Distribution patterns of organic residues on middle stone age points from Sibudu Cave, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The detailed analysis of microscopic residues on 24 lithic points from the post-Howiesons Poort Middle Stone Age layers in Sibudu Cave, KwaZulu-Natal, showed distinct distribution patterns of vegetal and faunal residues. Certain vegetal residues are concentrated on the proximal and medial portions of the tools whereas the less abundant faunal residues are concentrated on the distal portions. A method was developed to equalize the portions to prevent a skewed representation of the residues on different-sized portions. Chi-square tests were used to determine that the distribution patterns were statistically unlikely to be coincidental. The distribution of residues on replicated stone-tipped spears supports the inference that lithic points were hafted and used as hunting spears during the Middle Stone Age at the site.