Two methods on one stone: Integrating visual and analytical techniques to clarify lithic raw material utilization in the Middle and Later Stone Age at Umhlatuzana rockshelter (South Africa)

We develop a study protocol to efficiently and accurately identify the raw material categories constituting lithic assemblages at Umhlatuzana rockshelter, South Africa. combine visual analytical methods establish database provide more accurate insight into selection during Pleistocene Middle Later Stone Age occupational sequence of Umhlatuzana. The combines petrological properties (as studied on micromorphological samples), elemental composition specimens measured with p-XRF) characterization by analysts. tested applying it sample piece-plotted lithics from four spits across stratigraphic sequence. document intensive use sandstone accounting for 25% sample. also report larger importance hornfels lower proportion quartz than was reported in previous analyses (Kaplan 1990). combination p-XRF analysis demonstrates that only inspection, variability materials used may be misinterpreted. With datasets, we are better equipped answer techno-economic questions southern African Age.