Abstract Nestled between East and Southern Africa, the Stone Age archaeology of Mozambique offers important insights into Later Stone Age (LSA) behavioral variability across a region pivotal to understanding human adaptations. Here, we present results from technological analysis, refitting and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of the newly discovered site of Chessungalane (CHE) in south-central Mozambique. OSL dates indicate occupation spanning ~ 23–7 ka, corresponding to the early LSA through Wilton periods. Technological analysis of lithic artifacts, refitting, and raw material survey reveals differential technological investment strategies employed by LSA groups. Chert was introduced during last occupation phase for systematic bladelet production through complex reduction sequences, likely due to its scarcity and superior knapping qualities. In contrast, quartz and quartzite were procured during all the occupation phases for simple flake production via shorter, simpler reduction sequences, reflecting their local abundance and fracture constraints. Preliminary comparison with contemporaneous LSA sequences from the broader region suggests that CHE followed a distinct technological trajectory, with bladelet production appearing significantly later in time, highlighting the importance of regional variability in shaping LSA technological behavior. The results demonstrate a strong relationship between raw material availability, quality, and technological investment, and contribute critical new data to the largely undocumented LSA record of Mozambique.

Abstract The foothills of the Drakensberg are a significant region in understanding the links between environmental conditions and the spread of social networks across southern Africa. Strathalan Cave is an important site in this region yielding an extensive Holocene-aged deposit. Here, we report on the preliminary results from the ongoing excavations of Strathalan Cave A. Radiocarbon dates place the occupations between c. 5500 and 9000 yrs cal. BP with most occupations focused at around 7200 yrs cal. BP. Three allostratigraphic units were exposed in the deposit (A1, A2 and A3) with unit A2, the most anthropogenic unit, yielding combustion features and layers of bedding. The lithics are flake-dominated consisting mostly of hornfels but with a substantial CCS component showing little variation through time. A small quantity of ceramic fragments was recovered which may correspond to thin-walled LSA ceramics traditions, although at least one fragment may be associated with farming communities. The presence of rock art linked to the post-contact period also indicates that the cave was occupied from the early Holocene to the historic period. Grazers such as mountain reedbuck dominate the small faunal sample, but a range of browsing ungulates were also recorded. Bone tools were also noted. Of particular interest are a pestle, probably used to grind moist plant material, and a bone point, likely used for plant-based fibre processing. Plant remains were numerous, with charcoal analyses indicating an abundance of Protea and other grassland tree species. The phytolith data also show relatively high concentrations of phytoliths linked to trees in the deposit. The preliminary data indicate an environment of grassland interspersed with thicket, similar to today, with human occupations peaking between c.7000 and 8000 yrs cal. BP. We argue that depositional changes through the sequence may be linked to local-scale environmental shifts.

Abstract Nowadays, ceramic productions in sub-Saharan Africa are often described as “declining” or “in danger,” due for example to a growing concurrence of modern containers (metallic, plastic) during the twentieth century or changing lifestyles. However, very few researchers question the mechanisms of such processes of decline or abandonment, thus preventing an understanding of related cultural dynamics. This article, based on recent ethnographic surveys conducted in the central regions of Senegal and The Gambia, seeks to interrogate this topic. Our research highlights the presence of two technical traditions separated by the Gambia River. The one located on its north bank and shared by Wolof and Mandinka potters is characterized by the grog temper, usually obtained from discarded pots, but this technical procedure was enriched by two alternative ones during the last decades. We demonstrate these cases of technical innovations can be directly correlated to an increasing number of active potters in this area during the second half of the twentieth century, encouraged by the recent creation of weekly markets and a growing need for money. This apparent growth of pottery activity, however concentrated in a few villages, must be put into parallel with two major trends: the massive adoption of non-ceramic containers, most often imported, and a significant narrowing of pottery functional range. Processes of decline and abandonment of pottery production and consumption thus relate to multiple factors and paces of change. We finally suggest that specific material patterns (diversity of grogs, narrowed functional range) may provide good indicators to identify such cultural dynamics in archaeological contexts.