The First Directly Dated Evidence for Palaeolithic Occupation on the Indian Coast at Sandhav, Kachchh
New study indicates Middle Palaeolithic people lived near the Indian Ocean coastline over 100,000 years ago, but shared common behaviours with inland populations.
Credit: © J. Blinkhorn
Investigations into the earliest eastward expansions of our African ancestors across Asia have historically focused on coastal ‘highways’ of dispersal associated with Late Palaeolithic toolkits after 60,000 years ago. Over the past decade, scholars have instead begun to argue for multiple continental routes of migration, not dependent upon following the coastline, associated with different Middle Palaeolithic toolkits during the last interglacial phase (128,000-71,000 years ago). However, the absence of archaeological sites of the right timeframe found near the coastline has prevented any clear testing of these alternatives.
The paper, published by an international team of researchers, reports evidence from the site of Sandhav, in the Naira Valley, approximately 15 kilometers from the modern coastline and at the margin of the modern Indian Ocean Monsoonal zone. Previous research in the Naira Valley indicated the presence of sediment formations of the right timeframe to examine possible coastal occupations, and preliminary surveys revealed evidence of Palaeolithic occupation. Excavations revealed a Middle Palaeolithic occupation of Sandhav, associated with a period of enhanced monsoon and wetter environments.
Among the stone tools recovered from the key, dated horizon, the authors report a distinctive tanged point that may have been used as the tip for a spear or attached to a handle and used as a knife. The authors indicate that these types of tools are found among the oldest Middle Palaeolithic toolkits across India, which have now been attributed to modern human populations. The paper suggests that, rather than representing a distinct adaptation to coastal environments, this occupation shares a common suite of behaviours seen at continental sites, supporting complex and diverse terrestrial models of Middle Palaeolithic dispersal.
Citation: The first directly dated evidence for Palaeolithic occupation on the Indian coast at Sandhav, Kachchh. Blinkhorn, J., Ajithprasad, P., Mukherjee, A., Kumar, P., Durcan, J. A., Roberts, P.
Source: http://www.ineffableisland.com/2019/11/the-first-directly-dated-evidence-for.html
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).
The history of the creation of the world is very interesting. Too bad there’s no time machine yet.