Abstract
In this paper, we present a case study of the micromammal sequence from Marine Isotope Stage 5 (130,000–71,000 YBP) at Blombos Cave on the southern Cape coast of South Africa. Our analyses of the micromammal assemblage from 100,000 to 76,000 YBP shed light on micromammal taxonomic distributions, local palaeoenvironments, and site formation processes at this renowned Middle Stone Age site. Taphonomic analyses indicate that spotted eagle owls (Bubo africanus) were the main predator species responsible for accumulating the micromammals, but with contributions from barn owls (Tyto alba). In addition, the micromammal bones have been subjected to a range of post-depositional processes, some of which are associated with microbial actions likely resulting from human or animal activities in the cave. We have recorded three species in the archaeological assemblage that do not occur in the Blombos area today. These are the Hottentot golden mole (Amblysomus hottentotus), Duthie’s golden mole (Chlorotalpa duthieae), and Laminate vlei rat (Otomys laminatus). The biodiversity indices based on micromammal species suggest that local vegetation consisted of different habitats that could sustain a diverse small mammal population. During MIS 5c/5b, the diversity of species declined, but there was still a mosaic of vegetation habitats present in the local area. On a larger temporal scale, climate conditions were slightly more humid than at present, and winter rainfall was seemingly greater. The amount of winter rainfall would have been similar to locations currently c. 50–150 km further west of Blombos Cave. However, based on micromammal proxies, there were seemingly no major fluctuations visible in climate or vegetation composition during the entire 24,000-year period. We suggest that the explanation could be multifaceted, two potential factors being predator bias derived from the owls’ preference for generalist micromammal species or an actual reflection of local stable climatic and environmental conditions in the Blombos area.
Highlights
In southern Africa, the archaeological record of the Middle Stone Age (MSA), dated to 280,000–50/25,000 YBP (McBrearty & Brooks, 2000), displays variations in technological and cultural attributes and shifts inAfr Archaeol Rev (2021) 38:443–476 ecological niches (d’Errico et al, 2017; Mackay et al, 2014; Wurz, 2016)
We suggest that the explanation could be multifaceted, two potential factors being predator bias derived from the owls’ preference for generalist micromammal species or an actual reflection of local stable climatic and environmental conditions in the Blombos area
Her research pioneered the analyses of micromammal assemblages from archaeological sites in South Africa during the past two decades (e.g., Faith et al, 2019; Matthews, 2004; Matthews et al, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2020; Nel, 2013; Nel & Henshilwood, 2016; Nel et al, 2018)
Summary
In southern Africa, the archaeological record of the Middle Stone Age (MSA), dated to 280,000–50/25,000 YBP (McBrearty & Brooks, 2000), displays variations in technological and cultural attributes and shifts inAfr Archaeol Rev (2021) 38:443–476 ecological niches (d’Errico et al, 2017; Mackay et al, 2014; Wurz, 2016). Avery has been prominent in establishing a South African methodological record, demonstrating the suitability of micromammals as palaeoenvironmental informants of vegetational and climatic conditions through the application of biodiversity indices, analyses of taxonomic composition in relation to habitat requirements, and relative abundance of species (Avery 1979, 1982, 1987, 1992a, b, 2001, 2007). Recent research has emphasized the need for improved information about modern habitat requirements and distributions of some micromammal species to better understand past and present ecological niche behaviors (Avery, 2007; Matthews & Nel, 2021; Matthews et al, 2020). This issue is discussed further in this article. New analytical developments are in the early stages of exploration, such as analysis of stable carbon and oxygen isotopes of micromammal tooth enamel from archaeological contexts in South Africa (e.g., Leichliter et al, 2016, 2017; Williams et al, 2020)
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