Autochthonous anisotropy of archaeological materials by the action of water: experimental and archaeological reassessment of the orientation patterns at the Olduvai sites

Anisotropic patterns documented indirectly through M. Leakey's drawings of Olduvai archaeological sites have led to questions about the integrity of these sites. Most experiments on bone transport by water have been carried out using complete elements that do not replicate specimen bone breakag...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of archaeological science 2014-01, Vol.41, p.44-68
Main Authors: Domínguez-Rodrigo, M., Uribelarrea, D., Santonja, M., Bunn, H.T., García-Pérez, A., Pérez-González, A., Panera, J., Rubio-Jara, S., Mabulla, A., Baquedano, E., Yravedra, J., Diez-Martín, F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Africa
Analysis of archaeological features
Anisotropy
Autochthony
Bonebed
Isotropy
Methodology and general studies
Orientation patterns
Prehistory and protohistory
Southern and East Africa
Symmetrical longitudinal axis
Taphonomy
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Summary:Anisotropic patterns documented indirectly through M. Leakey's drawings of Olduvai archaeological sites have led to questions about the integrity of these sites. Most experiments on bone transport by water have been carried out using complete elements that do not replicate specimen bone breakage and size as documented in archaeological sites. In the present work, an experimental framework is provided using experimental proxies of archaeological assemblages. Results show that autochthonous assemblages affected by hydraulic processes can adopt anisotropy in their fabric. Archaeological comparisons between drawings and excavated sites at Olduvai stress the bias in Leakey's drawings of FLK Zinj and FLK North in Bed I. A large-scale open excavation recently carried out at TK (Bed II) exposes an area comparable in size to Leakey's excavations. Comparing the orientation patterns of this site to those reported by Leakey, shows how biased the drawing of the site is and how easily this can lead to misinterpretations of isotropy/anisotropy, with fatal consequences for the understanding of site formation processes. •Fluvial settings can generate anisotropic assemblages that are autochthonous.•The Olduvai sites show orientation patterns depending on the source of information.•Comparison between recent excavations and Leakey's maps shows profound discordances.•Compass and clinometers produce more accurate orientation estimates than drawings.
ISSN:0305-4403
1095-9238
DOI:10.1016/j.jas.2013.07.025