Abstract
Bolts Farm Cave System (BFCS) hosts some of the oldest sites in the Cradle of Humankind; 2 Waypoint 160 (4.5 Ma- 4 Ma) and Aves Cave (3.08-2.54 Ma). Apart from that, 3 approximately 30 fossiliferous sites have been recognised in the system. Femur Dump, a 4 site within BFCS, presents as a mine dump from past limestone mining activity. In close 5 proximity to the dump, lies Pit 23. Due to the closeness, the dump could be material from 6 the site of Pit 23. This study of bovid fossil remains reveals new information concerning 7 Femur Dump and the history of Pit 23. The aim of this project is to conduct a faunal and 8 preliminary taphonomic analysis of the bovid postcrania from Femur Dump. The 9 compilation of habitat and feeding preferences from the identified Femur Dump 10 assemblage, suggests that the material comes from an environment comprising 11 grasslands, some woodland and water a source nearby. The taphonomic analysis presents 12 evidence of carnivore activity, prolonged burial and fluvial events.