Evaluating sampling methods in charcoal-rich layers and high diversity environment: A case study from the Later Stone Age of Bushman Rock Shelter, South Africa

In southern Africa, archaeobotanical studies are intrinsically linked to prehistoric investigation and the discipline of anthracology has already proved its potential for palaeoenvironmental palaeoecological reconstructions. While region benefits from particularly good preservation macro charcoal remains in sites, anthracological remain underexplored methodological framework still needs be developed adapted diverse African ecological contexts. Here we provide a review sampling methods sample representativeness compare it with wood analyses performed Africa. We used charcoal-rich layers Later Stone Age sequence Bushman Rock Shelter (BRS) elaborate strategy producing samples that can both analysed timely manner statistically representative whole assemblage. light our results, discuss relevance applying European The evaluation taxa richness, diversity size distribution at BRS leads recommendation identification least 500 fragments per stratigraphic unit. Thick should split into two distinct samples, one comprising top half other bottom layer. analysis thin limited abundance necessitates increasing surface sampling. All size-classes avoid any bias.