Qualitative and quantitative differences in innovative behaviour in the Palaeolithic - the example of Middle Stone Age techno-complexes of Southern Africa

• Applicant: Privatdozentin Dr. Miriam Noël Haidle
• Subject Area: Prehistory and World Archaeology
• Term: from 2012 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 213547317

The project deals with innovations in the context of tool use in the Palaeolithic. The material remains of the different techno-complexes of the Middle Stone Age of Southern Africa have been chosen as spatio-chronological range. It is the aim to systematically analyse the innovative behaviour inherent in archaeological artefacts (stone tools, organic artefacts, ornaments, other artefacts) in a qualitative and quantitative way. A universal approach of analysis shall be developed that can be transmitted to any other period or geographical area. The innovations comprehensible in archaeological assemblages will be analysed on three levels: regarding typological innovations, regarding innovations concerning technological aspects in manufacture and use, and regarding cognitive aspects. Using methods which have been developed before and within the running project (coding in cognigrams, effective chains), the cognitive background of tool use can be shown. A characterisation of innovation in complete novelties, exaptions, and variants becomes possible (G-E-V approach). In the following the quantitative and qualitative results will be analysed and compared to material from antedecent ESA (Early Stone Age) and subsequent LSA (Late Stone Age) as well as to earlier appearances in adjacent regions in order to analyse the cultural change in the Middle Stone Age and to gain insight into different innovation rates and processes.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants