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Export of Micromorphology samples from Umbeli Belli

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CaseHeader

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Case Type: 

ProposalDescription: 

Since 2016 archaeological research is going on in Umbeli Belli, KwaZulu-Natal, conducted by the University of Tübingen under the leadership of Nicholas Conard and Gregor Bader. Excavations are still in process and uncovered meanwhile a 2 m stratigraphic sequence spanning Middle (MSA) and Later Stone Age time periods. In order to understand the different factors of site formation processes and estimate potential transitional scenarios between different occupational phases at the site we want to use micromorphology. Therefore, we need to export 14 blocks of sediment cut from the profiles of the site which are wrapped in plaster of paris in order to preserve the stratigraphic integrity. The samples will be exported to the University of Tübingen, soaked in resin and subsequently cut into thin-sections. These will be analyzed under the microscope.

Expanded_Motivation: 

Since 2016 archaeological research is going on in Umbeli Belli, KwaZulu-Natal, conducted by the University of Tübingen under the leadership of Nicholas Conard and Gregor Bader. Excavations are still in process and uncovered meanwhile a 2 m stratigraphic sequence spanning Middle (MSA) and Later Stone Age time periods. The lowermost layers 10, 11b and 12 show a very clear pattern in lithic technology pointing strongly towards Levallois technology and OSL dating is in progress. The upper horizons 7 – 9 were dated to between 29 and 40 ka using OSL and belong to the final MSA (Bader et al., 2018). The overlying layers 6, 5 and 3 belong to the late Pleistocene LSA and were dated to between 18 and 27 ka. Layer 1 and 2 where only excavated by Cable (1979) and to 200 and 1140 BP using C14. Thus, Umbeli Belli provides an important stratigraphic sequence which is especially relevant for the end of the MSA and the beginning of the LSA in the eastern part of South Africa. It may also help to understand potential transitional scenarios between the different occupational phases. In order to address taphonomy and anthropogenic influence in site formation processes at the site we want to use a micromorphological approach. We especially want to examine transitional horizons in order to prove our preliminary subdivision of the stratigraphy into 12 archaeological horizons. Furthermore, we want to understand the chemical nature of the sediments and the reason for the pure absence of organic preservation. Therefore we need to export 14 micromorphology blocks covering the entire sequence of Umbeli Belli (Layer 1 – 12). Each of these blocks contains in situ sediment and is about 10 by 10 by 7 cm in size. Micromorphological analysis is a commonly applied method to archaeological sites in order to document site formation processes on a microscopic scale. In situ sediment blocks will be cut out if specific parts of the profile and wrapped in plaster of paris in order to preserve the natural structure of the sediment. In the laboratory than these blocks will be soaked with resin and cut into thin sections that will undergo microscopic analysis making it possible to determine the mode of sedimentation and the different components the sediment consists of.

ApplicationDate: 

Tuesday, January 28, 2020 - 11:16

CaseID: 

14770

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Images
Main profile of Umbeli belli in 2019
 
 

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