Human Occupation and Environmental Change in the Sahara
Author Information
Author(s): Sereno Paul C., Garcea Elena A. A., Jousse Hélène, Stojanowski Christopher M., Saliège Jean-François, Maga Abdoulaye, Ide Oumarou A., Knudson Kelly J., Mercuri Anna Maria, Stafford Thomas W. Jr., Kaye Thomas G., Giraudi Carlo, N'siala Isabella Massamba, Cocca Enzo, Moots Hannah M., Dutheil Didier B., Stivers Jeffrey P.
Primary Institution: University of Chicago
Hypothesis
How did climatic fluctuations during the Holocene affect human populations in the Sahara?
Conclusion
The study reveals that early Holocene occupants at Gobero were sedentary hunter-fisher-gatherers, while mid-Holocene populations were more gracile and adapted to a diversified subsistence economy.
Supporting Evidence
- The Gobero site complex includes approximately 200 burials.
- Two main occupational phases were identified based on radiocarbon dating.
- The early Holocene cemetery at Gobero is the earliest recorded in the Sahara.
- Population replacement occurred after a harsh arid hiatus.
- Craniometric analysis shows similarities between early Holocene occupants and other populations in North Africa.
- Mid-Holocene occupants had a diversified subsistence economy.
- Pollen analysis indicates a mosaic of habitats during the mid-Holocene.
- Artifacts found suggest a sedentary lifestyle among early Holocene populations.
Takeaway
A long time ago, people lived by a lake in the Sahara, and when the weather changed, they had to move and adapt to new ways of living.
Methodology
The study used radiocarbon dating and analysis of burial sites to understand human occupation patterns and environmental changes.
Potential Biases
There may be risks of bias due to the reliance on specific burial sites and the preservation conditions of remains.
Limitations
The study is limited by the availability of direct dating and the potential for bias in the archaeological record.
Participant Demographics
The study focuses on human populations from the early to mid-Holocene in the Sahara.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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