A 100,000-Year-Old Ochre-Processing Workshop at Blombos Cave, South Africa

作者：Henshilwood Christopher S^*; d'Errico Francesco; van Niekerk Karen L; Coquinot Yvan; Jacobs Zenobia; Lauritzen Stein Erik; Menu Michel; Garcia Moreno Renata

来源：Science, 2011, 334(6053): 219-222.

DOI：10.1126/science.1211535

The conceptual ability to source, combine, and store substances that enhance technology or social practices represents a benchmark in the evolution of complex human cognition. Excavations in 2008 at Blombos Cave, South Africa, revealed a processing workshop where a liquefied ochre-rich mixture was produced and stored in two Haliotis midae (abalone) shells 100,000 years ago. Ochre, bone, charcoal, grindstones, and hammerstones form a composite part of this production toolkit. The application of the mixture is unknown, but possibilities include decoration and skin protection.

• 出版日期2011-10-14