Diversification and experimentation

Late Acacus hunter-gatherers in the Tadrart Acacus region exhibited significant cultural diversification during the Early Holocene, marked by the emergence of pottery and increased use of grinding equipment. This period saw a shift toward a broader dietary spectrum, including terrestrial and aquatic foods, with evidence suggesting early experimentation in managing wild Barbary sheep and cultivating wild cereals. The material culture and settlement patterns indicate extensive inter-regional networks connecting the central Sahara to neighboring regions. Archaeobotanical records further support the exploitation of grassland grains, reflecting an adaptive response to the expanding grasslands. This study highlights a pivotal phase in Saharan prehistory characterized by technological innovation and complex subsistence strategies.

di Lernia, S. (2022). Diversification and experimentation. Saharan Hunter-Gatherers, 55–86. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003083580-4