A 100,000-Year-Old Ochre-Processing Workshop at Blombos Cave, South Africa
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Publication Date
October 2011
Publication Title
Science
Volume Number
334
Issue Number
6053
Abstract
The conceptual ability to source, combine, and store substances that enhance technology or social practices represents a benchmark in the evolution of complex human cognition. Excavations in 2008 at Blombos Cave, South Africa, revealed a processing workshop where a liquefied ochre-rich mixture was produced and stored in two Haliotis midae (abalone) shells 100,000 years ago. Ochre, bone, charcoal, grindstones, and hammerstones form a composite part of this production toolkit. The application of the mixture is unknown, but possibilities include decoration and skin protection.
Keywords
Haliotis Midae, Blombos Cave, Evolution Of Complex Human Cognition
Geographic Subject
Blombos Cave, South Africa
Document Type
Article
Language
English
Identifier
SFS0049715_00001
Recommended Citation
Henshilwood, Christopher S.; d’Errico, Francesco; and van Niekerk, Karen L., "A 100,000-Year-Old Ochre-Processing Workshop at Blombos Cave, South Africa" (2011). KIP Articles. 15.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/kip_articles/15