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Analysis of orientation patterns in Olduvai Bed I assemblages using GIS techniques: implications for site formation
Alfonso Benito-Calvo1, Ignacio de la Torre
1Centro Nacional de Investigación sobrela Evolución Humana, Paseo Sierra de Atapuerca s/n, 09002 Burgos, Spain. alfonso.benito@cenieh.es
Geographic Information System (GIS) methods reveal preferred orientations in early Pleistocene bone and stone tools from Olduvai Gorge. Natural agents, like water, likely influenced these tool patterns, impacting interpretations of early hominin behavior.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Archaeology
- Geospatial Analysis
Background:
- Mary Leakey's excavations at Olduvai Gorge yielded significant early Pleistocene archaeological data.
- Understanding the depositional agents and behavioral significance of early hominin sites is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply Geographic Information System (GIS) methods to analyze axial orientations of early Pleistocene bone and stone tools.
- To investigate the influence of natural agents on artifact assemblages in Bed I of Olduvai Gorge.
- To reassess the behavioral meaning of lithic and faunal accumulations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized GIS techniques on site plans from Olduvai Volume 3 monograph (Leakey, 1971).
- Analyzed axial orientations of bone and stone tools from Bed I assemblages.
- Interpreted patterns in relation to potential natural depositional agents.
Main Results:
- Bed I assemblages exhibit preferred axial orientations.
- Analysis suggests natural agents, such as water disturbance, are probable causes for observed orientations.
- GIS application provides new insights into paleoanthropological site formation processes.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates the utility of GIS in paleoanthropological research.
- Preferred tool orientations in Bed I are likely due to natural processes, not solely behavioral.
- Findings necessitate a re-evaluation of formative agents and behavioral interpretations of Olduvai Bed I sites.
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