Human Adaptive Strategies in Eastern Lake Turkana Region During the Holocene Period
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Date
2003-10Author
Ndiema, Kimuma E
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The reconstruction of past human behavioral patterns from material remains
recovered from archaeological record is one of the major goals of archaeology. It
is recognized that these patterns of human behavior are the result of a complex set
of interplay between cultural and environmental factors. In order to achieve this
goal, it is argued that the archaeologist must have a well-founded knowledge on
how the recovered materials, were used. In this study, 1 explore human adaptive
strategies in resource exploitation using microlithics at the Galana Boi deposits
(Holocene) within the Koobi Fora formation. The sites that are examined in the eastern shores of Lake Turkana are,
GaJi4 at Dangodien, FwJj5 at lleret, Ga.Ji l2 at Alia Bay and FxJj 12N at Karari.
This work is different from previous Barthelme (1983), Nelson (1973) done in the
study area because of its approach, organization and treatment of data. Previous
research for example Batherlrne (1983) seemed to have paid attention to regional
site comparisons with emphasis on land use patterns. Replicated tools are used to perform some tasks to find the micro edge
damage which is compared with those formed on tools recovered from the
archaeological record using a low power microscope at x40 magnit1cation. This is
important in shaping our understanding of the complex nature of the derived
behavior patterns among the llolocene toolmakers.
Indeed functional and experimental studies provide an insight into the tasks
that these tools might have performed. Based on the analysis of edge wear on different 100ls from Levallios technology it appears quite well to accommodate the
notion of highly skilled toolmakers.
Experimental and functional analysis of tools recovered from the Holocene
deposits has brought up several issues relating to adaptive strategies. The data
presented here is in line with more generalized subsistence strategy based on
locally available resources. The idea of Levallois technique is found to be
consistent. with the specialized approach to subsistence but what can be inferred
from stone manufacture and usage in the centralized location of the settlements.
The level of artistic coordination is also found to be amazingly high.
Sponsorhip
University of NairobiSubject
Human adaptive strategiesLake Turkana region
Holocene period
Microwave wear
Functional analysis