Identifying regional variability in Middle Stone Age bone technology: The case of Sibudu Cave

► We analyse 23 worked bones from the MSA levels of Sibudu Cave. ► We use microscopy, experimental replication and ethnographic data. ► We identify wedges, pièces esquillées, pressure flakers, smoothers, notched pieces. ► We show these objects are at least 30 ka years older than those found in Europe. ► We argue these tools reflect a regional tradition.