Zooarchaeological and palaeontological assemblages, especially those located in karst cavities, are usually the product of the activity of several taphonomic biological agents. This is also the case of the Upper Pleistocene site of Cova... more
Zooarchaeological and palaeontological assemblages, especially those located in karst cavities, are usually the product of the activity of several taphonomic biological agents. This is also the case of the Upper Pleistocene site of Cova del Coll Verdaguer (Barcelona, Iberian Peninsula), where hyenas accumulated most of the ungulates, bears used the cave to hibernate and for birthing cubs, and humans occasionally visited the cave. The main aim of this study is to investigate the role played by medium-sized mammalian carnivores in the formation of Unit 3 (the Sala Sal de Llop chamber). For this purpose, we analysed Lynx pardinus and Vulpes vulpes remains, on the one hand, and leporid remains, on the other, applying different taphonomic (breakage and surface modifications) zooarchaeological (skeletal parts frequencies, age at death) and spatial methods (GIS, geostatistics, refits). Regarding medium-sized carnivores, the results indicate a predominance of adult individuals, a fairly complete anatomical representation (especially in the case of the lynx), the refitting of several elements (in the case of the lynx, many of them clustered in the same area), and the presence of tooth marks on some remains. This data points to the natural death of these animals inside the cave, and suggests they were subsequently scavenged by other carnivores. With respect to leporids, adult individuals predominate, the most abundant elements are innominate bones and those from the distal segment of the appendicular skeleton, and there is evidence of carnivore damage on several remains. In accordance with these results, the leporid assemblage is interpreted mainly as a non-ingested assemblage caused by the feeding activity of the Iberian lynx and, to a lesser extent, the red fox. Thus, the combination of all these analyses indicates that the medium-sized terrestrial carnivores did not play a merely passive role, but were also accumulators and modifying agents, at least in terms of the leporid remains. Although ungulates are not the focus of this study, we have also discussed the potential role of Iberian lynx and red fox in accumulating and modifying them. This work adds to previously published studies indicating that Cova del Coll Verdaguer is the product of mixed occupations of different carnivore taxa, suggesting that lynxes and foxes used the cave as a safe place to rest, transport their prey and consume it. Therefore, this study will shed more light on the relationships between human groups and different carnivore taxa at Cova del Coll Verdaguer and, by extension, in the European Upper Pleistocene, demonstrating that the study of fossil collections can contribute significantly towards extending our knowledge on past carnivore and human behaviour.
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Although intra-site spatial approaches are considered a key factor when interpreting archaeological assemblages, these are often based on descriptive, qualitative, and subjective observations. Currently, within the framework of research... more
Although intra-site spatial approaches are considered a key factor when interpreting archaeological assemblages, these are often based on descriptive, qualitative, and subjective observations. Currently, within the framework of research into spatial taphonomy and palimpsest dissection, several studies have begun to employ more quantitative and objective techniques, implementing tools such as geostatistics and geographic information system (GIS) methods. This is precisely the approach that the Abric Romaní team is following. In this work, we present GIS and geostatistics methods applied to the faunal and lithic assemblages from archaeolevel Ob, including an analysis of the spatial structure, the identification of clusters and sectors, size and fabric analyses, the projection of vertical profiles, and the reconstruction of a digital elevation model of the paleosurface. The results obtained indicate a clustered distribution, primarily concentrated into four dense accumulations. The pre...
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Although intra-site spatial approaches are considered a key factor when interpreting archaeological assemblages, these are often based on descriptive, qualitative, and subjective observations. Currently, within the framework of research... more
Although intra-site spatial approaches are considered a key factor when interpreting archaeological assemblages, these are often based on descriptive, qualitative, and subjective observations. Currently, within the framework of research into spatial taphonomy and palimpsest dissection, several studies have begun to employ more quantitative and objective techniques, implementing tools such as geostatistics and geographic information system (GIS) methods. This is precisely the approach that the Abric Romaní team is following. In this work, we present GIS and geostatistics methods applied to the faunal and lithic assemblages from archaeolevel Ob, including an analysis of the spatial structure, the identification of clusters and sectors, size and fabric analyses, the projection of vertical profiles, and the reconstruction of a digital elevation model of the paleosurface. The results obtained indicate a clustered distribution, primarily concentrated into four dense accumulations. The predominance of remains < 3 cm in length and the absence of preferential orientations make it possible to rule out a generalised postdepositional movement affecting most of the site, although some local movement has been identified. The horizontal and vertical spatial analyses allow us to identify accumulations of a single material (lithic or faunal) in addition to mixed accumulations (lithic and faunal). Integrating all this data with the results of previous studies (zooarchaeological, refits, combustion structures, and partial lithic technological analyses), we evaluate and combine the interpretations proposed previously using different approaches, thereby improving the overall interpretation of the archaeolevel Ob. Finally, we also develop a preliminary comparison between Ob and some other levels at the same site (in particular M and P).
