This paper offers a broad and critical overview of current discussions on the potential uses
and the characterization of pigments in prehistory, with a special focus on prehistoric rock …

This manuscript seeks to facilitate meta-analysis of cross-disciplinary ochre studies by
advocating for a common vocabulary and clarifying the definition of “ochre” as used by …

Abstract Interpretation of the mineralizing environment of magnetite-apatite deposits remains
controversial with theories that include a hydrothermal or magmatic origin or a combination …

Usually referred to in archaeological contexts simply as 'ochre', ferruginous rocks were
commonly used during the Middle Stone Age (MSA) in South Africa. While ochre use by …

The 200-kiloannus (ka) use of red ochre and shells by humans is interpreted as a simple
clue of symbolic thinking. Integration of multiple lines of evidence supports the opinion that …

Investigations in the now-submerged cave systems on the Yucatán Peninsula continue to
yield evidence for human presence during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition. Skeletal …

Naturally occurring and deeply coloured iron-bearing materials were exploited very early on
by human populations. The characterization of these materials has proven useful for …

Edge convergence, which is typical for pointed tools, is a major morphological feature
contributing to the definition of the African Middle Stone Age (MSA). The multifaceted …

Abstract The Kenya Rift Valley contains many ochre sources that are currently used by
indigenous peoples for adornment, rituals, and art. Ochre pigments occur in rock art and …

Abstract The Southern Montane Forest-Grassland mosaic ecosystem in the humid
subtropics southern Rift Valley of Africa comprised the environmental context for a large …