A technological analysis of the Oldowan and Developed Oldowan Assemblages from Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania
This study investigates the validity of Mary Leakeyâs original distinction between the Classic Oldowan and the Developed Oldowan A (DOA) at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. Until now, the majority of academic research into the nature of the Developed Oldowan has concentrated on the Developed Oldowan B (DOB) / Acheulean distinction, with little attention paid to the Oldowan / DOA differentiation. In addition most studies rely heavily either on Leakeyâs original data and / or typological classification system. Recent modern technological studies, based on first hand reanalyses of the archaeological material have brought the issue of the Developed Oldowan at Olduvai to the forefront, with some arguing for the removal of both the DOA and B and their inclusion with the Classic Oldowan and Acheulean. These studies, however, have not specifically concentrated on the DOA, and often make recommendations without full analyses of all assemblages. Through first-hand re-analyses of all DOA assemblages and a substantial sample of Oldowan assemblages from Olduvai Gorge, this study aims to address the validity of Leakeyâs original distinction between the non-handaxe-bearing assemblages of Bed I and Lower / Middle Bed II of
Proffitt, T. S. H.
A technological analysis of the Oldowan and Developed Oldowan Assemblages from Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. This study investigates the validity of Mary Leakeyâs original distinction between the Classic Oldowan and the Developed Oldowan A (DOA) at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. Until now, the majority of academic research into the nature of the Developed Oldowan has concentrated on the Developed Oldowan B (DOB) / Acheulean distinction, with little attention paid to the Oldowan / DOA differentiation. In addition most studies rely heavily either on Leakeyâs original data and / or typological classification system. Recent modern technological studies, based on first hand reanalyses of the archaeological material have brought the issue of the Developed Oldowan at Olduvai to the forefront, with some arguing for the removal of both the DOA and B and their inclusion with the Classic Oldowan and Acheulean. These studies, however, have not specifically concentrated on the DOA, and often make recommendations without full analyses of all assemblages. Through first-hand re-analyses of all DOA assemblages and a substantial sample of Oldowan assemblages from Olduvai Gorge, this study aims to address the validity of Leakeyâs original distinction between the non-handaxe-bearing assemblages of Bed I and Lower / Middle Bed II of
technological_analysis developed assemblages tanzania study_investigate validity mary original distinction classic developed tanzania majority academic nature developed concentrate developed acheulean distinction little_attention_pay differentiation addition study rely_heavily either original data typological_classification system recent modern technological study_base first_hand archaeological_material bring issue developed forefront argue removal inclusion classic acheulean study however specifically concentrated often make recommendation without full analysis assemblage first_hand analyses assemblages substantial sample assemblages study aim_address validity original distinction non bearing assemblage bed lower middle bed org