The significance of biface-rich assemblages : an examination of behavioural controls on lithic assemblage formation in the Lower Palaeolithic

Pope, Matthew Ian (2002) The significance of biface-rich assemblages : an examination of behavioural controls on lithic assemblage formation in the Lower Palaeolithic. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

Biface-rich assemblages are a problematic and widespread feature of the Early and Middle Pleistocene. They do however, form part of a potentially significant pattern of Lower Palaeolithic assemblage variability. Acheulean industries appear to be restricted to localised areas within palaeolandscapes and are sometimes absent from entire regions during particular time periods. The factors leading to the formation of biface-rich assemblages are, however, ambiguous. Many are recovered from fluvially disturbed contexts suggesting a possible hydraulic role in their formation. The close association with fluvial activity complicates the analysis of this phenomenon by obscuring any role that may have been played by hominins in assemblage formation.

This thesis sets out to examine biface-rich assemblages and their significance for wider patterns of assemblage variability in the Lower Palaeolithic. This is achieved through the taphonomic analysis of two key assemblages from the Middle Pleistocene site of Boxgrove. The results suggest that the observed bimodality between assemblages rich in bifaces and those lacking these tools is primarily a behavioural phenomenon. In addition, the distribution of assemblages within the Boxgrove palaeolandscape is taken to demonstrate that archaic Homo sapiens sometimes operated complex and structured systems of tool transport and land use.

This thesis concludes by suggesting that structured patterns of artefact discard are a recurrent feature of the Lower Palaeolithic record. Biface-rich assemblages should be viewed alongside the increased transport of raw materials, standardised artefact forms and evidence for predation as forming part of a suite of more complex behaviours seen to emerge during the Middle Pleistocene.

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