Abstract
Abstract : The current theory to account for the presence of primate remains in fossil cave assemblages is predation. An alternative mode of deposition, considered applicable to the Cradle of Humankind, is a death-trap scenario. Taphonomic research, through an actualistic approach, defines criteria to recognise each of these modes of deposition, thus understanding the palaeoenvironments of hominins during the Plio-Pleistocene. Leopards were considered specialist primate hunters and the accumulator of the high percentage of primates found within cave deposits like Swartkrans. Although a sleeping site has been proposed previously to account for high instances of hominin and non-hominin primates, a model has never been formed. Misgrot cave in Northam, Limpopo can be used as the first model of a sleep site, as modern baboons currently use it in this manner. This model is created through a comprehensive analysis of the skeletal remains indicating zooarchaeological counts like NISP, MNI, MNE, and MAU. In addition to this, a comprehensive analysis to determine the taphonomic profile, both abiotic and biotic, of a sleeping site is formed. This cave is accessed via a vertical entry shaft making it virtually inaccessible to quadrupedal animals like bovids and predators with less apt climbing capabilities. The cave contains baboon remains in varying stages of decomposition, including complete mummies. My analysis of the Misgrot assemblage reveals that an assemblage with >85% primates of varying ages and sexes, mummified individuals and articulated material, manganese staining, rodent gnawing, burnt and broken bones form the characteristics of a habitually used cave deposit. This model can be applied to sites that share all or some of these characteristics, particularly if there are a high percentage of primates.
M.A. (Anthropology)