The Epipalaeolithic Reoccupation of the Eastern Sahara
Africa Praehistorica Heinrich-Barth-Institut, Cologne, (2023)Abstract
The aim of this work is to contribute to the understanding of the post-glacial recolonisation of the present-day desert region by empirically investigating selected Epipalaeolithic sites from the core area of the Eastern Sahara. The focus is on the endeavour to gain insights into the process of colonisation based on the modelling of land use patterns. While differences in basic mould production can be attributed to the availability and/or properties of the rock raw materials, typological differences are primarily related to functional aspects. In addition, the tool classes of the back-blunted lamellae and the geometric microliths also exhibit a certain temporal variability. A principal component analysis of these tool classes highlights the chronological relevance of certain types. Based on this model and other data presented in this thesis, central aspects of the post-glacial colonisation of the Eastern Sahara are discussed in the final chapter. Finally, open research questions and possibilities for future research are addressed.