Sample name: Gajiganna A

Reference: P. Breunig, K. Neumann, and W. Van Neer. 1996. New research on the Holocene settlement and environment of the Chad Basin in Nigeria. African Archaeological Review 13(2):111-145 [ER 3367]

Lithology: claystone

Taphonomic context: human accumulation

Archaeology: bone tools,buildings,burials,ceramics,hearths,stone tools

Habitat comments: a low mound "around 2 m in height and 150 m in diameter... surrounded by clay flats"
"about 2 m of deposits... The sediment in these layers consists largely of clay... we assume that the clay was brought onto the site by the inhabitants in the form of mud-bricks or, more probably, daub for houses" and there is "well-preserved organic material: pollen, animal bones, and charcoal"
"graves are confined to the upper cultural layer of Gajiganna A" and there is abundant pottery plus some lithic artefacts including grinding stones, stone axes, adzes, chisels, and arrowheads, plus bone artifacts including harpoons and clay figurines

Life forms: carnivores,primates,rodents,ungulates,birds,turtles,fishes,clams,snails

Sampling methods: quarry

Sample size: 1484 specimens

Sampling comments: a "5 x 5-m" trench was excavated "at the highest point" of the mound

Sample number: 3724

Contributor: John Alroy

Enterer: John Alroy

Created: 2020-12-02 13:12:19

Modified: 2020-12-02 04:04:00