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La present Tesi Doctoral, concebuda com un compendi d’articles, afronta l’estudi del nivell O de l’Abric Romani a partir de l’analisi de les restes faunistiques. Aquest nivell constitueix un palimpsest, al igual que la practica totalitat... more
La present Tesi Doctoral, concebuda com un compendi d’articles, afronta l’estudi del nivell O de l’Abric Romani a partir de l’analisi de les restes faunistiques. Aquest nivell constitueix un palimpsest, al igual que la practica totalitat dels conjunts arqueologics. Tot i aixo, la tassa de sedimentacio de l’Abric Romani permet treballar a una resolucio temporal mes alta que en la majoria de jaciments. La metodologia d’aquest treball es basa en tres pilars fonamentals: l’analisi zooarqueologica, l’analisi tafonomica (metodes macroscopics i microscopics) i l’analisi espacial (arqueoestratigrafia i planimetria). L’estudi inclou la identificacio i la quantificacio de les restes, l’estudi de la representacio esqueletica, l’analisi de la fracturacio i de les alteracions superficials i la realitzacio de remuntatges. Aixi mateix, l’estudi del palimpsest del nivell O s’encara des de dues perspectives diferents: 1) la comprensio del conjunt com a un tot, i 2) la disseccio del palimpsest. La pr...
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International audienceAmong the numerous Aurignacian open-air sites in southern France, “Régismont-le-Haut” (Poilhes, Hérault) is a rare example of a residential camp in which the explicit structure of a living space has been preserved.... more
International audienceAmong the numerous Aurignacian open-air sites in southern France, “Régismont-le-Haut” (Poilhes, Hérault) is a rare example of a residential camp in which the explicit structure of a living space has been preserved. The camp covers a large and little disturbed area, at least within the two perpendicular paleochan- nels, which subdivide the site into two main areas.During the different excavation stages carried out at the site numerous hearth structures were discovered (n = 30), around which were distributed archaeological materials of varying densities, which indicated activity areas with a complementary function. Analysis of the nature and density of archaeological remains and also the proper characteristics of the so-called fireplaces and their association with discrete organised spaces (for some of which the existence of protective structures can be presumed) has identified two main loci, each located in a paleo- channel: the first contained several large pol...
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Two archaeological assemblages from the Sierra de Atapuerca sites show evidence of an-thropogenic cannibalism. These are the late Early Pleistocene level TD6-2 at Gran Dolina, and the Bronze Age level MIR4 in the Mirador Cave. Despite the... more
Two archaeological assemblages from the Sierra de Atapuerca sites show evidence of an-thropogenic cannibalism. These are the late Early Pleistocene level TD6-2 at Gran Dolina, and the Bronze Age level MIR4 in the Mirador Cave. Despite the chronological distance be-tween these two assemblages, they share the common feature that the human remains ex-hibit a high frequency of anthropogenic modifications (cut marks, percussion pits and notches and peeling). This frequency could denote special treatment of bodies, or else be the normal result of the butchering process. In order to test these possibilities, we subjected a chimpanzee carcass to a butchering process. The processing was intensive and intended to simulate preparation for consumption. In doing this, we used several simple flakes made from quartzite and chert from quarries in the Sierra de Atapuerca. The skull, long bones, metapodials and phalanges were also fractured in order to remove the brain and bone mar-row. As a result, ...
Mélanie Fondrillon, David Germinet, Amélie Laurent, Emmanuel Marot, Véronique Marthon, Nicolas Poirier, and Marilyne Salin. Aborder la question de l’identité en archéologie : bilan bibliographique et réflexions dans des thèses en cours.... more
Mélanie Fondrillon, David Germinet, Amélie Laurent, Emmanuel Marot, Véronique Marthon, Nicolas Poirier, and Marilyne Salin. Aborder la question de l’identité en archéologie : bilan bibliographique et réflexions dans des thèses en cours. Les petits cahiers d’Anatole, 18:http://citeres.univ– tours.fr/doc/lat/pecada/pecada 18.pdf, September 2005a. URL https://hal.archives-ouvertes. fr/hal-00270275.
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Abstract Bone refits can be a useful tool to understand the archaeological assemblages. From a taphonomic point of view, they have been used to reinforce some aspects related to the formation processes of the sites. However, they can be... more
Abstract Bone refits can be a useful tool to understand the archaeological assemblages. From a taphonomic point of view, they have been used to reinforce some aspects related to the formation processes of the sites. However, they can be used to check some palaeoeconomic and social interpretations of the assemblages as well, providing accurate temporal relationships between the objects. For all these reasons, bone refits are relevant to study the settlement dynamics and the intra-site behaviour of past human groups. The main aim of this work is to present the faunal refits data obtained from two different archaeological assemblages (M and O) of the Abric Romaní site (Capellades, Spain), dated around 55 ka. The study also includes taxonomic, anatomical, taphonomic and spatial analyses. The spatio-temporal proxy allows us to interpret the activities carried out by the Neanderthal groups in different areas during different moments. From here, it is possible to interpret site structure, using ethnoarchaeological data as a referent. The comparison between these two archaeological layers, and between them and other assemblages, both from Abric Romaní and from other sites, can contribute significantly to the knowledge of the intra-site behaviour and settlement patterns at the end of the Middle Palaeolithic.
