Aterian Lithic Technology and Functional Studies in North Africa: A Review of Current Evidence and Perspectives

In North Africa, the Middle Stone Age (MSA) has been associated with the emergence and evolution of Homo sapiens and is considered a pivotal period in the development of behavioral complexity. Recent archaeological discoveries have yielded a range of technological innovations, which are likely connected with ecological adaptations as well as new social and symbolic practices. Archaeological material from Aterian (MSA) contexts reveals early evidence for the key components associated with behavioral complexity, pushing back the first occurrence of phenomena such as symbolic use of marine shells, pigment processing and use, the production of bone and ivory tools, and shell fishing into late Marine Isotope Stage 6 (~ 150 ka). This paper reviews the literature and discussions on the Aterian lithic technology and use-wear studies in North Africa. Recent studies highlight significant developments in tool production techniques, and an increased variability within the Aterian toolkit. While reviewing and critically evaluating the available data and results, our synthesis highlights the importance of microscopic and use-wear analysis in studying technological behavior, regional adaptations, and tasks specialization within Aterian contexts. Integrating use-wear analysis with other approaches to the study of lithic tools provides new research avenues towards a better understanding of knowledge on the onset and consolidation of Homo sapiens behavior in North Africa and across Africa during the Middle Stone Age.