The lithic technology of the Early Middle Stone Age in southern Africa

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Nicholas J. Conard
• Subject Area: Prehistory and World Archaeology
• Term: from 2010 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 191563966

This research project addresses the nature of lithic technology and economies of anatomically modern human groups before their dispersal out of Africa. The project focuses on the Early Middle Stone Age of southern Africa, the period preceding the appearance of the innovative Stillbay and Howiesons Poort complexes. Despite its prominence, the Early MSA in southern Africa still remains poorly defined and documented. This two years project will focus on the lithic assemblages of the sites of Diepkloof Rock Shelter and the nearby Elands Bay Cave (Western Cape Province, South Africa). A technological and petrographical analysis, never performed in such contexts, will be executed. The goal of the project is to reassess the current conventions and interpretations about the cultural chronology during the MSA.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Dr. Guillaume Porraz