Uncovering the Late Pleistocene LSA of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa: Early Results from Iron Pig Rock Shelter

Research at Iron Pig Rock Shelter, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, reveals new insights into the Late Pleistocene Later Stone Age (LSA) occupation of northeastern South Africa. The site provides a well-dated sequence from >16000 to <9000 cal BP, associated with the Robberg techno-complex. Lithic analysis of layers 5 and 6 suggests gradual temporal shifts in technology, indicating short-term changing traditions. Comparative review highlights significant research gaps in the region, emphasizing the need for further study. This work contributes to a broader understanding of human behavior during the Late Pleistocene in South Africa.

Bader, G. D., Linstädter, J., & Schoeman, M. H. (2020). Uncovering the Late Pleistocene LSA of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa: Early Results from Iron Pig Rock Shelter. Journal of African Archaeology, 18(1), 19–37. https://doi.org/10.1163/21915784-20200003