Methodological Considerations in the Study of Oldowan Raw Material Selectivity: Insights from A. L. 894 (Hadar, Ethiopia)

Abstract

A study of raw material selection patterns at a Late Pliocene Oldowan site (A. L. 894, Hadar, Ethiopia) raised methodological questions inherent specifically to the study of the very early lithic assemblages. These in turn have a significant effect on our understanding of patterns of raw material selection and use as well as inferences about hominin cognitive abilities and ecological adaptations. Here we identify some of these methodological problems and propose potential ways of addressing them.