Post-depositional disturbance and spatial organization at exposed open-air sites: Examples from the Middle Stone Age of the Makgadikgadi Basin, Botswana

The influence of natural factors such as bioturbation or sediment movement caused by wind and water is a perennial concern for Stone Age site selection subsequent interpretation. This paper discusses the spatial artefact distribution five recently excavated, open-air exposed Middle (MSA) sites in Ntwetwe Pan, Botswana. finds comprise lithic assemblages dominated MSA points, manufactured variety silcretes. were examined following assumption that archaeological are product combination cultural factors, occurring both during after artefacts deposited. results indicate some these pan floor do preserve patterns, level post-depositional disturbance varies locally. Refitting was an important tool analysis, especially on largest site, MAK33, where it possible to identify working areas focussed different modes manufacture. In with chaîne opératoire analysis production stages, then map across site. We argue organization may behavioural records not present at caves rock shelters, provide view into short-term, single-use locations likely formed basis occupation patterns.