What the study found
Nubian Levallois cores at Tweefontein are described as one extreme of a continuum of preferential Levallois reduction, rather than a fully separate core type. The study also notes that these cores occur alongside distinct radial and opposed-platform reduction strategies.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors suggest that 3D analysis can help move beyond typological categories and better capture local technological adaptations. They also say this is especially relevant in southern Africa, where heterogeneous terminology makes comparison between assemblages difficult.
What the researchers tested
The researchers studied a large Nubian core assemblage from the open-air site of Tweefontein in South Africa together with other prepared core forms. They used 3D geometric morphometrics and other quantitative methods to examine variation in core morphology and technology and to assess how distinct specific core types are.
What worked and what didn't
The analysis indicated that Tweefontein Nubian Levallois represents one extreme of preferential Levallois reduction. The study also found that it occurs alongside radial and opposed-platform reduction strategies, and the authors state that southern African Nubian cores are geographically, temporally, and culturally separated from other instances of this technology.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not provide detailed limitations beyond noting that southern African prepared-core terminology is heterogeneous. The findings are specific to Tweefontein and to the comparisons described in the abstract.
Key points
- Tweefontein Nubian Levallois cores are presented as one extreme of a preferential Levallois continuum.
- The assemblage also includes distinct radial and opposed-platform reduction strategies.
- The study used 3D geometric morphometrics and other quantitative methods to compare core forms.
- The authors say 3D analysis can help move beyond typological categories and capture local technological adaptations.
- The abstract says southern African Nubian cores are geographically, temporally, and culturally separated from other instances of this technology.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Tweefontein Nubian cores form part of a broader reduction continuum
- Authors:
- Emily Hallinan, Matthew Shaw, Candice Shaw, Osama Samawi
- Institutions:
- University of Johannesburg, University of Algarve, University of Toronto
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-09
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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