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<p>Pointed tools are common throughout the Acheulean–Middle Stone Age (MSA: ~300–35&#xa0;ka) transition and are often considered a hallmark of the MSA. Produced through different reduction systems, they provide an opportunity to examine whether variation in lithic reduction strategies is associated with differences in tool morphology and volumetric properties. To address this, we analyze 115 complete pointed tools from Gademotta (ETH-72-8B) and Kulkuletti (ETH-72-1) in the Main Ethiopian Rift (c. 280–182&#xa0;ka). We combine technological analysis with morpho-volumetric measures (Tip Cross-Sectional Area and Perimeter) and geometric morphometric approaches, including Elliptic Fourier Analysis (EFA) applied to 2D and pseudo-3D outlines derived from 3D models. Despite clear technological differences between assemblages, morphometric analyses reveal extensive overlap. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identifies no discrete shape categories, and multivariate regressions indicate weak allometric effects. Variation in TCSA and TCSP is not statistically significant, although ETH-72-1 shows greater dispersion. A significant difference is observed only at the distal cross-section, indicating localized variation rather than overall morphological divergence. These results indicate that technological variation did not produce distinct morphological outcomes but instead generated continuous variability within a shared design framework, reflecting limited variability rather than morphological diversification. These findings further inform the Acheulean-MSA transition, suggesting a reorganization and transformation of production strategies rather than a redesign of tool concepts, and highlighting technological flexibility within stable design frameworks.</p>

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Technological strategies and morphometric variation in MSA pointed tools from Gademotta and Kulkuletti (280–180 ka), Main Ethiopian Rift

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月22日

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  • Misganaw Gebremichael,
  • Lloyd A. Courtenay,
  • Yonas Beyene,
  • Anne Delagnes

摘要

Pointed tools are common throughout the Acheulean–Middle Stone Age (MSA: ~300–35 ka) transition and are often considered a hallmark of the MSA. Produced through different reduction systems, they provide an opportunity to examine whether variation in lithic reduction strategies is associated with differences in tool morphology and volumetric properties. To address this, we analyze 115 complete pointed tools from Gademotta (ETH-72-8B) and Kulkuletti (ETH-72-1) in the Main Ethiopian Rift (c. 280–182 ka). We combine technological analysis with morpho-volumetric measures (Tip Cross-Sectional Area and Perimeter) and geometric morphometric approaches, including Elliptic Fourier Analysis (EFA) applied to 2D and pseudo-3D outlines derived from 3D models. Despite clear technological differences between assemblages, morphometric analyses reveal extensive overlap. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identifies no discrete shape categories, and multivariate regressions indicate weak allometric effects. Variation in TCSA and TCSP is not statistically significant, although ETH-72-1 shows greater dispersion. A significant difference is observed only at the distal cross-section, indicating localized variation rather than overall morphological divergence. These results indicate that technological variation did not produce distinct morphological outcomes but instead generated continuous variability within a shared design framework, reflecting limited variability rather than morphological diversification. These findings further inform the Acheulean-MSA transition, suggesting a reorganization and transformation of production strategies rather than a redesign of tool concepts, and highlighting technological flexibility within stable design frameworks.