PMC

Stratigraphic sequence at Diepkloof Rock Shelter (Western Cape, South Africa) and the main chronocultural attributions. The profile is at the section K6-M6/K7-M7. Only the main layers are shown.

Diepkloof Rock Shelter (Western Cape, South Africa). Two examples of intentionally perforated ostrich eggshells from the Howiesons Poort. A shows diverging grooves starting at the edge of the perforation. The aperture diameter is estimated to be 12 mm. B shows percussion marks characteristic of a punching technique. In both cases, the perforation is funnel-shaped with an internal diameter greater than the exterior diameter, suggesting a final percussive blow.

Engraving sequences of ostrich eggshells at Diepkloof Rock Shelter (Howiesons Poort, Western Cape, South Africa). Numbers indicate the relative chronology of the patterns; arrows show the direction of the incisions. The engraving sequence of the hatched band motif (A–F) is standardized in that the hatched lines always postdate the band (horizontal lines). Motif G consists of slightly curved lines that cross a central line. The curvature of the sub-perpendicular lines is reversed on either side of the central line.

Fragments of engraved ostrich eggshells found in the Howiesons Poort of Diepkloof Rock Shelter (Western Cape, South Africa). Except for A, all the pieces belong to the same stratigraphic unit (layer Frank). A and C show a series of deeply engraved, straight, subparallel lines. B, D–G, and I show a hatched band motif. B and E have evidence of two separate hatched bands, and fragment D has evidence of three separate hatched bands. Fragment H shows slightly curved lines crossing a central line.

Macro- and microscopic details on EOES fragments with a hatched band motif from Diepkloof Rock Shelter (Western Cape, South Africa). (Top) Macroscopic details on a fragment with three bands (Middle) from DRS-layer Frank, N7, #2447 (A) Detail of scratches. Scratches are superficial marks originating from a friction mechanism. Their origin could predate the acquisition of the egg or could be functional (use or storage) or postdepositional. (B) Detail of hatched lines. (C) Dendritic manganese spot. (D) Vertical hatched line postdates the horizontal line. (Bottom) (A and B) Microscopic details on a fragment with one band from DRS-layer OB2, O9, #638. (A) Detail of groove intersection within a hatched band motif. The vertical hatched lines postdate the horizontal line. (B) Two parallel grooves document different morphologies: a V-shaped morphology on the left and a U-shaped morphology on the right. The photograph on the far right shows the location on the fragment of the details in A and B.