The Middle Stone Age sequences at Rose Cottage Cave: a search for continuity and discontinuity

Harper P.T.N.

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Abstract

Rose Cottage Cave has a long, detailed sequence from early Middle Stone Age (MSA) through to the Later Stone Age (LSA). My analysis of MSA stone tools excavated between 1989 and 1991 suggests that the MSA sequence comprises a pre-Howiesons Poort, Howiesons Poort, and post-Howiesons Poort Industry, a final MSA. and an MSN/LSA transition. Notwithstanding the interpretation of five MSA industries, I have shown that the entire MSA sequence is part of a continuum and that there is no break in the basic stone knapping traditions, for example, in the production of flake-blades.