PROGRAMME

1ST UJ PALAEO-RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

in combination with the

2ND PALAEO-TRACKS SYMPOSIUM

Monday 13 November 2017

Funded by the African Origins Platform of the National Research Foundation of

Through the Palaeo-TrACKS Research Programme

08:30 Arrival, coffee & loading of Power Point presentations Freshly brewed tea and coffee with a selection of freshly baked croissants, Danish pastries & muffins

09:00 5 min Welcome Prof Alex Broadbent (Executive Dean of Humanities & Professor of Philosophy, University of )

Introduction of Chairs Morning session: Prof Kammila Naidoo, Humanities Deputy Dean Research & Professor of Sociology Afternoon session: Prof Marlize Lombard, Director of the Centre for Anthropological Research

09:05 10 min Opening address Prof Angina Parekh (Deputy Vice Chancellor: Academic and Institutional Planning, University of Johannesburg)

SESSION 1: INVITED KEYNOTE LECTURES 09:15 30 min The Rising Star fossil discoveries and human origins Prof John Hawks (Vilas-Borghesi Distinguished Achievement Professor of , University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA)

Abstract: Discoveries in the Dinaledi and Lesedi Chambers of the Rising Star system have transformed our knowledge of South African fossil hominins during the Middle Pleistocene. The research strategies undertaken in the system provide a strong framework for inter- disciplinary work in palaeo-anthropology. This talk gives an overview of the Rising Star research project, focusing on the processes that have enabled effective collaboration across institutions and disciplines.

09:45 30 min Ancient genomes from southern Africa push modern human emergence to 300 000 ago Prof Mattias Jakobsson (Professor of Genetics & Director of SciLife Lab's ancient-DNA facility, Uppsala University, Sweden & CfAR Associate at UJ)

Abstract: Genetic studies consistently show that southern African Khoe-San populations carry more unique variants and more divergent lineages than any other living groups, and that they encompass the deepest divergence among modern-day humans. Recent molecular and bioinformatic developments have opened the possibility to access genetic information from ancient human remains, also from warm areas, allowing us to investigate the genetic landscape in prehistoric times. We present genome sequences from seven ancient individuals from KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa spanning 1500 years. The three oldest, Stone Age hunter-gatherers (~2000 years old), were genetically similar to current-day southern San groups. We estimate that all modern-day Khoe-San groups have 9-22% genetic material resulting from admixture with East Africans/Eurasians prior to the arrival of Iron Age farmers and over-sea colonists. Using traditional and new approaches, we estimate the deepest human population divergence time to between 350 000 and 260 000 years ago. This estimate increases the deepest divergence amongst modern humans, coinciding with anatomical developments of archaic humans into modern humans as represented in the local fossil record, and suggest that modern humans emerged around 300 000 years ago.

10:15 30 min How Homo became sapiens Prof Peter Gärdenfors (Senior Professor of Cognitive Science, Lund University, Sweden)

Abstract: In this lecture, I trace the emergence of Homo sapiens as a co-evolution of cognition, cooperation and communication. In cognition, hominids have in particular developed planning for future goals, mindreading and causal thinking. As regards cooperation, we can cooperate about future goals and we show indirect reciprocity. Teaching is presented as a special form of cooperation that depends on advanced mindreading.

10:45 Group Photo of all Speakers and Chairs in the Foyer 25 min Tea break Freshly brewed tea and coffee or fruit juice with assorted sandwiches, wraps & hot snacks

SESSION 2: UJ’S FOOTPRINT IN PALAEO-RESEARCH 11:10 20 min “Thoraces of Sediba and Naledi: Keystones to understanding Hominin body position?” Dr Shahed Nalla (Vice-Dean: Teaching and Learning of Health Sciences & Senior Lecturer in Human Anatomy and Physiology, University of Johannesburg & Research Associate, Evolutionary Studies Institute (ESI) and Centre of Excellence in Palaeosciences, University of the Witwatersrand)

Abstract: The thoracic skeleton may be considered a structural axis about which body regions namely the cervical, axillary (leading to the brachium of upper limb) and abdomino-pelvic (leading to femoral of lower limb) are positioned. The dearth of related costal and vertebral fossil remains make the thoracic region a challenge to study. Recent fossil material related to sediba and allowed for a thoracic shape of these species to be proposed. Orientation of the thorax and its shape guides to the overall body position and locomotion in these hominin species.

