Les comportements de subsistance en Afrique du Nord-Ouest durant la transition Pléistocène supérieur/Holocène : entre homogénéité et variations stratégiques

Preliminary data on the exploitation of marine malacofauna by the Iberomaurusian groups of the Abri Alain rock shelter (Oran, Algeria)

“…1-12), H. Camps-Fabrer (1994) indicates that sea urchin spicules are present, as well as Mytilidae, Patellidae and Trochidae shells. However, she notes the absence of fish remains, which is not the case at Abri Alain or in the sites in the Babor region (Arambourg et al 1934;Saxon et al 1974;Merzoug 2017). Our results concerning the malacofauna consumed by the Iberomaurusian groups of Abri Alain thus confirm and complete our observations.…”

“…In addition, in his publication, P. Pallary (1934) indicates that the marine molluscs, and in particular those that were consumed, are mainly present in the "black layer". The same applies to the Babor region where the mollusc shells are mainly present in the upper levels of the stratigraphies (Arambourg et al 1934;Saxon et al 1974;Merzoug 2017) and where, for example, the increase in fishing resources, with Patellidae and Trochidae in particular (mainly Phorcus turbinatus), is observed towards 17-16 ka cal BP at Taza 1 (fig. 1-20, Merzoug 2017).…”

“…These families are also well represented in the Babor region (Afalou Bou Rhummel, Tamar Hat et Taza 1;fig. 1-18-19-20) (Arambourg et al 1934;Saxon et al 1974;Merzoug 2017). In Rachgoun (Algeria, fig.…”

“…These observations are similar to what we describe at Abri Alain. If at Abri Alain, the majority of the shells seem to have been used for ornamental purposes, the more recent excavations at Afalou Bou Rhummel (1983)(1984)(1985)(1986)(1987)(1988)(1989)(1990)(1991)(1992)(1993) and Taza 1 (1984)(1985)(1986)(1987)(1988)(1989)(1990)(1991)(1992)(1993) showed that limpet remains, for example are more abundant than the molluscs not used for dietary purposes (Hachi 2003;Merzoug 2017). Our work provides some information on the elements making up the ornaments used during the Iberomaurusian, but only an indepth analysis of the ornamental elements will contribute to the development of current research on this culture, and help to define its identity and the settlement dynamics in northwest Africa.…”

Ichnological and archaeological evidence from Gombore II OAM, Melka Kunture, Ethiopia: An integrated approach to reconstruct local environments and biological presences between 1.2 and 0.85 Ma

“…In later prehistoric times, unionoids are well recorded as part of hominin diet (e.g. Girod, 2005;Rabett et al, 2011;Szabó and Amesbury, 2011;Peres et al, 2016;Merzoug, 2017). Consequently it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they were a small but valuable resource for the Pleistocene hominins of Melka Kunture.…”