2025/01/15 by Laure Dayet, María Lorenzo Martínez, Katja Douze +11 · 1 voice
Social Sciences · Earth and Planetary Sciences · #Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology #Archaeology and Rock Art Studies #Archaeology and ancient environmental studies
paper · doi:10.1016/j.jas.2024.106150
openalex publication_date 2025/01/15 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Despite new impetus for Late Pleistocene research in West Africa, little is known about the range of Middle Stone Age behaviours in this region. Yet, the multiplicity of Middle Stone Age lithic technologies testifies to significant behavioural and demographic dynamics, marked by innovation and adaptability. Here, we present the first in-depth analysis of ochre remains in West Africa. New data from Toumboura III site, eastern Senegal, dated between 40 ± 3 and 30 ± 3 ka, point towards the use of ochre pieces as part of an occasional and specialized ochre crushing activity, probably dedicated to the production of powders, as well as the use of ochre sticks. Ochre pieces were studied at both macro and microscopic levels and while some of this iron-rich material likely accumulated in the deposits without anthropogenic intervention, another significant set of ochre pieces was found that was likely processed in situ . The impact scars on the pieces are not as striking as grinding traces for evidencing human exploitation. Nonetheless, they cannot be explained by natural phenomena. These remains could represent the earliest known evidence of ochre exploitation in Senegal. They potentially open new perspectives on symbolic behaviours in the Middle Stone Age of West Africa. They show that the full range of human behaviours in this region is yet far from being captured. • The first in-depth analysis of an ochre collection from the Middle Stone Age of West Africa. • The chemical composition is suitable for pigment use. • Percussion marks are observed. • Evidence suggests that ochre was exploited at Toumboura III. • The processing of ochre is in favour of a behavioural diversity.