Technological and typological study of the Upper Capsian bone assemblage from SHM-1, Tunisia

Presented here is a study of the bone industry from the Capsian site of SHM-1 in eastern Tunisia, dating from the 7th and 6th millennia BC. In spite of the very fragmentary condition of the 111 specimens analysed, the technological approach adopted — used for the first time in the Maghreb — shows recurrences within the chaines operatoires used in tool production, choice of raw materials, cutting and fashioning techniques, and the morphologies sought. The assemblage mainly consists of pointed tools obtained by grooving ruminant metapodials in two or four pieces, as well as other types peculiar to the North African context. The traits and patterns apparent in the SHM-1 assemblage are also found in other Capsian and Neolithic assemblages, thereby allowing us to make a first characterisation of certain technical and cultural components common to the Capsian tradition.