The Taphonomy of the Final Middle Stone Age Fauna from Sibudu Cave, South Africa

B. R. Collins

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Publication Date

9-13-2013

Publication Title

International Journal of Osteoarchaeology

Volume Number

25

Issue Number

6

Abstract

This study applies a taphonomic analysis to the final Middle Stone Age faunal assemblage from Sibudu Cave, South Africa, by assessing bone surface modifications, breakage patterns and skeletal element abundances. Cut marks, percussion marks, severe fragmentation and the high frequency of burned bone combine to demonstrate that human behaviour was the principal agent in the assemblage's formation. These results are consistent with previous research on earlier occupations of Sibudu during the Middle Stone Age. Moreover, this assemblage is proposed to reflect regular site maintenance and cleaning. This conclusion is consistent with previous research that demonstrates systematic site maintenance during the Middle Stone Age at Sibudu and emphasises this behaviour as being a consistent activity for Middle Stone Age foragers.

Keywords

Taphonomy, Animal remains (Archaeology), Bones--Analysis, Middle Stone Age, Archaeological assemblages

Document Type

Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1002/oa.2347

Language

English

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