11:30 20 min Visualising the evolving landscapes of our early South African ancestors Prof Andy Herries and Colleagues (Associate Professor of Palaeo-anthropology & Geo-archaeology & Director of The Australian Archaeo-magnetism Laboratory & Australian Palaeo-science Field Schools in South Africa, , & CfAR Associate at UJ)

Abstract: Research funded by an Australian Research Council Discovery Grant (2017-2021) will use the fossil sites of Bolt’s Farm, , , and Hoogland to understand changing environments and landscapes in South Africa between ~2.6 and 1.8 million years ago. New dates from Bolts Farm show that some sites are as old as ~3.0 million years, whereas other sites are as young as ~1.4 million years. Haasgat and Drimolen, including the newly discovered Drimolen Makondo, date to between 2.3 and 1.8 million years, whereas Hoogland dates to between 3.1 and 2.6 million years. This spread of ages and geographic range from the very NE to SW exposures of the Malmani allows us to look at both temporal and geographic variation in the late Pliocene to early Pleistocene of South Africa. This is a critical period in South Africa with the extinction of Australopithecus and the first occurrence of and early Homo; as well as stone and bone tool technologies. Recent work has shown a much greater diversification of hominin species during this period, but as yet little to suggest a driver for this change. Excavations at Drimolen and Haasgat will be a central focus of our project along with regional geological studies at Bolt’s Farm and Hoogland.

11:50 20 min Tracing ancient cognition and knowledge systems through the Palaeolithic/Stone Age Prof Marlize Lombard and Colleagues (Professor of Stone Age Archaeology & Director of the Centre for Anthropological Research, University of Johannesburg)

Abstract: Sometime during the Middle Stone Age, in sub-Saharan Africa, Homo sapiens evolved biologically, behaviourally and cognitively. Our research agenda is geared towards the generation of knowledge about all three of these evolutionary processes in the southern African context and how they relate to each other. The long-term aim is to create an integrated, detailed and holistic understanding of the evolution of our species in the region since about 500 000 years ago. Together we aim to explore: a) the Stone Age occupational history of southern Africa, b) behavioural and cognitive evolutionary trends during the Stone Age, and c) indigenous knowledge systems associated with the Middle and Later Stone Ages of southern Africa.

12:10 20 min Discussion

12:30 60 min Lunch Three-course buffet lunch with a selection of starters, 1 red-meat main dish, 1 white- meat main dish, 1 vegetarian dish and a selection of desserts

SESSION 3: SHORT PAPERS ON PALAEO-RESEARCH PROJECTS AT UJ 13:30 15 min Knowledge-transfer systems in Stone Age South Africa Prof Anders Högberg & Marlize Lombard (Professor of Archaeology, Linnaeus University, Sweden & CfAR Associate at UJ)

Abstract: In this paper we explore variations in Still Bay point-production strategies of 80-70 thousand years ago. We apply our approach in a regional context by comparing point assemblages from several sites. Our interpretation of stone point-production strategies implies inter-regional production conventions, but also highlights variability and intra-regional knapping strategies used for the production of Still Bay points. These strategies probably reflect flexibility in the organisation of knowledge-transfer systems at work during the later stages of the Middle Stone Age.

13:45 15 min Past and future fieldwork at Cave of Hearths and the landscape archaeology of Dr Patrick Randolph-Quinney (Senior Lecturer in Biological and Forensic Anthropology, University of Central Lancashire)

Abstract: The Cave of Heaths represents one of the most important long-duration palaeo- archaeological sequences in southern Africa. With this presentation I will focus on understanding the Cave of Hearths in a wider landscape context, including recently discovered Earlier and Middle Stone Age deposits, which link the Makapansgat landscape with that of the southern Mogalakwena River and Waterberg regions. The discussion will cover project field protocols, including exploration and search strategies, handling of three-dimensional, multi-modal data from cave and landscape sites, and the recovery and analysis of bio-molecular trace evidence from sealed cave deposits.

14:00 15 min The Amanzi Springs archaeological project: Digital techniques in fieldwork and analysis Dr Matt Caruana (Post-Doctoral Fellow in Stone Age Archaeology, University of the Witwatersrand & CfAR Associate at UJ)

Abstract: Amanzi Springs (Eastern Cape, South Africa) is a series of spring eyes bearing Earlier Stone Age materials, first systematically excavated by Hilary Deacon more than 50 years ago. Deacon exposed a layered stratigraphy yielding a large Acheulian assemblage. Despite this, little is known about the site or its archaeological remains. A renewed investigation of Amanzi Springs commenced in 2016, showcasing how digital techniques in fieldwork and analysis have provided perspective on the context of the site and its Acheulian assemblage.

