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Cited by 80Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology StudiesPleistocene-Era Hominins and ArchaeologyForensic and Genetic Research

Craniofacial variation and population continuity during the South African Holocene

Stynder, Deano D., Ackermann, Rebecca Rogers, Sealy, Judith C.·2007·American Journal of Physical Anthropology
DOI 10.1002/ajpa.20696
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Abstract

We assess craniometric variation in 153 individually dated human crania from South Africa with the aim of investigating genetic continuity/discontinuity during the Holocene. Evidence from the archaeological record is used to pinpoint likely episodes of genetic discontinuity. Craniometric data are then used to assess the likelihood of genetic change having occurred. Two periods of possible genetic discontinuity are identified: i)c. 4,000 BP, when an increase in overall population size, shifts in site organization and diet, and reduced mobility, were accompanied by reductions in stature; ii)c. 2,000 BP, when the herding of domesticates and the use of pottery vessels were introduced into the region. Results indicate that there was a decrease in cranial size and concomitant size‐related changes in craniofacial shape between c.4,000 BP and 3,000 BP. This was followed almost immediately by a recovery in craniofacial size and a return to pre‐4,000 BP craniofacial shape at c. 3,000 BP. This recovery continued gradually, extending into the herder period without any major shifts in morphology at 2,000 BP. It is suggested that the fluctuations in craniofacial size/shape were related to changes in environmental factors. Results obtained are consistent with long term continuity in South African Later Stone Age populations during the Holocene. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

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  • Previous claims that the skull fragments came from the Younger Gravels beneath the Hutton Sands within the main Canteen Kopje site seem unlikely, given that there is no fossil bone preservation at this locality.

    “Previous claims that the skull fragments came from the Younger Gravels beneath the Hutton Sands within the main Canteen Kopje site seem unlikely, given that there is no fossil bone preservation at this locality.”

    From Canteen Kopje: A new look at an old skull (2012) · cites this paper as [16]

  • The presence of Later Stone Age artefacts on the surface and in the uppermost layer of the sands, with Middle Stone Age artefacts deeper within them, have been reported from three different excavation areas at the site.

    “The presence of Later Stone Age artefacts on the surface and in the uppermost layer of the sands, with Middle Stone Age artefacts deeper within them, have now been reported from three different excavation areas at the site”

    From Canteen Kopje: A new look at an old skull (2012) · cites this paper as [16]

  • At the top of Stratum 2a, a small lithic assemblage that includes blades, laminar Levallois products, convergent points, retouched points and manuports has been attributed to the Fauresmith.

    “At the top of Stratum 2a, a small lithic assemblage that includes blades, laminar Levallois products, convergent points, retouched points and manuports has been attributed to the Fauresmith”

    From Canteen Kopje: A new look at an old skull (2012) · cites this paper as [16]

  • There is no fossil bone preservation at the main Canteen Kopje locality.

    “given that there is no fossil bone preservation at this locality.”

    From Canteen Kopje: A new look at an old skull (2012) · cites this paper as [16]

  • Following recent excavations at Canteen Kopje within the Provincial Heritage Site zone, Beaumont and McNabb identified three main archaeological horizons.

    “Following recent excavations at Canteen Kopje within the Provincial Heritage Site zone (Figure 8), Beaumont and McNabb 15,16,53,54 identified three main archaeological horizons.”

    From Canteen Kopje: A new look at an old skull (2012) · cites this paper as [16]

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Authors
Stynder, D. D., Ackermann, R. R., & Sealy, J. C.
Affiliations
  • Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (FR)
  • University of Cape Town (ZA)
Corresponding author
Stynder, Deano D.
ORCID
Venue
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2007-09-04
Volume
134
Issue
4
Pages
489-500
ISSN
  • 0002-9483 (ISSN-L)
  • 1096-8644
DOI
10.1002/ajpa.20696
OpenAlex
W1994877467
Cited by
80
References
46
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 6 · 2013: 3 · 2012: 6
FWCI
34.32
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • American Journal of Physical Anthropology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology › Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies
  • Social Sciences › Anthropology › Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Forensic and Genetic Research
Keywords
craniofacial morphology, craniometric variation, genetic continuity, population continuity, Holocene, Later Stone Age, South Africa, cranial size, herding behavior, domestication, pottery, environmental change, population size
MeSH terms
Fossils, Humans, Population Dynamics, Skull, South Africa, Genetic Variation, Black People, History, Ancient

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