Recently, I obtained some images of Nassarius shell beads, dated approximately 80,000 years ago, a little bit older than similar beads from the Howiesons Poort sites in South Africa, but recovered from the archaeological site of Dar es-Soltan, a rockshelter in Morocco. I couldn't post the pictures until I got through a crash course on the Aterian, and today I'm giving up what I've learned about the Aterian—setting the beads in context. Next week will bring the photo essay with the pictures.
The Aterian Middle Stone Age is really fascinating. Dated to something like 40,000 to 80,000 or more years ago, and located in North Africa, the Aterian was once upon thought to be derived from Upper Paleolithic Solutrean because of its tanged and leaflike projectile points (that's one in the illustration), but because of new dating techniques is now believed to be an early expression of anatomically modern humans in Africa, perhaps growing out of the Mousterian tradition in Africa.
There will be a new, I promise, photo essay on the Nassarius beads early next week, but in the meantime, here is an introduction to the Aterian:
Aterian Tanged Point (Pedunculate). Photo by José-Manuel Benito
Comments
Love your site and your updates. I recently retired and I am following a passion for archaeology that I have always had. Keep up the good work.
Roger
great pic of the aterian point, just a note of caution to any collectors who may view this. The aterian points are showing up at more and more places all the time including flea markets and web artifact sites. Advertised as early man artifacts, old world, and neandertal points many are recently produced fakes. As I understand it, many are from the same region but the locals, desperate for income have become quite adept at reproduction, due to the growing demand for “old world” collectibles….rick doninger
Or, better yet, go ahead and buy the recently produced fake. In fact, buy only recently produced fakes. Save an archaeological site and support a local economy!
I wish to thank you for your pages that (you will be happy to hear) pop up constantly in my search for information. I have this year acquired my first Neolithic and Mesopotamian points. Since, I lucked into a gorgeous Aterian point and an interesting Pebble core chopper. Interesting because it is unmistakably pebble culture and a source for sharp flakes, but was found on the channel coast of France. I now have my eye on a sand-polished green jasper handaxe. I’M HOOKED!
Keep up the good work, and Godspeed,
Steve