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Abstract Cultural deposits, especially those accumulated in caves and rock shelters, are usually the results of several occupational events in the same space, forming palimpsests. In addition, the materials of these occupational events... more
Abstract Cultural deposits, especially those accumulated in caves and rock shelters, are usually the results of several occupational events in the same space, forming palimpsests. In addition, the materials of these occupational events tend to be deposited along with remains of natural origin and may be altered, partially destroyed or reworked due to the process of superimposition. The work presented here focuses on dissecting the palimpsest of level O at Abric Romani through an interdisciplinary analysis. We analyzed a particular area, located in the northeastern corner of the site. This work is based on the study of the lithic and faunal remains recovered in this area, with the aim of dissecting the palimpsest into the smallest possible units. To do this, we used different methods and techniques including archaeostratigraphy, intra-site spatial archaeology, zooarchaeology, tooth microwear, taphonomy, lithic technology, and faunal and lithic refits. These methods allowed us to identify two archaeolevels in this area (Oa and Ob). Oa comprises a maximum of three accumulations and Ob holds two accumulations of archaeological remains. These accumulations are generally related to combustion structures. Based on the results obtained from zooarchaeological, taphonomic and lithic technology analyses, we characterized each accumulation. The analysis of the lithic and faunal refits helped to identify synchronic and diachronic links. After having processed all of the results, we were able to interpret the intra-area organization and its role in relation to the rest of the site. Our results have shown that it is possible to obtain high-resolution data for dissecting a palimpsest using different methodologies. It is, however, important to remember that although we were able to distinguish these finer units, we were still working with palimpsests. Nevertheless, the study of these finer units makes it possible to work with time scales that are closer to ethnographic time, thereby facilitating further ethno-archaeological interpretation.
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The reconstruction of human behavior is the main goal of Paleolithic archaeology. To interpret archaeological assemblages and the activities associated with them, a homogeneous and high resolution corpus of information is needed,... more
The reconstruction of human behavior is the main goal of Paleolithic archaeology. To interpret archaeological assemblages and the activities associated with them, a homogeneous and high resolution corpus of information is needed, especially to place these assemblages and activities in time and space. The way to achieve this is to use a variety of precise analytical methods in an interdisciplinary approach. The objective of this chapter is to reconstruct Neanderthal subsistence behaviors from a spatio-temporal perspective. The work focuses on obtaining more detailed and precise data that allow us to study differentiated individual events of activities (ethnographic time scale) performed at domestic activity areas. For this purpose we propose combining the following: zooarchaeology, taphonomy, lithic technology, raw material units, faunal and lithic refits, archaeostratigraphy, intra-site spatial patterning and, for the first time, tooth wear analysis. The selected archaeological samp...
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The taphonomic study of level J (sublevels Ja and Jb) includes macrovertebrates, microvertebrates, wood and charcoal. The association of level J has, in general, a good state of conservation, although there are several taphonomic... more
The taphonomic study of level J (sublevels Ja and Jb) includes macrovertebrates, microvertebrates, wood and charcoal. The association of level J has, in general, a good state of conservation, although there are several taphonomic modifications. No ...
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The faunal analysis of level J has been carried out using a zooarcheological method with some contributions from the field of Taphonomy. The data were obtained from the anatomical and taxonomical analysis and from the structural... more
The faunal analysis of level J has been carried out using a zooarcheological method with some contributions from the field of Taphonomy. The data were obtained from the anatomical and taxonomical analysis and from the structural modifications of the bones. ...
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ABSTRACT Several recent works have suggested that Neanderthal spatial behaviour may have been more complex than previously thought. One of the archaeological sites that has contributed the most data on this issue is the Abric Romaní... more
ABSTRACT Several recent works have suggested that Neanderthal spatial behaviour may have been more complex than previously thought. One of the archaeological sites that has contributed the most data on this issue is the Abric Romaní (Capellades, Barcelona, Spain). This paper focuses on the study of Neanderthal ac-tivities related to animal resources that took place in Level O of Abric Romaní, dated to around 55 ka. For this study, all of the faunal remains recovered from the level (including fragments smaller than 2 cm) have been analysed, with special attention paid to their distribution over the surface. Our study has two main goals: firstly, to identify activity areas related to Neanderthal activities and, secondly, to evaluate the information that small bone fragments, which are generally ignored, can provide. Among other re-sults, the methods applied during the course of the study have led to the identification of an accumu-lation of calcined bones, possibly related to the complementary use of bones as fuel and/or the presence of a systematic toss zone within a hearth. In addition, this work stresses the importance of examining the small faunal remains recovered in archaeological sites, particularly when identifying human activity areas or when assessing the intensity of human activities.
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ABSTRACT Subsistence strategies are a set of actions and measures chosen by hominins in a specific place and at a specific time to obtain the means necessary to survive and reproduce as individuals and as a group. Choosing successful... more
ABSTRACT Subsistence strategies are a set of actions and measures chosen by hominins in a specific place and at a specific time to obtain the means necessary to survive and reproduce as individuals and as a group. Choosing successful actions and measures increases the group&#39;s means of survival, which in turn gives rise to an increase in population, thereby ensuring the continuity of the group. Some authors believe that Early Pleistocene hominin settlements were marginal and discontinuous due to their lack of social networks and cultural acquirements. However, the faunal remains recovered in the caves of Gran Dolina (levels 3–4 and 6) and Sima del Elefante (levels 9–14) in the Sierra de Atapuerca (Spain) show that the subsistence strategies of Early Pleistocene hominins in Europe were successful enough to allow hominin groups to survive and reproduce in sufficient numbers. Therefore, these first humans would have the ability to maintain a continuous occupation of Europe.
