Adrar Bous. Archeology of a central Saharan Granitic Ring Complex in Niger, 2008, 404 p. -

This monograph presents climatic, geochronological, radiometric, and archaeological evidence for hominin activities around the Adrar Bous massif on the western edge of today's Ténéré Desert, Niger. It documents a Late Acheulean lithic industry, a generalised Middle Paleolithic, and an Aterian displaying technological affinities to equatorial African industries. It also documents two phases of early Holocene Epipalaeolithic during high lake levels in the Ténéré, followed by cattle-keepers of Tenerian tradition. Ceramic analysis indicates emergence of an autochthonous Tenerian tradition from earlier, more widespread pottery fabrication practices. Faunal evidence reflects aquatic exploitation during Holocene high lake levels, followed by Tenerian cattle-based pastoralism, with suggestions of ritualised feasting and refuse disposal. This richly illustrated and profusely documented volume contributes to Saharan archaeology and, more broadly, to Pleistocene and Holocene African archaeology. Contents : M. A. J. Williams, Geology, Geomorphology and Prehistoric Environments ; J. Desmond Clark et al., The Late Acheulian Assemblages ; J. Desmond Clark et al., The Aterian of Adrar Bous and the Central Sahara ; J. Desmond Clark, Epipalaeolithic Aggregates from Gréboun and Adrar Bous ; A. B. Smith, The Kiffian ; A. B. Smith, The Tenerian ; E.A. A. Garcea, The Ceramics from Adrar Bous and Surroundings Areas ; D.C. Crader, Technology and Classification of the Grinding Equipment ; D. Gifford-Gonzalez, J. Parham, The Fauna from Adrar Bous and Surrounding Areas ; J. Desmond Clark, P. L. Carter, D. Gifford-Gonzalez, A. B. Smith, The Adrar Bous Cow and African Cattle ; A. B. Smith, E. G. Agrilla, A. Galloway, Burials and Human Skeletal Materials from Adrar Bous ; A. B. Smith, J. N. Coil, Holocene Flora from Adrar Bous ; J. Desmond Clark, Epilogue.