Exploring the Influence of Predation Risks on Oldowan Tool Use in South Africa

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Abstract

Newly described Oldowan stone tools from Swartkrans Member 1 Lower Bank have highlighted important differences in raw material use and knapping methods when compared to Sterkfontein Member 5 East. This variability has been correlated to contrasting habitats surrounding these caves and the presence of carnivores, suggesting that ecological factors may have influenced tool manufacturing in the Early Pleistocene. However, the strength of behavioral ecological interpretations rests upon the identification of adaptive advantages in employing specific reduction strategies. Knapping experiments are used to compare the flaking efficiency of bipolar and freehand reduction, which measures the rate at which these methods convert core mass into cutting edge length. Results suggest that bipolar knapping is an efficient means of producing useable flakes, and its use at Swartkrans potentially reflects adaptations to limiting predation risks.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)608-620
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Field Archaeology
Volume45
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Nov 2020

Keywords

  • Oldowan
  • behavioral ecology
  • bipolar knapping
  • experimental archaeology
  • flaking efficiency

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Archeology (arts and humanities)
  • Archeology

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