Early Holocene El-Ghorab Hunter-Gatherers of the Gebel Ramlah Playa, Egyptian South-Western Desert

Abstract

During the Holocene, diverse human groups of hunter-gatherers and pastoralists inhabited the Egyptian Western Desert. These Early Holocene populations were attracted by resources associated with numerous temporary lakes (playas) and related wetlands, which characterized the Western Desert during wet climatic oscillations at that time. The Gebel Ramlah region, adjacent to Nabta-Kiseiba, is one of the richest areas of Holocene settlement and has been recently investigated. This paper presents the results of research on a unique Early Holocene occupation associated with the so-called El-Ghorab Unit, dated to the 10th millennium BP. Our results interpret the investigated site as a seasonal, short-term hunting station primarily associated with dorcas gazelle hunting, most likely during the early spring season. Despite relatively favorable environmental conditions that allowed for the preservation of animal skeletal remains, there is no evidence of domesticated animals or pottery at the site. The evidence suggests that El-Ghorab Unit societies represent a primarily foraging mode of subsistence.