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After deconstructing the palimpsest of level O, we present a cross-disciplinary study on a short occupation of the Abric Romani rock shelter conducted by means of an analysis of the record of archaeo-level Oa, a Middle Palaeolithic... more
After deconstructing the palimpsest of level O, we present a cross-disciplinary study on a short occupation of the Abric Romani rock shelter conducted by means of an analysis of the record of archaeo-level Oa, a Middle Palaeolithic assemblage dated to ca. 54 Ka BP by U/Th series.
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Abstract Isolating the various occupational events in the Palaeolithic record is hard work, because the remains from different occupations commonly overlap, creating archaeological palimpsests. We can differentiate two different types of... more
Abstract Isolating the various occupational events in the Palaeolithic record is hard work, because the remains from different occupations commonly overlap, creating archaeological palimpsests. We can differentiate two different types of palimpsest: vertical and horizontal ones. These two types are very important for identifying and defining short- or long-term human occupation. We present the different methods used in each case and their application in one of the archaeo-levels of the Abric Romani rock shelter. After deconstructing the vertical palimpsest of level O through archaeostratigraphy and a meticulous lithic analysis of the Oa archaeo-level, we present a transdisciplinary study (lithic and faunal analysis, spatial patterning of structures, and faunal and lithic refits) of this archaeo-level. The Oa archaeo-level is characterised by clear habitat organisation, with combustion structures and faunal/lithic remains produced by domestic activities. In this study, the lithic and faunal analyses allow us to interpret the habitation unit. We first discuss the static perspective, determined from the distribution of remains, and we then look at the dynamic perspective, obtained from lithic and faunal refits. Using the two approaches we identify which activities were carried out in this settlement and the movements of the Neanderthals in Abric Romani, at around 54 ka BP. Archaeo-level Oa was defined as a short occupation organised into six accumulations. We have identified the function of three accumulations: “Accumulation A” results from a sleeping zone, while “Accumulation E” and “D” represent domestic areas.
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The most common prey of humans during the European Middle Palaeolithic was large and medium-sized ungulates. In contrast, evidence of human processing of small animals and carnivores is very scarce in this chronology. In Level O of the... more
The most common prey of humans during the European Middle Palaeolithic was large and medium-sized ungulates. In contrast, evidence of human processing of small animals and carnivores is very scarce in this chronology. In Level O of the Abric Romaní site, dated to 55 ka, various evidence of human activity has been identified in Cervus elaphus, Bos primigenius and Equus ferus, but also in Felis silvestris. The present paper focuses on the specific case of this felid. The main aim is to explain the anthropogenic use of the wildcat, taking into account actualistic and archaeological studies. An analysis is undertaken of skeletal part representation, surface modifications (cutmarks), bone breakage pattern (one or both epiphyses missing from certain limb bones) and the spatial dispersion of the remains (clustered and unevenly distributed). The results indicate that all the remains belong to a nearly complete individual that was processed and consumed by Neanderthals inside the rock shelte...
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The taphonomic study of level J (sublevels Ja and Jb) includes macrovertebrates, microvertebrates, wood and charcoal. The association of level J has, in general, a good state of conservation, although there are several taphonomic... more
The taphonomic study of level J (sublevels Ja and Jb) includes macrovertebrates, microvertebrates, wood and charcoal. The association of level J has, in general, a good state of conservation, although there are several taphonomic modifications. No ...
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The faunal analysis of level J has been carried out using a zooarcheological method with some contributions from the field of Taphonomy. The data were obtained from the anatomical and taxonomical analysis and from the structural... more
The faunal analysis of level J has been carried out using a zooarcheological method with some contributions from the field of Taphonomy. The data were obtained from the anatomical and taxonomical analysis and from the structural modifications of the bones. ...
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French and English Abstracts in attached file
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Durante los últimos años, la aplicación de analíticas de alta resolución temporal en contextos de palimpsesto ha experimentado un importante crecimiento. Prueba de ello son los diferentes recursos metodológicos que se han desarrollado con... more
Durante los últimos años, la aplicación de analíticas de alta resolución temporal en contextos de palimpsesto ha experimentado un importante crecimiento. Prueba de ello son los diferentes recursos metodológicos que se han desarrollado con el objetivo de establecer unidades de análisis con mayor resolución temporal a través de la arqueoestratigrafía, la micromorfología, los remontajes, etc. A modo de ejemplo, en esta comunicación expondremos parte de los resultados y metodología empleada a partir del registro faunístico en dos reconocidos yacimientos del Paleolítico medio peninsular: el Abric Romaní (Capellades, Barcelona) y El Salt (Alcoi, Alicante). Con ello se busca dar a conocer el valor de dicho material a la hora de temporalizar los conjuntos arqueológicos.
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Bone refits can be a useful tool to understand the archaeological assemblages. From a taphonomic point of view, they have been used to reinforce some aspects related to the formation processes of the sites. However, they can be used to... more
Bone refits can be a useful tool to understand the archaeological assemblages. From a taphonomic point of view, they have been used to reinforce some aspects related to the formation processes of the sites. However, they can be used to check some palaeoeconomic and social interpretations of the assemblages as well, providing accurate temporal relationships between the objects. For all these reasons, bone refits are relevant to study the settlement dynamics and the intra-site behaviour of past human groups. The main aim of this work is to present the faunal refits data obtained from two different archaeological assemblages (M and O) of the Abric Romaní site (Capellades, Spain), dated around 55 ka. The study also includes taxonomic, anatomical, taphonomic and spatial analyses. The spatio-temporal proxy allows us to interpret the activities carried out by the Neanderthal groups in different areas during different moments. From here, it is possible to interpret site structure, using ethnoarchaeological data as a referent. The comparison between these two archaeological layers, and between them and other assemblages, both from Abric Romaní and from other sites, can contribute significantly to the knowledge of the intra-site behaviour and settlement patterns at the end of the Middle Palaeolithic.
