Leiden University Student Repository

Cousin, Stephanie (2013)

The origins of the Levallois technique: a comparative analysis of African and European sites

Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)

The aim of this thesis is to provide a better understanding of the characteristics and context of the transition from the Early Stone Age/Lower Palaeolithic to the Middle Stone Age/Middle Palaeolithic in Africa and Europe. This boundary is defined by a crucial change in lithic industries, more exactly by the emergence of the so-called ‘Mode 3 industries’, which is characterized by manufacturing standardized flakes. The production of such products can be done if the core is prepared in a specific way, a concept which is generally known as the Levallois technique. This form of prepared core technology is connected to the appearance of Neanderthals in Europe and early modern humans in Africa. The apparent 'sudden' occurence of Levallois products can therefore provide more information on these evolutionary events in terms of possible contact, migration and/or acculturation.

Levallois Africa Europe

Author

Cousin, Stephanie

Faculty

Faculty of Archaeology

Specialisation

RMA Human Origins

Supervisors

Roebroeks, J.W.M.

ECTS Credits

35

Language

en