Taphonomy of abandoned Maasai settlements in southern Kenya with special reference to livestock enclosures: Implications for the spread of pastoralism in East Africa.

摘要

Early pastoralism in East Africa dates to 5000–4000 BP. Archaeological sites from this period contain relatively few features. Neither do lithics, ceramics, and faunal remains, in these sites, show consistent patterns, a phenomenon thought to be the result of social interactions between pastoralists and hunter-gatherers living in the same area at the same time.; Livestock enclosures are distinctive indicators of pastoral settlements. Thus, the primary goal of this study is to identify enclosure sediments, and in this way to determine whether sites were occupied by pastoralists or hunter-gatherers. Determining the size and placement of other features, such as hearths and trash pits, may also be useful in reconstructing differences in site structure between pastoralists and hunter-gatherers.; Ethnoarchaeological fieldwork focused on Maasai pastoralists in southern Kenya and sampling of sediments in and around livestock enclosures, houses, hearths, trash pits, gates, and fences. A series of settlements were sampled, that ranged in age from currently occupied to long abandoned, creating a 40 year taphonomic sequence. The micromorphology, mineralogy, and phytolith assemblages of the sediments were analyzed in the laboratory.; Field observations showed that 20–30 years after site abandonment, dung in enclosure sediments cannot be recognized visually. It is possible, however, to differentiate enclosure from regional sediments. I have identified a unique microlaminated structure in enclosure sediments. In addition, enclosure sediments, especially caprine, contain a rare mineral, monohydrocalcite. They also contain the mineral opal in the form of phytoliths. Phytoliths are found in high quantities in enclosure sediments relative to regional sediments.; Field observations of other features showed that they are difficult to recognize because within 20 years of abandonment all above ground structures are completely destroyed. Hearths and trash pits, however, can be identified using the same techniques mentioned above.; To identify enclosure sediments and other features in the archaeological record clearly and definitively, all three techniques must be applied together. My study demonstrates that in order to delineate early site formation processes, it is important to combine ethnoarchaeological fieldwork with geoarchaeological laboratory analyses. This approach can be used to investigate the spread of pastoralism in Africa and elsewhere.