A recent study has identified the oldest directly dated archaeological site in West Africa, located at Bargny 1, which has extended the known timeline of Middle Stone Age toolkits to 150,000 years ago. This finding reveals the long-term durability of toolkits in West Africa, suggesting that cultural continuity could be attributed to stable environmental conditions and potential isolation from other African populations. The research demonstrates unique patterns of cultural change in West Africa compared to other regions, highlighting the ecological stability of the area. The study, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, shows that the tool assemblage from Bargny 1 exhibits classic Middle Stone Age characteristics, such as Levallois and discoidal reduction methods. While no direct evidence of human engagement with coastal resources was found, surrounding microfossils indicate proximity to estuarine environments, underscoring their significance for past human habitation. The authors argue that enduring cultural continuity within Middle Stone Age populations may stem from their adaptation to stable habitats, contrasting with regions experiencing dynamic technological shifts. This research adds vital insight into human evolution and cultural practices in West Africa, demonstrating the functional longevity of Middle Stone Age technologies in diverse environments.
