From Mitred Cores to Broken Microliths: In Search of Specialization During the Capsian

TL;DRAbstract

During nearly four millennia, Capsian foragers occupied the high steppe of eastern Algeria and southern Tunisia, during which time they developed a very successful adaptation to a semi-arid environment that was subject to constant variation. Around 8000 BP, and corresponding with an abrupt environmental shift, a technological change occurred that led to major social transformations. Capsian toolmakers adopted a new technique of knapping to produce microliths and also diversified their toolkit. In this contribution the Upper Capsian chaîne opératoire is examined and an attempt to identify evidence of specialization throughout the entire process is made. Then the identification of relevant elements that indicate the likely appearance of specialization as a consequence of the technological shift is discussed.

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