A Taphonomic Perspective on the Archaeology of Human Origins

Abstract

The origins of humanity have attracted scientific and public interest for centuries. Most scientific evidence concerning the earlier stages of human evolution has come from field research in eastern and southern Africa during the last several decades. The major classes of evidence are: 1. hominid fossils (the family Hominidae includes extinct and modem humans); 2. archaeologi­ cal sites, consisting of ancient stone tools and sometimes fossil animal bones, and 3. the geological and paleoecological contexts of classes 1 and 2. We have no archaeological evidence from the first half of the 5 million-year-long record of human evolution, but for the second half such evidence is abundant. The bipedal, small-brained hominids of the period from 5 to 2.5 million years ago represent several species of australopithecines in eastern and south­ ern Africa. Judging from their physical appearance, it is likely that their behavior was more ape-like than human-like (84,85, 135, 138, 144). Indeed, Dart (55) first characterized one australopithecine species, Australopithecus ajricanus, as killer apes, arguing that their violent predatory behavior and use of the bones, teeth, and horns of their prey as tools and weapons are what formed the fossil bone accumulations in several South African caves. Dart's