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Practically all archeological assemblages are palimpsests. In spite of the high temporal resolution of Abric Romaní site, level O, dated to around 55 ka, is not an... more
Practically all archeological assemblages are palimpsests.
In spite of the high temporal resolution of Abric
Romaní site, level O, dated to around 55 ka, is not an exception.Thispaperfocusesonazooarcheologicalandtaphonomicanalysisofthislevel,payingspecialattentiontospatialand
temporalapproaches.Themaingoalistounravelthepalimpsestatthefinestpossiblelevelbyusingdifferentmethodsand
techniques, such as archeostratigraphy, anatomical and taxonomical
identification, taphonomic analysis, faunal refits and
tooth wear analysis. The results obtained are compared to
ethnoarcheological data so as to interpret site structure. In
addition,activitiescarriedoutoverdifferenttimespans(from
individual episodes to long-term behaviors) are detected, and
their spatial extent is explored, allowing to do inferences on
settlementdynamics.Thisleadsustodiscussthetemporaland
spatial scales over which Neanderthals carried out different
activitieswithinthesite,andhowtheycanbestudiedthrough
the archeological record.
In spite of the high temporal resolution of Abric
Romaní site, level O, dated to around 55 ka, is not an exception.Thispaperfocusesonazooarcheologicalandtaphonomicanalysisofthislevel,payingspecialattentiontospatialand
temporalapproaches.Themaingoalistounravelthepalimpsestatthefinestpossiblelevelbyusingdifferentmethodsand
techniques, such as archeostratigraphy, anatomical and taxonomical
identification, taphonomic analysis, faunal refits and
tooth wear analysis. The results obtained are compared to
ethnoarcheological data so as to interpret site structure. In
addition,activitiescarriedoutoverdifferenttimespans(from
individual episodes to long-term behaviors) are detected, and
their spatial extent is explored, allowing to do inferences on
settlementdynamics.Thisleadsustodiscussthetemporaland
spatial scales over which Neanderthals carried out different
activitieswithinthesite,andhowtheycanbestudiedthrough
the archeological record.
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The Abric Romaní archaeological site (Capellades, Barcelona, Spain) is one of the most important Upper Pleistocene archaeological sites in Western Europe. This is due to the extensive stratigraphic sequence and high sedimentary... more
The Abric Romaní archaeological site (Capellades, Barcelona, Spain) is one of the most important Upper Pleistocene archaeological sites in Western Europe. This is due to the extensive stratigraphic sequence and high sedimentary resolution, which makes it one of the key sites for understanding the cultural and social behaviour of Neanderthal groups. This article presents zooarchaeological, taphonomical, technological and spatial distribution data analysis of level O from Abric Romaní site. These data allow us to obtain information about patterns of acquisition, management and consumption of natural resources and spatial organization of intra-site activities. The approximate date of this level is 55 Kyr, a period which corresponds to one of the most arid phases within the glacial trend of this period, named pollen phase 3. Level O has been excavated since 2004 until today. It includes an area of 300m2, except a small part which is currently under/ or excavated excavation. Based on the data obtained during the field work and on the preliminary results of the analysis, we have observed some differences in level O in comparison with the other levels of the sequence. These differences are related to a change in procurement, management and spatial organization of Neanderthal groups. This study allows us to address a hypothesis of a cultural change in the internal dynamics of the Abric Romaní site around 55 000 years ago.
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The reconstruction of human behavior is the main goal of Paleolithic archaeology. To interpret archaeological assemblages and the activities associated with them, a homogeneous and high resolution corpus of information is needed,... more
The reconstruction of human behavior is the main goal of Paleolithic
archaeology. To interpret archaeological assemblages and the activities associated
with them, a homogeneous and high resolution corpus of information is needed,
especially to place these assemblages and activities in time and space. The way to
achieve this is to use a variety of precise analytical methods in an interdisciplinary
approach. The objective of this chapter is to reconstruct Neanderthal subsistence
behaviors from a spatio-temporal perspective. The work focuses on obtaining more
detailed and precise data that allow us to study differentiated individual events of
activities (ethnographic time scale) performed at domestic activity areas. For this
purpose we propose combining the following: zooarchaeology, taphonomy, lithic
technology, raw material units, faunal and lithic refits, archaeostratigraphy, intra-site
spatial patterning and, for the first time, tooth wear analysis.
