The Middle Stone Age point assemblage from Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter: a morphometric study

Abstract

Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has a Middle Stone Age sequence spanning the period from ~70 to 34 ka. I report on the results of a morphometric analysis of lithic points from this site, the aim of which was to identify temporal trends in the Umhlatuzana Middle Stone Age assemblage makeup. The study confirms that, notwithstanding some mixing, there is temporal change in point morphology and technology throughout the Umhlatuzana sequence. The Still Bay points (levels 27–25) differ markedly from the points in levels 18–16 and levels 23–19, which are post-Howiesons Poort assemblages. There are also subtle differences between points in levels 18–16 and 23–19. The differences could indicate different functions for the Still Bay points and for the points from the younger, post-Howiesons Poort assemblages. It is likely that points from levels 18–16 and those from levels 23–19 performed similar functions, but differences in base types imply that they were hafted differently. The Umhlatuzana sequence follows the general trend recorded for other South African sites and for Lesotho. Thus, our understanding of the
KwaZulu-Natal Middle Stone Age sequence is more secure as a result of this study.