| dc.description.abstract | Pastoral Neolithic (PN) sites in Eastern Africa represent the earliest settlements. Middens
at such sites attest to prolonged occupation by social groups with a predominately lithic
technology.
In the absence of architectural remains at such sites, little is known about the organisation
of activities across PN sites. Researchers have been unable to ascribe tool kits to specific
activities. This has largely been attributed to the fact that intensely used areas are cleaned
and cultural material, including tool sets, have .been removed and discarded in secondary
refuse middens. Such material is thus found in secondary context.
This study, using micro-debitage and other utility debris left behind after cleaning, has
been able to trace the larger artifact classes associated with the micro-debitage and utility
debris left at the primary contexts after cleaning. The utility of reduction analysis as a
typological tool has been demonstrated Curation, use and modification of tools generate
unique waste products. The location on the site and density of such products has also been
used as an indicator of different activities.
This study is a departure from the traditional activity model and opens a new pathway for
the identification of activity areas at PN sites. | en |
