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A set of observations on stone tool assemblage variability from the western Cape is presented and interpreted as a reflection of activity differences from place to place. From this it is argued that much of the observed temporal patterning in assemblage composition might reflect changing activities through time. This in turn raises the possibility that the cultural sequence of the past 20 000 years in southern Africa might be interpreted in terms of functional needs and technological development rather than of homeostatic plateaux and stylistic conservatism. Some speculation is offered as to what sorts of needs may have prompted the particular artefact innovations that have been documented.