Summary: | This collection consists of 4 documents. The Khartoum Neolithic is dated by absolute and relative chronology to 7000 BP-5000 BP, is found in the central Nile Valley in the Sudan, and is characterized by ceramics with variety of incised and pressed designs; some sites have burnished ware. In the Neolithic, the Sudan had higher rainfall and wetter climatic conditions than today. The landscape was characterized by swamps, small lakes and streams, with a savannah vegetation, and rich and varied fauna. A population of hunter-gatherers exploited the tropical savannahs. By the 5th millenium BC, the economy appears to be based on the tending of domesticated animals and probably plants (Mohammed-Ali 1982). Arkell presents results from 1949-1950 excavations at Esh Shaheinab and El Qoz, and establishes the terminology for Early Khartoum (Mesolithic) and Khartoum Neolithic periods, formerly known as Dotted Wavy Line and Gouge cultures; his work is marred by his overt racism. Marks and Mohammed-Ali present results from excavations at Shaqadud. Winchell analyzes the Butana Group ceramics of the southern Atbai region and compares the Neolithic and post-Neolithic ceramics of the Nile Valley. Mohammed-Ali (1982) examines data from Wadi Hawar and other sites and presents a comprehensive analysis of environmental conditions, lithic materials and technology, tool typology, ceramics, subsistence and settlement patterns and concludes that the Khartoum Neolithic was a local development from earlier periods.
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