From 80th century BCE
Southern Africa, especially the Cape Province and coastal regions
The Wilton Industrial Complex was a microlithic Later Stone Age tradition of southern Africa that appeared around 8000 BP. It included scraper forms, small segments, backed tools, and an elaborate bone industry. In coastal areas, its communities increasingly relied on seafood, while seasonal movements linked inland small-game hunting with winter shellfish collection and sealing. Some sites may have been nearly permanently occupied.
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The Story
The Wilton Complex appeared in southern Africa around 8000 BP, following earlier Later Stone Age industries such as the Albany, Smithfield, and Oakhurst traditions. Its tool-kit included varied scraper forms, small segments, backed tools, and a more elaborate bone industry. In some caves, including Oakhurst and Maatjes River, occupation may have become almost permanent after the complex emerged.
Coastal communities associated with the Wilton Complex increasingly concentrated on marine foods. Shellfish and sealing became especially important during winter, while fish and sea birds also contributed to the coastal economy. On the west coast, small groups moved seasonally over distances of 120 kilometres or more, travelling inland during spring and summer for small game before returning toward the coast.
The complex demonstrates that microlithic technology did not correspond to a single subsistence pattern. Inland and coastal groups used related tool forms while adapting to different ecological opportunities. The excerpt also notes that coastal assemblages became less rich in formal tools over time as dependence on seafood increased, suggesting a close relationship between equipment and changing economic priorities.
From 80th century BCE
Southern Africa, especially the Cape Province and coastal regions
The Wilton Industrial Complex was a microlithic Later Stone Age tradition of southern Africa that appeared around 8000 BP. It included scraper forms, small segments, backed tools, and an elaborate bone industry. In coastal areas, its communities increasingly relied on seafood, while seasonal movements linked inland small-game hunting with winter shellfish collection and sealing. Some sites may have been nearly permanently occupied.
Continue exploring
The Story
The Wilton Complex appeared in southern Africa around 8000 BP, following earlier Later Stone Age industries such as the Albany, Smithfield, and Oakhurst traditions. Its tool-kit included varied scraper forms, small segments, backed tools, and a more elaborate bone industry. In some caves, including Oakhurst and Maatjes River, occupation may have become almost permanent after the complex emerged.
Coastal communities associated with the Wilton Complex increasingly concentrated on marine foods. Shellfish and sealing became especially important during winter, while fish and sea birds also contributed to the coastal economy. On the west coast, small groups moved seasonally over distances of 120 kilometres or more, travelling inland during spring and summer for small game before returning toward the coast.
The complex demonstrates that microlithic technology did not correspond to a single subsistence pattern. Inland and coastal groups used related tool forms while adapting to different ecological opportunities. The excerpt also notes that coastal assemblages became less rich in formal tools over time as dependence on seafood increased, suggesting a close relationship between equipment and changing economic priorities.