archaeology article

A B S T R A C T
In this paper the new excavations at Klasies River main site are introduced and the first results presented and
linked with previous work, establishing a baseline for future reporting. Data from the earliest phase of the SAS
member, comprising the basal SASU and SASL sub-members from caves 1 and 1A are discussed. A new U-Th date
of 126.0 ± 1.5 ka on flowstone associated with fallen tufa material within the base of the SASU sub-member
provides a maximum age for this part of the sequence. The lowermost SASU sub-member formed most likely
around 100 000 years ago during a period associated with increased precipitation whereas the age of the underlying
SASL sub-member is uncertain. The SASU sub-member contains in situ deposits that include hearths, in
contrast to the underlying SASL sub-member that was subject to post depositional disturbance. Despite the
different site formation processes the lithic industry of both sub-members is similar although quartz utilization is
somewhat more prominent in the SASL sub-member. The main reduction strategy involves a parallel unidirectional
convergent method to produce quartzite blade and point blanks with rare retouch. Relatively more
browsing fauna and riparian species, indicating more closed environments, occur in the SASU layers. The older
SASL sub-member, not previously described as an independent unit, contains relatively more grazers suggesting
drier and more open habitats. It is vital to link evidence from coastal sites such as Klasies River to data from the
interior to promote insight into modern human origins from a wider landscape perspective. The work of James
Brink, to whom this paper is dedicated, is invaluable in developing this connection.
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