Journal article
Rethinking the Capsian: Lithic Variability Among Holocene Maghreb Hunter-Gatherers
The African archaeological review, Vol.40(1), pp.169-203
03/01/2023
DOI: 10.1007/s10437-023-09514-z
Abstract
The Capsian, comprising the Typical Capsian and Upper Capsian facies, is a prominent North African prehistoric entity dating to the Early Holocene. Hundreds of
rammadiyat
(snail-shell mound) sites in eastern Algeria and Tunisia were occupied by Capsian hunter-gatherer communities. A significant technological change occurred at these sites during the mid-seventh millennium BCE. Pressure knapping, for producing a blade and trapeze lithic industry, emerged. This technique developed during the Mesolithic throughout the Mediterranean region. Understanding the earlier typological and technological variabilities and the exact timing of the emergence of pressure knapping is crucial in determining the local or foreign origin of this innovation in North Africa. Recent examination of legacy collections excavated in the Oum el Bouaghi area of Algeria during the interwar period fosters new perspectives on Capsian lithic industry variability. Our analyses document a complex lithic landscape for the Early Holocene, including a proposed “Central Early Capsian” facies for the early phases, as well as the persistence of strong regional variabilities in Upper Capsian lithic industries.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Rethinking the Capsian: Lithic Variability Among Holocene Maghreb Hunter-Gatherers
- Creators
- Tiphaine Dachy - Travaux et Recherches Archéologiques sur les Cultures, les Espaces et les SociétésColas Guéret - Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueWilliam Green - Museum of Indian Arts and CultureThomas Perrin - Travaux et Recherches Archéologiques sur les Cultures, les Espaces et les Sociétés
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- The African archaeological review, Vol.40(1), pp.169-203
- DOI
- 10.1007/s10437-023-09514-z
- ISSN
- 0263-0338
- eISSN
- 1572-9842
- Publisher
- Springer US
- Number of pages
- 35
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 03/01/2023
- Academic Unit
- Office of the State Archaeologist
- Record Identifier
- 9985121618802771
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