Persistence, Adaptations and Barriers: Exploring the Interplay of Lithic Raw Materials, Technologies and Landscape in Lower Son Valley, Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh

Shashi Bhushan Mehra

Studying lithic raw materials is essential for understanding adaptive strategies and behaviours of prehistoric people. When we link the procurement of raw materials at outcrops to the lithic assemblages in archaeological deposits, we bridge the two ends of the lithic chaîne opératoire, spanning from acquisition to discard. This study highlights the possible raw material sources, their exploitation during different technologies and the influence of landscape on their spatial distribution in the Lower Son Valley (LSV). The Lower Son Valley exhibits a clear geographical division, characterized by two distinct regions: 1) the Kaimur Plateau situated to the north of the Son River, and 2) the network of river valleys, ravines, and hills located to the south of the Son River. Archaeological sites on the Kaimur Plateau primarily feature microlithic assemblages and are predominantly situated on bedrock with minimal sedimentation. In contrast, sites to the south showcase Middle Palaeolithic to Upper Palaeolithic lithic industries, with one notable Late Acheulean site. This spatial differentiation can be attributed to factors such as raw material availability, transportation logistics, and the topographical barrier posed by the Kaimur Plateau. The investigation identifies seven primary raw materials utilised for lithic tool production within the LSV, with porcellanite (69.39%), followed by chert (22.83%), quartz (4.01%), chalcedony (2.34%), quartzite (0.83%), agate (0.5%), and limestone (0.08%). Additionally, the lithic assemblages predominantly exhibit three distinct reduction strategies: 1) prepared core reduction, 2) blade and microblade core reduction, and 3) direct utilization of natural chunks, nodules, pebbles, and cobbles with retouching. Overall, this contributes to a deeper understanding of hominin adaptation and mobility pattern in LSV.