What the study found
The study found that Nubian Levallois cores at Tweefontein, South Africa, are not separate from other prepared core forms but sit at one extreme of a continuum of preferential Levallois reduction. The authors also report that these cores occur alongside distinct radial and opposed-platform reduction strategies.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that 3D analysis can help move beyond typological categories and better capture local technological adaptations. They also say this is especially relevant because heterogeneous terminology for prepared cores in southern Africa makes comparison between assemblages difficult.
What the researchers tested
The researchers studied a large assemblage of Nubian cores and other prepared core forms from the open-air site of Tweefontein. They used 3D geometric morphometrics, which is a method for measuring shape in three dimensions, along with other quantitative methods to examine core morphology, technology, and the distinctiveness of core types.
What worked and what didn't
Their results indicate that Nubian Levallois at Tweefontein represents one extreme of a continuum of preferential Levallois reduction. The study also found that this occurs alongside radial and opposed-platform reduction strategies, and that 3D analysis can reveal variation beyond simple typological categories.
What to keep in mind
The abstract says the southern African Nubian cores are geographically, temporally, and culturally separated from other instances of this technology. It also notes that the available terminology for prepared cores in southern Africa is heterogeneous, but it does not provide further limitations beyond this scope.
Key points
- Nubian Levallois cores at Tweefontein are described as one extreme of a continuum of preferential Levallois reduction.
- The assemblage also includes distinct radial and opposed-platform reduction strategies.
- The researchers used 3D geometric morphometrics and other quantitative methods to study core shape and technology.
- The authors say 3D analysis can help move beyond typological categories.
- They note that heterogeneous terminology makes comparison between southern African assemblages difficult.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Nubian cores form one end of a Levallois reduction continuum
- Authors:
- Emily Hallinan, Matthew Shaw, Candice Shaw, Osama Samawi
- Institutions:
- University of Algarve, University of Algarve, University of Johannesburg, University of Toronto, University of Toronto
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-09
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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