Processing and Production: A Comparative Technological and Functional Study of Worked Bone from 14–8 ka in South Africa

Abstract

Bone working is considered a key characteristic of the Oakhurst period (c. 14–8 ka) in southern Africa. Yet few detailed studies and regional analyses have been undertaken on worked bone from this time period. Here, we present a dedicated techno-functional study of worked bone from the Oakhurst period at three sites across South Africa: Jubilee Shelter, Rose Cottage Cave, and Nelson Bay Cave. Our results show a chaîne opératoire that uses bipartition and segmentation during the reduction sequence and prioritises function over style or decoration. Usewear results indicate that bone tools were likely used in animal skin processing, leather working and plant working activities and in the production of minimally modified bone beads. The usewear recorded here highlights the considerable amount of time dedicated to processing and production during the Oakhurst and adds to our understanding of the range of activities, particularly those involving perishable plant-based materials, practiced from 14 to 8 ka in southern Africa.