LXXᵉ siècle av. J.-C. – LXᵉ siècle av. J.-C.
Central Algeria
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The Elassolithic, also called ultra-microlithic, comprises extremely small-tool assemblages from central Algeria near the boundary between the tell and the northern Sahara. Sites include Columnata and El-Hamel, with examples dating to the seventh millennium BC. The industry has been interpreted variously as a local Upper Capsian variant or as an Iberomaurusian-derived tradition. Skeletal remains from Columnata combine Mechta-Afalou traits with dental practices more typical of Upper Capsian populations.
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The Elassolithic industry is defined by the exceptionally small size of its stone tools. Assemblages at Columnata and El-Hamel in the Maghrib are placed in the seventh millennium BC, alongside the Typical and perhaps Upper Capsian. The label emphasizes a technological pattern rather than a clearly established people, and the archaeological significance of that pattern remains uncertain.
Some researchers have treated Elassolithic assemblages as a local variant of the Upper Capsian, while others have connected them to the Iberomaurusian through an increasing emphasis on tools made on very small bladelets. The term Columnatian has also been used for the industry identified at Columnata around 6300 BC, indicating that the site became a reference point for distinguishing this particular expression of microlithic technology.
The human skeletal remains from Columnata add a biological dimension to the debate. They are broadly Mechta-Afalou in character, linking them to populations associated with the Iberomaurusian, but they are less robust and display tooth-evulsion patterns more typical of Upper Capsian groups. This combination may reflect local transformation of an Iberomaurusian population, contact with Capsian communities, or both.
LXXᵉ siècle av. J.-C. – LXᵉ siècle av. J.-C.
Central Algeria
Traduction non disponible · Original (anglais) · français indisponible
The Elassolithic, also called ultra-microlithic, comprises extremely small-tool assemblages from central Algeria near the boundary between the tell and the northern Sahara. Sites include Columnata and El-Hamel, with examples dating to the seventh millennium BC. The industry has been interpreted variously as a local Upper Capsian variant or as an Iberomaurusian-derived tradition. Skeletal remains from Columnata combine Mechta-Afalou traits with dental practices more typical of Upper Capsian populations.
Poursuivre l’exploration
Le récit
The Elassolithic industry is defined by the exceptionally small size of its stone tools. Assemblages at Columnata and El-Hamel in the Maghrib are placed in the seventh millennium BC, alongside the Typical and perhaps Upper Capsian. The label emphasizes a technological pattern rather than a clearly established people, and the archaeological significance of that pattern remains uncertain.
Some researchers have treated Elassolithic assemblages as a local variant of the Upper Capsian, while others have connected them to the Iberomaurusian through an increasing emphasis on tools made on very small bladelets. The term Columnatian has also been used for the industry identified at Columnata around 6300 BC, indicating that the site became a reference point for distinguishing this particular expression of microlithic technology.
The human skeletal remains from Columnata add a biological dimension to the debate. They are broadly Mechta-Afalou in character, linking them to populations associated with the Iberomaurusian, but they are less robust and display tooth-evulsion patterns more typical of Upper Capsian groups. This combination may reflect local transformation of an Iberomaurusian population, contact with Capsian communities, or both.