In an effort to re-investigate key paleolithic sites of Algeria, Professor Mohamed Sahnouni of CENIEH has launched recently new fieldwork at the hominid site of Tighennif (formerly Ternifine), Algeria in collaboration with the Centre National de Recherches Préhistoriques, Anthropologiques et Historiques (CNRPAH) (Algeria). Discovered in the 19th century, Tighennif has yielded the oldest North African Homo erectus fossil associated with a rich savanna-like fauna and Acheulean stone tools. The site is estimated to date to 700.000 year ago.

The main objective of this first round of fieldwork initiated in March-April, 2013 was to evaluate the research potential of this major North African Paleolithic hominid site. Professor Sahnouni and colleagues opened up stratigraphic trenches and test excavations to find traces of stone artifacts and fossil faunas. He stated that “the stratigraphic trenches allowed us to relocate the gray clay and sand deposits that yielded the fossil hominids in 1954-1956.”

The test excavations undertaken at both the clay and sand deposits yielded abundant fossil animal bones associated with Acheulean stone tools. The fossil fauna discovered at the site included hippo, rhino, small and large bovids, equids, and carnivores. A biface, a large flake, cores, whole flakes, retouched pieces, and small fragments made of sandstone and flint were recovered, which were all in fresh condition.

Following these encouraging results, Professor Sahnouni is planning to launch large scale multidisciplinary investigations in the near future by integrating a team of experts in paleolithic archaeology, stratigraphy, vertebrate paleontology, geochronology, taphonomy, Zooarchaeology, palynology, isotope studies, etc. from CENIEH and other institutions.