underrated role of the yet poorly explored western Olduvai Gorge area as a potential ecologically attractive setting and habitat for early hominins.
TL;DR: In this paper, the results of study of faunal materials unique for the north-eastern Caucasus are published, deriving from layer 80 of the Oldowan site of Muhkai II.
TL;DR: In this article, large vertebrates were recovered from the basal layers (Strata 12 and 11) of Excavation 1 at Wonderwerk Cave, a site located in the Kuruman Hills, Northern Cape Province, South Africa.
Abstract: We describe and discuss the large vertebrates recovered from the basal layers (Strata 12 and 11) of Excavation 1 at Wonderwerk Cave, a site located in the Kuruman Hills, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. Stratum 12 is associated with a small core and flake Oldowan assemblage while Stratum 11 contains some Acheulean material. Based on palaeo-magnetism, the time span covered by these Strata is estimated to date to ca.1.8–1.1 million years ago. Taxa identified include late Makapanian forms, such as Procavia transvaalensis, Procavia antiqua, a hipparionine and an unnamed species of large caprine, also found in the Makapan Limeworks deposits, confirming the antiquity of these layers. The bones are highly fragmented due to the action of multiple agencies, both pre- and postdepositional, which prevented diagnosis in many cases to lower levels of taxonomy. In support of other palaeo-environmental proxies from Strata 12 and 11, the large mammal remains reflect a semi-arid ecotone palaeo-environment, consisting of a mix of taxa associated with broken, montane habitat and semi-arid grassland-savanna plains habitat.
Dissertation•
28 Apr 2016
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the validity of Leakey's original distinction between the Classic Oldowan and the Developed Oldowan A (DOA) at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania.
Abstract: This study investigates the validity of Mary Leakey’s original distinction between the Classic Oldowan and the Developed Oldowan A (DOA) at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. Until now, the majority of academic research into the nature of the Developed Oldowan has concentrated on the Developed Oldowan B (DOB) / Acheulean distinction, with little attention paid to the Oldowan / DOA differentiation. In addition most studies rely heavily either on Leakey’s original data and / or typological classification system. Recent modern technological studies, based on first hand reanalyses of the archaeological material have brought the issue of the Developed Oldowan at Olduvai to the forefront, with some arguing for the removal of both the DOA and B and their inclusion with the Classic Oldowan and Acheulean. These studies, however, have not specifically concentrated on the DOA, and often make recommendations without full analyses of all assemblages. Through first-hand re-analyses of all DOA assemblages and a substantial sample of Oldowan assemblages from Olduvai Gorge, this study aims to address the validity of Leakey’s original distinction between the non-handaxe-bearing assemblages of Bed I and Lower / Middle Bed II of Olduvai, as well as the issue of Oldowan technical variation at Olduvai Gorge. In addition a detailed experimental programme aims to elucidate analytical issues related to the study of Olduvai lithics, these include the effect of raw material on the accuracy of analyses and the ability to identify varying knapper skill levels. The results of these studies indicate that Olduvai raw material has a significant effect on analyst accuracy, inter-analyst variation, and the identification of knapper skill levels. Furthermore, the comparative analyses show few differences between the lithic assemblages of Bed I and Lower / Middle Bed II; however, an increase in reduction intensity in Bed II is identified, resulting in the recommendation for removal of the term DOA as a separate techno-culture.
01 Jan 2016
TL;DR: This paper explored the evolutionary relationship of Oldowan assemblages from East Africa, North Africa, and the West Asia using cluster and cladistic analyses, and presented current issues with conducting such analyses.
Abstract: Acknowledgments References This paper explores the evolutionary relationship of Oldowan assemblages from East Africa, North Africa, and the West Asia using cluster and cladistic analyses, and presents current issues with conducting such analyses. Cladistical techniques are useful for modeling cultural evolutionary relationships and can be used to understand evolutionary histories and patterns of change within the archaeological and historical record. 1-6 The Lower Paleolithic (~3.3-0.6 Ma) archaeological record provides important information regarding the evolution of early hominin behavior, landscape use, migration patterns, sensory-motor capabilities and cognitive complexity. In this respect the Oldowan technical system of the Lower Paleolithic (2.6-1.8) is an important and relatively unexplored topic for phylogenetic analysis and can be helpful in reconciling the ongoing debate of whether the Oldowan represents a technological stasis in early hominin culture or whether there is evidence for gradual evolution during the Oldowan leading up to the appearance of the Acheulean technological industry. 7-9 One of the greatest obstacles currently facing phylogenetically testing the evolutionary relationships of Oldowan lithic assemblages is an inconsistency in typological and analytical practices in measuring the variability within and between lithic artifacts and assemblages.