Periodic Reporting for period 1 - WAMSA (Human and Cultural Dynamics in the West African Middle Stone Age)
Berichtszeitraum: 2022-01-01 bis 2023-12-31
This MSC Action is titled “West African Middle Stone Age Dynamics.” The project aims to bring element of response to West African evolutionary sequence and its implication in our understanding of human origins and cultural evolution. This effort holds significance on a global scale as it sheds light on the later stages of human evolution, particularly in a region that has been significantly underexplored.
Past societies witnessed significant environmental changes, but managed to survive and thrive for thousands of years. The project examines how climatic changes during the final Pleistocene influenced human populations. This historical perspective can inform current studies on climate change, offering valuable lessons on human plasticity and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Similarly, The findings from this project can be incorporated into educational curricula, helping to teach future generations about the diverse and interconnected history of humanity. Highlighting West Africa's contribution to human history fosters a sense of pride and identity among contemporary populations in the region. It also ensures that the cultural heritage of these communities is recognized and preserved. The investigated period is critical in human evolution, featured by significant developments in toolmaking, symbolic behavior, ecological expansion of occupied niches. Finally, by studying these changes, contemporary societies can gain deeper understanding of the factors that driven human evolution and the origins of keys aspects of modern behavior and cognition.
To sum up, central to the project is the examination of 1) the extent to which west Africa was affected by global Pleistocene climatic changes and possible impacts on human populations, (2) the possible role of West African refugia in supporting population isolation (3) the patterning of technological diversity and ecological diversity vs possible cultural boundary.
Past societies witnessed significant environmental changes, but managed to survive and thrive for thousands of years. The project examines how climatic changes during the final Pleistocene influenced human populations. This historical perspective can inform current studies on climate change, offering valuable lessons on human plasticity and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Similarly, The findings from this project can be incorporated into educational curricula, helping to teach future generations about the diverse and interconnected history of humanity. Highlighting West Africa's contribution to human history fosters a sense of pride and identity among contemporary populations in the region. It also ensures that the cultural heritage of these communities is recognized and preserved. The investigated period is critical in human evolution, featured by significant developments in toolmaking, symbolic behavior, ecological expansion of occupied niches. Finally, by studying these changes, contemporary societies can gain deeper understanding of the factors that driven human evolution and the origins of keys aspects of modern behavior and cognition.
To sum up, central to the project is the examination of 1) the extent to which west Africa was affected by global Pleistocene climatic changes and possible impacts on human populations, (2) the possible role of West African refugia in supporting population isolation (3) the patterning of technological diversity and ecological diversity vs possible cultural boundary.
The project focused on the techno-cultural patterning and sequence of West African Middle Stone Age during the final Pleistocene. Dr. Niang relied on lithic attribute analysis, complemented by exploratory multivariate analysis, and model simulation. Through this work, she reinforced her skills in statistical analysis and acquired new competencies in programming languages (R, Python), machine learning, and geospatial analysis. Additionally, she gained expertise in simulation through supervised training, online courses, and seminars at the Max Planck Institute (Geoanthropology)
The study utilized data collected from literature and previous research, along with new data gathered during visits to Cheikh Anta University. This effort resulted in the creation of a comprehensive database, including five new Middle Stone Age (MSA) sites from coastal West Africa. Over 35000 measurements were recorded for the technological description of these lithic collections. Furthermore, a West African database encompassing 64 sites/archaeological layers. For each site, the presence or absence of stone tools, chronometric data, and geographical coordinates were recorded.
The main results of this project 1) pushed the West African MSA origins to 150ka 2) reinforced the model of long-lasting stability of this cultural stage in the region 3) and demonstrated it’s thigh correlation with climate stability including estuarine refugia. This finding significantly supports the argument that the MSA, and by extension, human presence, has deep roots in West Africa. Additionally, it demonstrates the 4) early exploitation of mangroves by humans, highlighting the versatility of early human societies in this region. The results of this project also demonstrate the importance of 5) Integrating techno-cultural research with insights from related fields such as paleoecology and computational models to address crucial questions about Homo sapiens dispersal across Africa and their cultural diversity.
The results are documented in peer-reviewed journals, with one article published and two currently underway. Additionally, two other papers are in preparation. Also, an encyclopedia entry about the Middle Stone Age in tropical Africa, and role of women in west African archaeology were produced. Findings of the project have been presented at six international conferences and workshops, with 1 abstract included in the conference proceedings. Furthermore, the results were shared with the wider public through a press release that was published on four websites. Furthermore, two presentations were delivered at public schools, where archaeology was explained, fieldwork activities recorded by the researcher were showcased, and the project results were presented.