The selected archaeological sample comes from level O of the Abric Romaní site
(Barcelona, Spain) dated to around 55 ka. The fauna and lithic remains belong to the
domestic activity area O10. This area was identified through archeostratigraphic and
spatial analyses. The results allowed us to document the functionality of this domestic
area and to distinguish the temporal formation of the archaeological assemblage
and the subsistence activities performed there. Two micro-levels, separated by a thin
sterile layer, were identified in the central zone. Some data suggest synchronicity
between most of the remains inside this activity area, and also between some
remains from this area and other activity areas of level O. However, other aspects
show diachronic moments of activity. Our results permit us (1) to distinguish specific
moments of the occupation in a clearly defined area and (2) to improve the interpretation
of the palimpsests.
archaeology. To interpret archaeological assemblages and the activities associated
with them, a homogeneous and high resolution corpus of information is needed,
especially to place these assemblages and activities in time and space. The way to
achieve this is to use a variety of precise analytical methods in an interdisciplinary
approach. The objective of this chapter is to reconstruct Neanderthal subsistence
behaviors from a spatio-temporal perspective. The work focuses on obtaining more
detailed and precise data that allow us to study differentiated individual events of
activities (ethnographic time scale) performed at domestic activity areas. For this
purpose we propose combining the following: zooarchaeology, taphonomy, lithic
technology, raw material units, faunal and lithic refits, archaeostratigraphy, intra-site
spatial patterning and, for the first time, tooth wear analysis.
The selected archaeological sample comes from level O of the Abric Romaní site
(Barcelona, Spain) dated to around 55 ka. The fauna and lithic remains belong to the
domestic activity area O10. This area was identified through archeostratigraphic and
spatial analyses. The results allowed us to document the functionality of this domestic
area and to distinguish the temporal formation of the archaeological assemblage
and the subsistence activities performed there. Two micro-levels, separated by a thin
sterile layer, were identified in the central zone. Some data suggest synchronicity
between most of the remains inside this activity area, and also between some
remains from this area and other activity areas of level O. However, other aspects
show diachronic moments of activity. Our results permit us (1) to distinguish specific
moments of the occupation in a clearly defined area and (2) to improve the interpretation
of the palimpsests.
Research Interests:
Two archaeological assemblages from the Sierra de Atapuerca sites show evidence of anthropogenic cannibalism. These are the late Early Pleistocene level TD6-2 at Gran Dolina, and the Bronze Age level MIR4 in the Mirador Cave. Despite the... more
Two archaeological assemblages from the Sierra de Atapuerca sites show evidence of anthropogenic cannibalism. These are the late Early Pleistocene level TD6-2 at Gran Dolina, and the Bronze Age level MIR4 in the Mirador Cave. Despite the chronological distance between these two assemblages, they share the common feature that the human remains exhibit a high frequency of anthropogenic modifications (cut marks, percussion pits and notches and peeling). This frequency could denote special treatment of bodies, or else be the normal result of the butchering process. In order to test these possibilities, we subjected a chimpanzee carcass to a butchering process. The processing was intensive and intended to simulate preparation for consumption. In doing this, we used several simple flakes made from quartzite and chert from quarries in the Sierra de Atapuerca. The skull, long bones, metapodials and phalanges were also fractured in order to remove the brain and bone marrow. As a result, about 40% of the remains showed some kind of human modification. The frequency, distribution and characteristics of these modifications are very similar to those documented on the remains of Homo antecessor from TD6-2. In case of the MIR4 assemblage, the results are similar except in the treatment of skulls. Our results indicate that high frequencies of anthropogenic modifications are common after an intensive butchering process intended to prepare a hominin body for consumption in different contexts (both where there was possible ritual behavior and where this was not the case and the modifications are not the result of special treatment).
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The most common prey of humans during the European Middle Palaeolithic was large and medium-sized ungulates. In contrast, evidence of human processing of small animals and carnivores is very scarce in this chronology. In Level O of the... more
The most common prey of humans during the European Middle Palaeolithic was large and medium-sized
ungulates. In contrast, evidence of human processing of small animals and carnivores is very scarce in
this chronology. In Level O of the Abric Romaní site, dated to 55 ka, various evidence of human activity
has been identified in Cervus elaphus, Bos primigenius and Equus ferus, but also in Felis silvestris. The
present paper focuses on the specific case of this felid. The main aim is to explain the anthropogenic use
of the wildcat, taking into account actualistic and archaeological studies. An analysis is undertaken of
skeletal part representation, surface modifications (cutmarks), bone breakage pattern (one or both
epiphyses missing from certain limb bones) and the spatial dispersion of the remains (clustered and
unevenly distributed). The results indicate that all the remains belong to a nearly complete individual
that was processed and consumed by Neanderthals inside the rock shelter. This case is compared with
the other taxa identified in Level O, with other carnivores recovered from the Abric Romaní site and with
other sites with a similar chronology. It is suggested that Neanderthals had a more diverse diet and more
variable subsistence strategies than previously thought.
ungulates. In contrast, evidence of human processing of small animals and carnivores is very scarce in
this chronology. In Level O of the Abric Romaní site, dated to 55 ka, various evidence of human activity
has been identified in Cervus elaphus, Bos primigenius and Equus ferus, but also in Felis silvestris. The
present paper focuses on the specific case of this felid. The main aim is to explain the anthropogenic use
of the wildcat, taking into account actualistic and archaeological studies. An analysis is undertaken of
skeletal part representation, surface modifications (cutmarks), bone breakage pattern (one or both
epiphyses missing from certain limb bones) and the spatial dispersion of the remains (clustered and
unevenly distributed). The results indicate that all the remains belong to a nearly complete individual
that was processed and consumed by Neanderthals inside the rock shelter. This case is compared with
the other taxa identified in Level O, with other carnivores recovered from the Abric Romaní site and with
other sites with a similar chronology. It is suggested that Neanderthals had a more diverse diet and more
variable subsistence strategies than previously thought.
