Abstract
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 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.
Highlights
Umhlatuzana rockshelter is one of the few sites in southern Africa with a continuous occupation sequence spanning the last 70,000 years
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
We divided the deposits into two principal groups: the upper group H, which corresponds to the Holocene deposits documented by Kaplan (1989, 1990), and group P (Pleistocene), below, characterized by defined stratigraphic boundaries and the presence of anthropogenic and biogenic features
Summary
Umhlatuzana rockshelter is one of the few sites in southern Africa with a continuous occupation sequence spanning the last 70,000 years. It was at the beginning of this period that “modern” human behaviors appeared, represented by the Still Bay and Howiesons Poort industries, both of which are represented at the site (Archer et al 2016; Högberg and Lombard 2016a, b; Kaplan 1990; Lombard 2007; Lombard et al 2010; Mohapi 2013; McCall and Thomas 2009). Located in KwaZulu-Natal (eastern South Africa), the site contains important information on the techno-cultural sequence of the South African Middle Stone Age (MSA) and Later Stone Age (LSA). Umhlatuzana occupies a critical position due to its geographical location and because its MSA and LSA deposits bridge the gaps in archaeological sequences at other important sites.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