14:15 15 min : 93 years of discovery Dr Brian Kuhn (Researcher in Palaeo-fauna, University of Johannesburg)

Abstract: In 1924, at the Buxton-Norlim Limeworks, 16 km southwest of Taung, South Africa, a primate was discovered unlike anything seen previously. The specimen was handed over to , who determined that this ‘monkey’ was actually an early form of hominin and in 1925 named it Australopithecus africanus – it became known as the . Numerous visits and multiple baboon specimens later, the Taung Child skull remains the only hominin recovered from this locality. Today, the site consists of 17 known fossil deposits ranging in age from the Pliocene to the Holocene. Here we look at the past research, the current hypothesis and the future for the site.

14:30 15 min Physical age-dating of cave deposits: challenges and UJ's contribution Prof Jan Kramers (Professor of Geochemistry and Geochronology, University of Johannesburg, RSA)

Abstract: In southern Africa, dates on early hominin fossils have mostly only been possible to obtain via associated fauna, as ages are beyond the reach of uranium/thorium disequilibrium dating on flowstones (~500 000 years). Since 2005, uranium-lead flowstone dating has been quite successful, but the technique requires very clean and relatively uranium-rich material. Whereas uranium-lead dating is being established at the University of Cape Town, the team at UJ has focused on the development of a combined uranium-thorium-helium technique, which promises to be practicable even for ‘unclean’, uranium-poor samples.

14:45 15 min Cosmogenic 10Be and 26Al studies on the surface of the Rising Star site, , South Africa: Mystery of the true denudation rates Tebogo Makhubela (Lecturer and PhD Candidate in Geochronology, University of Johannesburg)

Abstract: We present new in situ cosmogenic 10Be and 26Al concentrations in quartz and chert from soils, chert float and chert horizons in outcropping dolomite, on the peneplain surface above the Rising Star cave system. The average apparent denudation rate for the bedrock chert is up to three times faster than for soils and clasts. We think high outcrop erosion rates reflect the true denudation rates and the low apparent values from soil samples indicate long retention of quartz on the surface.

15:00 20 min Extracting ancient DNA from Late Pleistocene African anthropogenic sediments: Exploring future prospects and analytical pitfalls Dr Riaan Rifkin and Colleagues (Research Fellow in Microbial Ecology and Genomics, )

Abstract: Ancient-DNA (a-DNA) research has come to represent one of the most prestigious and publicised scientific fields of the 21st century. Here we explore an alternative source of insight into the ancient past, namely sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA). We reveal the capacity of sedaDNA analyses to determine contributions from organic matter in African cave sediments, irrespective of the presence of diagnostic (organically-preserved) ecological and cultural remains. We elucidate this by reflecting on the recovery and taxonomic assignment of microbial and macrobial DNA from a Late Pleistocene (~15 thousand years ago) South African archaeological context. We conclude that, although sedaDNA represents a novel source of insight into our evolutionary past, stringent sample acquisition and analytical protocols are essential for ensuring the validity of inferences drawn from sedaDNA data.

15:20 20 min Coffee break Freshly brewed tea and coffee or fruit juice with a selection of homemade shortbreads, biscotti, biscuits & rusks

SESSION 4: UJ PALAEO-RESEARCH STUDENT SHOWCASE 15:40 10 min Exploring the correlation in large Carnivora turnover and advances in hominin evolution from Australopithecus to Homo Stephanie Baker (CfAR PhD Candidate in Palaeo-fauna, University of Johannesburg)

Abstract: The Cradle of Humankind, South Africa, preserves a critical hominin transition from Australopithecus to Homo about 2 million years ago. Apex carnivores and large-bodied omnivorous hominins have a directional impact on one another, both as competitors and as predators and prey. By comparing advances in hominin cognition, lithic technology and social behaviour to the evolution of large Carnivora at the time, the trends in the environmental stresses that each potentially imparted on the other will be explored.

