Export of MSA/LSA ungulate enamel samples for destructive isotope analysis

The objective of this project is to reconstruct environments of archaeological and paleontological sites from different modern ecosystems across southern Africa and to develop a more nuanced understanding of environmental heterogeneity, variability, and seasonality across southern Africa during the MSA/LSA transition. These environmental reconstructions will use multiple analyses of faunal communities, including isotopic dietary characterization and community structure, to reconstruct long-term climate change, changes in interannual seasonality, and vegetation structure respectively. Sites included are Klipfonteinrand, Putslaagte 8, Elands Bay Cave, Besaansklip, Boomplaas, and Nelson Bay Cave. Additional information about this project can be found in the attached HWC permit. This permit application is to export the 465 powdered faunal enamel samples to the USA where they can be isotopically analyzed, and consumed in process.