Research Interests:
Several recent works have suggested that Neanderthal spatial behaviour may have been more complex than previously thought. One of the archaeological sites that has contributed the most data on this issue is the Abric Romaní (Capellades,... more
Several recent works have suggested that Neanderthal spatial behaviour may have been more complex
than previously thought. One of the archaeological sites that has contributed the most data on this issue
is the Abric Romaní (Capellades, Barcelona, Spain). This paper focuses on the study of Neanderthal activities
related to animal resources that took place in Level O of Abric Romaní, dated to around 55 ka. For
this study, all of the faunal remains recovered from the level (including fragments smaller than 2 cm)
have been analysed, with special attention paid to their distribution over the surface. Our study has two
main goals: firstly, to identify activity areas related to Neanderthal activities and, secondly, to evaluate
the information that small bone fragments, which are generally ignored, can provide. Among other results,
the methods applied during the course of the study have led to the identification of an accumulation
of calcined bones, possibly related to the complementary use of bones as fuel and/or the presence
of a systematic toss zone within a hearth. In addition, this work stresses the importance of examining the
small faunal remains recovered in archaeological sites, particularly when identifying human activity
areas or when assessing the intensity of human activities.
than previously thought. One of the archaeological sites that has contributed the most data on this issue
is the Abric Romaní (Capellades, Barcelona, Spain). This paper focuses on the study of Neanderthal activities
related to animal resources that took place in Level O of Abric Romaní, dated to around 55 ka. For
this study, all of the faunal remains recovered from the level (including fragments smaller than 2 cm)
have been analysed, with special attention paid to their distribution over the surface. Our study has two
main goals: firstly, to identify activity areas related to Neanderthal activities and, secondly, to evaluate
the information that small bone fragments, which are generally ignored, can provide. Among other results,
the methods applied during the course of the study have led to the identification of an accumulation
of calcined bones, possibly related to the complementary use of bones as fuel and/or the presence
of a systematic toss zone within a hearth. In addition, this work stresses the importance of examining the
small faunal remains recovered in archaeological sites, particularly when identifying human activity
areas or when assessing the intensity of human activities.
Research Interests:
Archaeological faunal assemblages may be accumulated and altered by multiple tapho-nomic agents through different processes. Before drawing any behavioural or environmental infer-ences from the archaeological record, researchers must... more
Archaeological faunal assemblages may be accumulated and altered by multiple tapho-nomic agents through different processes. Before drawing any behavioural or environmental infer-ences from the archaeological record, researchers must identify the taphonomic agents and mecha-nisms that have modified faunal assemblages. In this paper, post-depositional alterations of the faunal remains in the level O of the Abric Romaní site, dated around 55 ky, are investigated. As with other levels of this site studied previously, the origin of the macrofaunal accumulations in level O and the major taphonomic modifications within this level are due to human activity. After human occupation, however, post-depositional taphonomic processes occurred including carnivore damage, plant activ-ity, water abrasion, rodent activity, cementation and manganese oxide pigmentation. In the present study we focus on post-depositional processes paying particular attention to the number of affected remains, degree of alteration, the sequence of modifications, skeletal part representation and spatial distribution of the remains. Our study concludes that the level O had a microenvironment of rela-tive ambient humidity, marked by wet conditions and reactivations of weak water flows. In general, post-depositional processes were not highly destructive, which is conducive to the study of the faunal remains from an archaeological point of view.
Research Interests:
Skeletal representation studies can provide much information about human behavior during the Pleistocene. However, natural taphonomic agents and processes may also alter the frequencies of skeletal parts. Due to this reason, researchers... more
Skeletal representation studies can provide much information about human behavior during the Pleistocene.
However, natural taphonomic agents and processes may also alter the frequencies of skeletal parts. Due to this
reason, researchers have made many efforts to quantify both anthropogenic and natural taphonomic procesess. We
will describe here the statistical methods more commonly applied to the study of skeletal-parts representation, finally
providing the exposition of a methodological concrete route.
However, natural taphonomic agents and processes may also alter the frequencies of skeletal parts. Due to this
reason, researchers have made many efforts to quantify both anthropogenic and natural taphonomic procesess. We
will describe here the statistical methods more commonly applied to the study of skeletal-parts representation, finally
providing the exposition of a methodological concrete route.
Research Interests:
The Abric Romaní archaeological site (Capellades, Barcelona, Spain) is one of the most important Upper Pleistocene archaeological sites in Western Europe. This is due to the extensive stratigraphic sequence and high sedimentary... more
The Abric Romaní archaeological site (Capellades, Barcelona, Spain) is one of the most important Upper Pleistocene archaeological sites
in Western Europe. This is due to the extensive stratigraphic sequence and high sedimentary resolution, which makes it one of the key
sites for understanding the cultural and social behaviour of Neanderthal groups. This article presents zooarchaeological, taphonomical,
technological and spatial distribution data analysis of level O from Abric Romaní site. These data allow us to obtain information about
patterns of acquisition, management and consumption of natural resources and spatial organization of intra-site activities. The approximate
date of this level is 55 Kyr, a period which corresponds to one of the most arid phases within the glacial trend of this period, named pollen
phase 3. Level O has been excavated since 2004 until today. It includes an area of 300m2, except a small part which is currently under/ or
excavated excavation. Based on the data obtained during the field work and on the preliminary results of the analysis, we have observed
some differences in level O in comparison with the other levels of the sequence. These differences are related to a change in procurement,
management and spatial organization of Neanderthal groups. This study allows us to address a hypothesis of a cultural change in the
internal dynamics of the Abric Romaní site around 55 000 years ago.
