New archaeological and geological research at SHK main site (Bed II, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania)

Abstract

This work presents the new round of archaeological research undertaken in SHK Main site since 2009. Through new geological correlations and dating within the Bed II sequence and a new stratigraphic description of the site, new chronological and contextual information is provided for this site. Archaeo-stratigraphic analysis of the vertical distribution of the archaeological aggregate, a GIS-based restitution of the horizontal associations, and a taphonomic interpretation of the formation processes allow a first intra-site analysis of this high-density anthropogenic patch within the paleo-landscape of the Olduvai basin.