15:50 10 min Archaeological cultural landscapes in the interior of South Africa attested through case studies Jaco van Der Walt (CfAR PhD Candidate in Stone Age Archaeology, University of Johannesburg)

Abstract: In South Africa, the geographical landscape between 24° and 31° latitude consists of distinctly different ecosystems and bioregions. Settlement patterns and land use within these bioregions changed across time and space. Here I present preliminary results for these bioregions from open-air sites and small shelters in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Northern Cape Provinces of South Africa, providing a framework for evaluating how hominins and humans interacted with a range of ecosystems and exploring the archaeological footprint in these regions.

16:00 10 min Reflections in copper alloy: Preliminary results from analyses at the Ditsong National Museum of Culture History Anzel Veldman (CfAR PhD Candidate in Ethno-historical Museum Artefacts, University of Johannesburg)

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to build an interpretative bridge between the archaeological record and ethno-historically collected museum artefacts, by creating biographies and life histories of artefacts. My discussion will highlight some preliminary results from the study, based on the analysis of brass and copper objects at the Ditsong National Museum of Culture History.

16:10 10 min Southern African Middle Stone Age material culture as window into the cognitive capacities that underlie full language Gert Maree (CfAR PhD Candidate in Language Evolution, University of South Africa and University of Johannesburg)

Abstract: Present-day studies on the evolution of human language adopt various methodological approaches to overcome the obstacle created by the lack of direct evidence of the events and factors that were involved in its emergence and subsequent development. The linguistics-based Windows Approach (Botha 2009) is one such approach that has been used to make inferences about the language capacity of Middle Stone Age humans. The approach takes as key the notion that language evolution can be studied meaningfully by examining other sociocultural phenomena about which we have direct evidence. In this presentation the approach is used to explore the potential of selected Middle Stone Age material culture and associated behaviour, in conjunction with other evidence, to reveal cognitive capacities that were embedded in the sociocultural lives of Middle Stone Age humans. The inferred cognitive capacities are subsequently assessed as potential markers for cognitive capacities that underlie full language. Reference: Botha, R. 2009. What are windows on language evolution?, in Botha, R. & De Swart, H. (eds.) Language evolution: the view from restricted linguistic systems. Utrecht: LOT, pp.1-20.

16:20 10 min God from the inside: An exploration of religion as phenomenon of gene-culture co-evolution Charlotte Visagie (CfAR MA Student in Gene-culture Co-evolution, University of Johannesburg)

Abstract: I am exploring whether religion may be a phenomenon of gene-culture co-evolution. I shall briefly explain the necessity for new terminology for religion as concept, as well as my preliminary results obtained on the neurology and neurochemistry of religion.

16:30 10 min Comparing the genetic building blocks of our cognition: Homo neanderthalensis vs Homo sapiens Shannon Perucatti (CfAR MA Student in Gene-culture Co-evolution, University of Johannesburg)

Abstract: I aim to assess whether specific genes have had an influence on our cognition by comparing genetic variability between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. I shall discuss the preliminary results of the Gene Ontology enrichment analysis employed.

16:40 10 min A comparative study of percussive tools in GIS: Implications for the Earlier Stone Age record Katherine Elmes (CfAR MA Student in Stone Age Archaeology, University of Johannesburg)

Abstract: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has recently been used in the study of percussive tools. This research makes use of GIS to address the theory of tool continuity from nut cracking to lithic knapping. This will contribute to current thoughts on technological evolution and the possible origins of hominin stone tool use.

16:50 10 min It’s a wrap! It's a wrap! Preliminary results of the mummified baboons of Misgrot and what they tell us about the Cradle of Humankind Charné Nel (CfAR MA Student in Palaeo-fauna, University of Johannesburg)

Abstract: With this project I aim to create a taphonomic model for identifying primate sleeping sites across the Highveld by analysing the mummified baboon remains from the Misgrot assemblage. I hereby present the results from the partial skeletons of the collection, highlighting the age profiles and repeated damage patterns.

17:00 Closing of the event Marlize Lombard FINAL SESSION: COCKTAILS & MOCKTAILS WITH SNACKS

Hosted by the Centre for Anthropological Research

Venue: Kerzner Building (STH buildings), University of Johannesburg’s School of Tourism and Hospitality, Bunting Road Campus, Auckland Park, corner of Bunting & Annet Roads. [ https://www.uj.ac.za/contact/Documents/UJ_BUNTING%20RD%20MAP.pdf ]