Microscopic residues as evidence of hafting on backed tools from the 60 000 to 68 000 year-old Howiesons Poort layers of Rose Cottage Cave, South Africa

Authors

  • N. E. Gibson University of the Witwatersrand
  • L. Wadley University of the Witwatersrand
  • B. S. Williamson University of the Witwatersrand

Abstract

Backed tools from the Howiesons Poort Industry of Rose Cottage Cave often have ochre on or near their backed edges rather than on their working edges. This suggests a use for ochre in the hafting process of the tools, perhaps as an ingredient in mastic that would have included plant resin. The proximity of plant tissue, plant fibre and white starchy deposit to the ochre on the backed tools may also be the consequence of hafting. Backed blades appear to have been hafted laterally, whereas segments might have been placed transverse to their hafts. Obliquely backed blades were possibly hafted with their short axis (the backed edge) in the haft.

To cite this article: Gibson, N.E., Wadley, L. & Williamson, B.S. 2004. Microscopic residues as evidence of hafting on backed tools from the 60 000 to 68 000 year-old Howiesons Poort layers of Rose Cottage Cave, South Africa. Southern African Humanities 16: 1-11.

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Published

2021-02-05

How to Cite

Gibson, N. E., Wadley, L., & Williamson, B. S. (2021). Microscopic residues as evidence of hafting on backed tools from the 60 000 to 68 000 year-old Howiesons Poort layers of Rose Cottage Cave, South Africa. Southern African Humanities, 16, 1–11. Retrieved from https://sahumanities.org/index.php/sah/article/view/148

Issue

Vol. 16 (2004)

Section

Articles