ATERIAN Meaning and
Definition
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Aterian refers to a prehistoric stone tool industry that emerged during the Middle Paleolithic period around 80,000 to 40,000 years ago in North Africa. The term "aterian" is derived from Bir el Ater, an archaeological site in eastern Algeria where the industry was first identified. This tool tradition is characterized by the production of bifacially flaked stone tools, such as tanged points, scrapers, and borers. These tools were predominantly made from local raw materials, particularly flint, but sometimes also quartzite, chert, and other types of rock available in the region.
The distinctive aspect of the Aterian industry lies in its microlithic technology, which involves the production of tiny stone flakes known as microliths. These small flakes were used as components in composite tools, like points or denticulate arrows. The Aterian industry also displayed evidence of hafting techniques, where these microliths were attached to wooden or bone handles using adhesive substances or bindings.
The Aterian industry holds significant archaeological importance as it represents a transitional phase between the earlier Mousterian industry and the later Middle Stone Age industries in Africa. It marks an advancement in tool-making techniques and hints at the cognitive complexity and innovative behaviors of early humans in North Africa during that time. The presence of Aterian tool assemblages also provides valuable insights into the subsistence patterns and adaptive strategies of these prehistoric communities, shedding light on their hunting, gathering, and butchering practices.
Etymology of ATERIAN
The word "Aterian" is derived from the site of Bir-el-Ater, located in eastern Algeria. This archaeological site was discovered and explored by French archaeologist Camille Arambourg in the early 1930s. The Aterian culture refers to an early stone tool industry associated with Homo sapiens that existed in North Africa during the Middle Paleolithic period, approximately between 145,000 and 40,000 years ago. The name "Aterian" was chosen by Arambourg based on the location where the first significant archaeological discoveries related to this culture were made.
