Sample name: Enkapune Ya Muto (RBL2.1)

Sample aka: Twilight Cave

Reference: C. W. Marean. 1992. Hunter to herder: large mammal remains from the hunter-gatherer occupation at Enkapune Ya Muto rock-shelter, Central Rift, Kenya. The African Archaeological Review 10(1):65-127 [ER 3705]

Lithology: ash

Taphonomic context: human accumulation, rock shelter

Archaeology: ceramics, stone tools

Habitat comments: "The Mau Escarpment is mostly formed of volcanic ashes and tufts with occasional outcrops of agglomerates and more heavily consolidated lavas. The stratigraphy was complex but the layers were typically distinct and horizontal".
"The six major EYM aggregates preserve various forms of evidence inconsistent with accumulations by porcupines and carnivores, indicating persistent occupation of the shelter by people".
Human accumulation of the remains is "further substantiated by the density of artefacts and the high frequencies of cutmarks on the bones". Stone tools of the Eburran industry, "characterized by geometric and non-geometric microliths produced from narrow blades of obsidian", are present, along with Salasun, Nderit, and Ileret ceramics.

Life forms: carnivores, primates, rodents, ungulates, other large mammals

Sampling methods: quarry

Sample size: 326 specimens

Net or trap nights: 0

Basal area status: not applicable

Sampling comments: "The site was excavated during the two field seasons in 18 1-m squares, placed primarily in the northern section of the rock-shelter. The depth of the deposits, over 5 m, along with a rock shelf warranted reduction of the area excavated in the deeper deposits".

Sample no: 3915

Contributor no: Benjamin Carter

Enterer: Benjamin Carter

Created: 2022-03-07 13:03:59

Modified: 2023-05-29 23:33:32