The effects of Class I and II sized bovids on macrofracture formation and tool displacement: Results of a trampling experiment in a southern African Stone Age context

Abstract

In this paper we follow from previous experiments that assessed the formation of macrofractures on hunting weapons and trampled tools, and present the results of a new trampling experiment. This new experiment examined the relationship between small bovid trampling and the formation of macrofracture types on replicated stone and bone tools. We also recorded the resulting displacement of the tools in order to assess the relationship between tool morphology and displacement. Three tool types with dimensions similar to southern African archaeological tools were used. The results suggest that small frequencies of certain impact macrofractures occur on tools subject to trampling forces. These frequencies are, however, lower than those generally recorded during hunting experiments. Tool morphologies and fracture combinations are also shown to be important variables in macrofracture analyses. These results contribute to a growing body of experimental data dealing with the relationship between postdepositional processes and macrofracture formation on artifacts.

Keywords:

• Diagnostic impact fractures
• trampling
• artifact displacement
• experimental archaeology
• Howieson’s Poort
• Robberg
• Wilton

We would like to thank Bafana Ntombela for allowing us to use his goats in the experiment and for providing the space. Sihle Ntombela assisted in herding the goats and without his help this experiment would not have been possible. We are also grateful to Nkosinati Tomose, Alexandra Sumner, and Helen Kempson for their help with the experiment. We would like to thank Metin Erin, Lucinda Backwell, and a third anonymous reviewer for their constructive comments. Research funding was provided by the South African National Research Foundation and the Palaeontological Scientific Trust.

Justin Pargeter (M.Sc. 2011, University of the Witwatersrand) is an Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre for Language and Culture, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. His research interests include lithic replication studies, experimental archaeology, use wear analysis, and Middle and Later Stone Age hunting technologies.

Justin Bradfield (M.Sc. 2011, University of the Witwatersrand) is an Honorary Research Fellow at the School of Geography, Archaeology, and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. His research interests include organic technologies, use wear analysis, and behavioral modernity.