Depositional context and spatial patterning in the hominin-bearing layers of Block 2 at Dmanisi, Georgia

The Lower Paleolithic site of Dmanisi is known for its well preserved fossil fauna, including specimens attributed to Homo erectus, and associated lithic material. This study examines the depositional context of this archaeological material and the implications for carnivore-hominin interaction during the initial diffusion of hominins outside of Africa. Through studying bone orientations, articulations, and spatial distributions, we found that the majority of archaeological material within the excavation unit of Block 2 is either in or very near its original depositional location, which supplements previous taphonomic and geologic interpretations (Tappen et al., 2007). The distributions of stone and bone differ based on stratigraphic layer. Taphonomic sub-assemblages of bone (e.g. cut-marked bone, tooth-marked bone, etc.) follow the overall distribution of the faunal material, indicating no spatially distinct activity areas, with the exception of a large concentration of coprolites in one relatively bone free area.