The study utilized data collected from literature and previous research, along with new data gathered during visits to Cheikh Anta University. This effort resulted in the creation of a comprehensive database, including five new Middle Stone Age (MSA) sites from coastal West Africa. Over 35000 measurements were recorded for the technological description of these lithic collections. Furthermore, a West African database encompassing 64 sites/archaeological layers. For each site, the presence or absence of stone tools, chronometric data, and geographical coordinates were recorded.
The main results of this project 1) pushed the West African MSA origins to 150ka 2) reinforced the model of long-lasting stability of this cultural stage in the region 3) and demonstrated it’s thigh correlation with climate stability including estuarine refugia. This finding significantly supports the argument that the MSA, and by extension, human presence, has deep roots in West Africa. Additionally, it demonstrates the 4) early exploitation of mangroves by humans, highlighting the versatility of early human societies in this region. The results of this project also demonstrate the importance of 5) Integrating techno-cultural research with insights from related fields such as paleoecology and computational models to address crucial questions about Homo sapiens dispersal across Africa and their cultural diversity.
The results are documented in peer-reviewed journals, with one article published and two currently underway. Additionally, two other papers are in preparation. Also, an encyclopedia entry about the Middle Stone Age in tropical Africa, and role of women in west African archaeology were produced. Findings of the project have been presented at six international conferences and workshops, with 1 abstract included in the conference proceedings. Furthermore, the results were shared with the wider public through a press release that was published on four websites. Furthermore, two presentations were delivered at public schools, where archaeology was explained, fieldwork activities recorded by the researcher were showcased, and the project results were presented.
The "West African Middle Stone Age Dynamics" project aimed to advance current knowledge by focusing on an underexplored region through an integration of techno-cultural studies with paleoecology and computational models. By unveiling a persistent technological profile in the West African Middle Stone Age (MSA), dating back to an unexpectedly early period of 150,000 years ago, the WAMSA project marks a significant milestone in enhancing our understanding of Late Pleistocene technological behavior and reconstruct the paleogeographic context of the Middle Stone Age (MSA) in the region. The results revealed a striking constancy in paleoenvironmental conditions, including the presence of estuarine refugia, throughout this timeframe. The main publication detailing these findings is openly accessible.
These advances challenge previous assumptions about the region's history, suggesting a deeper and more continuous human presence than previously believed. Additionally, these results provide insights into hypotheses regarding the intra African dispersal of Homo sapiens, and the potential isolation of West African communities likely featured by low-density populations. By unravelling the nature of the archaeological record in West Africa and its potential drivers, the project helps bridge the knowledge gap between this region and the rest of the continent. This, in turn, contributes to constructing a comprehensive narrative of human evolution in Africa, enriching our collective understanding of our shared evolutionary history.
The potential impacts of this project are significant. Scientifically, it contributes to a more complete understanding of human evolution and establishes innovative research methodologies. From a cultural and educational point of view, it will increase awareness and documentation of West African cultural heritage, enrich educational materials, and promote a more inclusive understanding of human history.
The project acted as a bridge between academic research and public accessibility. In addition to the project’s site, the researcher is building a website (www.westafricanstoneage.com) to enhance communication, share results, and provide insights into archaeological science for a wider audience. This effort, extending beyond the duration of the MSCA action, aims to create a lasting impact and encourage collaboration among researchers and educators. Another notable outcome of the project is the transfer of acquired knowledge (WP2) to future generations of African archaeologists through the fellow's teaching activities at an African university.
These advances challenge previous assumptions about the region's history, suggesting a deeper and more continuous human presence than previously believed. Additionally, these results provide insights into hypotheses regarding the intra African dispersal of Homo sapiens, and the potential isolation of West African communities likely featured by low-density populations. By unravelling the nature of the archaeological record in West Africa and its potential drivers, the project helps bridge the knowledge gap between this region and the rest of the continent. This, in turn, contributes to constructing a comprehensive narrative of human evolution in Africa, enriching our collective understanding of our shared evolutionary history.
The potential impacts of this project are significant. Scientifically, it contributes to a more complete understanding of human evolution and establishes innovative research methodologies. From a cultural and educational point of view, it will increase awareness and documentation of West African cultural heritage, enrich educational materials, and promote a more inclusive understanding of human history.
The project acted as a bridge between academic research and public accessibility. In addition to the project’s site, the researcher is building a website (www.westafricanstoneage.com) to enhance communication, share results, and provide insights into archaeological science for a wider audience. This effort, extending beyond the duration of the MSCA action, aims to create a lasting impact and encourage collaboration among researchers and educators. Another notable outcome of the project is the transfer of acquired knowledge (WP2) to future generations of African archaeologists through the fellow's teaching activities at an African university.