Key Scholars and chronological sites

Henshilwod (2007) Key argument/contribution

• Early evidence showed behavioural modernity was not present until 50 kya but Blombos challenges this

• The evolution of cognitive complexity and anatomy likely occurred in tandem over a long period, not as a sudden revolution.

Lombard & Parsons (2011) key argument

• The MSA-LSA shift is not a single stable transition — it is dynamic and variable

• Gaps in the record (e.g. Post-HP) do not mean regression but may reflect unpredictable cultural memory loss.

Early-Middle MSA sites (300-100 kya)

• Twin Rivers, Zambia

• Pinnacle Point

• Klasies river mouth

• Blombos

Late MSA sites (70-50kya)

• Sibudu

• Still Bay

• Deipkloof

• Umhlatuzana

Transition and early LSA (50-20 kya)

• Post HP Poort (return to larger tools)

• Sehonghong

• Rose cottage cave

• Apollo 11

• Nelson Bay cave

• Boomplaas

Why is Howieson’s Poort important to the debate

• An MSA technocomplex (~65–60 kya) with retouched bladelets, geometric microliths, and engraved OES beads.

• Shows tool size reduction and symbolic behaviour well before the LSA.

• Wadley argues it demonstrates 'modern behaviour' in the MSA

What does neanderthal behaviour add to the debate (D’Errico 2012)

• Neanderthals also exhibited complex behaviours (tool-making, diverse diets, beads, control of fire )disappearing in a staggered manner across Europe, Asia, and Siberia between 50–70 kya.

• This provides a geographic comparison and supports the view that complex behaviour was not exclusive to modern humans or to the LSA period.