Daniela Filipa Mirote de Matos

This research investigates the cultural complexity of early Middle Stone Age (MSA) societies in Southern Angola, a crucial period for Homo sapiens’ evolution. Spanning approximately 300,000 to 50,000 years ago, the MSA is characterized by significant technological innovations, including advanced tool-making, and symbolic expression. Despite the rich archaeological evidence from East and Southern Africa, early MSA sites in the western regions, particularly the Namib Desert of Southern Angola, remain underexplored. This study focuses on two key archaeological sites: Leba Cave and Capangombe, located between Namibe and Huíla Province, a diverse landscape that likely influenced early human adaptive strategies. The research aims to systematically analyze the assemblages and formation processes of these sites, establishing a geochronological framework to identify distinct technocomplexes and cultural identities within the early MSA. Preliminary findings reveal anthropogenic layers dating from 200,000 to 75,000 years ago, indicating varying cultural stages and tools. This investigation not only enhances understanding of regional adaptations in Southwest Angola but also contributes to broader discussions on human dispersal and cultural evolution across Africa. Ultimately, this study seeks to unravel the complexities of early human societies in an under-researched area, advancing knowledge of cultural diversity and adaptation in the MSA. This research investigates the cultural complexity of early Middle Stone Age (MSA) societies in Southern Angola, a crucial period for Homo sapiens’ evolution. Spanning approximately 300,000 to 50,000 years ago, the MSA is characterized by significant technological innovations, including advanced tool-making, and symbolic expression. Despite the rich archaeological evidence from East and Southern Africa, early MSA sites in the western regions, particularly the Namib Desert of Southern Angola, remain underexplored. This study focuses on two key archaeological sites: Leba Cave and Capangombe, located between Namibe and Huíla Province, a diverse landscape that likely influenced early human adaptive strategies. The research aims to systematically analyze the assemblages and formation processes of these sites, establishing a geochronological framework to identify distinct technocomplexes and cultural identities within the early MSA. Preliminary findings reveal anthropogenic layers dating from 200,000 to 75,000 years ago, indicating varying cultural stages and tools. This investigation enhances understanding of regional adaptations in Southwest Angola and contributes to broader discussions on human dispersal and cultural evolution across Africa. Ultimately, this study seeks to unravel the complexities of early human societies in an under-researched area, advancing knowledge of cultural diversity and adaptation in the MSA. The project is co-directed by Daniela de Matos, José Fernandes (IPH-University Mandume Ya Ndemyafyo) and David Nora (IA-Hebrew University Jerusalem/ICAREHB-U. Algarve), joined by Evandra da Mata (University of Namibe), Theodoros Karampaglidis (University of Castilla La Mancha), Cleia Detry (UNIARQ-University of Lisbon), Eslem Ben Arous (CENIEH) and Aurore Val (CNRS-Lampea/ICAREHB-U. Algarve).