The Pleistocene and Holocene archaeological sequences

Uan Tabu is a rockshelter on the left bank of the central valley of the Wadi Teshuinat, which is the main ancient water course in the Tadrart Acacus mountain range. It is located in the Fezzan region, south-western Libya (Great Jamahirya). Between 1960 and 1963, a trench was dug into the archaeological deposit at the foot of the rock wall. The results of the 1960s’ excavation have never been published before, apart from some brief notes. Between 1990 and 1993, the excavation was resumed and extended. The 1990s’ excavation has been preliminarily published. Further information and details are now presented and commented. A stratigraphic and cultural correlation between the two excavations is also attempted. Four main archaeological and pedological units were identified and dated. They spanned from the late Pleistocene to the Late Holocene. At least four major phases of occupation were recorded. The earliest one, dating to the Pleistocene, included an Aterian technocomplex. Later, two distinct cultural facies, dating to the Early Holocene, could be attributed to the prepastoral horizon and comprised the three upper units. The fourth phase of occupation of the shelter was only attested to the surface of the site, but it could be still considered as an indication of the use of the site as late as the 4th millennium bp.