| Abstract |
Researchers have long been aware of an apparently rapid increase ∼40–45,000 BP in the frequency of "symbolic" artifacts in the Old World paleolithic record. However, some hypothesize that if not for taphonomic loss the data would instead show a gradual increase in such artifacts' frequency during the Middle Stone Age/Middle Paleolithic. We test this hypothesis by correcting the record for taphonomic bias. We find that even after correction, the ∼40–45,000 BP peak remains with no prior gradual increase. However, analysis also suggests this peak may be a product of research bias. We note small peaks in symbolic artifact production at ∼65,000, 75,000, and 115–120,000 BP, although these too might be a product of research bias. We end with a discussion of how symbolic artifact production might be expected to wax and wane as a function of adaptive pressures. This points to the importance of understanding the effects of taphonomic and research bias. |
, Madeline E. Mackie 
