Crystal quartz backed tools from the Howiesons Poort at Sibudu Cave

Authors

  • A. Delagnes Universite Bordeaux I
  • L. Wadley University of the Witwatersrand
  • P. Villa University of Colorado Museum
  • M. Lombard Natal Museum

Abstract

A technological analysis of crystal quartz backed tools from the Howiesons Poort of Sibudu Cave shows that they are smaller than backed tools made from other rock types. They are not highly standardized and their reduction sequence is straightforward. Raw materials could have been obtained near the shelter. The distribution of organic and inorganic residues on the backed tools suggests that they were hafted. Our results imply that interpretations of Howiesons Poort technology as innovative, based on attributes such as long distance transport of raw materials and size standardization of backed pieces, remain undemonstrated.

To cite this article: Delagnes, A., Wadley, L., Villa, P. & Lombard, M. 2006. Crystal quartz backed tools from the Howiesons Poort at Sibudu Cave. Southern African Humanities 18 (1): 43-56.

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Published

2021-02-05

How to Cite

Delagnes, A., Wadley, L., Villa, P., & Lombard, M. (2021). Crystal quartz backed tools from the Howiesons Poort at Sibudu Cave. Southern African Humanities, 18(1), 43–56. Retrieved from https://sahumanities.org/index.php/sah/article/view/273

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 1 (2006): Middle Stone Age research at Sibudu Cave

Section

Articles