in Western Europe. This is due to the extensive stratigraphic sequence and high sedimentary resolution, which makes it one of the key
sites for understanding the cultural and social behaviour of Neanderthal groups. This article presents zooarchaeological, taphonomical,
technological and spatial distribution data analysis of level O from Abric Romaní site. These data allow us to obtain information about
patterns of acquisition, management and consumption of natural resources and spatial organization of intra-site activities. The approximate
date of this level is 55 Kyr, a period which corresponds to one of the most arid phases within the glacial trend of this period, named pollen
phase 3. Level O has been excavated since 2004 until today. It includes an area of 300m2, except a small part which is currently under/ or
excavated excavation. Based on the data obtained during the field work and on the preliminary results of the analysis, we have observed
some differences in level O in comparison with the other levels of the sequence. These differences are related to a change in procurement,
management and spatial organization of Neanderthal groups. This study allows us to address a hypothesis of a cultural change in the
internal dynamics of the Abric Romaní site around 55 000 years ago.
Research Interests:
Zooarchaeological ensembles frequently present a lack of proportion regarding the abundance of the different skeletal elements. The correct study and interpretation of a skeletal representation are very important because, from them, we... more
Zooarchaeological ensembles frequently present a lack of proportion regarding the abundance of the different skeletal elements. The correct study and
interpretation of a skeletal representation are very important because, from them, we can draw some inferences about human behaviour. Nevertheless,
before raising these inferences, we must verify that the anatomical pattern observed is not a consequence of a natural taphonomic agent. This work
proposes to deepen this type of studies through a double route: on the one hand, we defend the use of the statistical analysis which compare Bone Density
and Utility Indexes measures with zooarchaeological quantification; on the other hand, researchers must develop a complete taphonomic analysis of all
the remains. The combination of these two steps will allow, in the end, a better interpretation of the skeletal representation of that ensemble.
Keywords: skeletal representation, Bone Density, Utility Indexs, statistics, taphonomy.
interpretation of a skeletal representation are very important because, from them, we can draw some inferences about human behaviour. Nevertheless,
before raising these inferences, we must verify that the anatomical pattern observed is not a consequence of a natural taphonomic agent. This work
proposes to deepen this type of studies through a double route: on the one hand, we defend the use of the statistical analysis which compare Bone Density
and Utility Indexes measures with zooarchaeological quantification; on the other hand, researchers must develop a complete taphonomic analysis of all
the remains. The combination of these two steps will allow, in the end, a better interpretation of the skeletal representation of that ensemble.
Keywords: skeletal representation, Bone Density, Utility Indexs, statistics, taphonomy.
Research Interests:
In recent decades, many research questions focus on occupational patterns in the Middle Palaeolithic. Many discussions on that topic address the temporal resolution of formation of assemblages and the character of palimpsests that can... more
In recent decades, many research questions focus on occupational patterns in the Middle Palaeolithic.
Many discussions on that topic address the temporal resolution of formation of assemblages and the
character of palimpsests that can be frequently observed at archaeological sites. The Abric Romaní site
(Barcelona, Spain) is a good example to analyze questions related to temporal resolution of the human
occupations. This site is filled by a succession of travertine platforms of rapid formation, which clearly
separate different archaeological levels. With the objective of characterizing the settlement patterns
developed at this site, a combination of zooarchaeological and spatial data from Level J (sublevels Ja and Jb)
is presented here. On one hand, primary and immediate anthropogenic accesses to the carcasses (mainly
horses and red deer) and well-established patterns of animal processing are observed. On the other hand,
these activities are always developed around hearths of inhabitable areas. From a nutritional perspective,
faunal refits suggest synchronic relationships between the different activity areas and, therefore, the
anthropic occupation of the total surface of the rock-shelter during the formation of Level J. However, this
certain synchrony is combined with the presence of other elements, such as overlapped hearths, which
show a succession of several occupations with the same settlement patterns. In this way, Level J of Abric
Romaní could be understood as the succession of several occupations formed by groups that maintained
the same traditions through time. From this perspective, the aim of this paper is to improve data to
understand the settlement patterns and the social organization systems of the Neanderthal groups during
MIS 3.
Many discussions on that topic address the temporal resolution of formation of assemblages and the
character of palimpsests that can be frequently observed at archaeological sites. The Abric Romaní site
(Barcelona, Spain) is a good example to analyze questions related to temporal resolution of the human
occupations. This site is filled by a succession of travertine platforms of rapid formation, which clearly
separate different archaeological levels. With the objective of characterizing the settlement patterns
developed at this site, a combination of zooarchaeological and spatial data from Level J (sublevels Ja and Jb)
is presented here. On one hand, primary and immediate anthropogenic accesses to the carcasses (mainly
horses and red deer) and well-established patterns of animal processing are observed. On the other hand,
these activities are always developed around hearths of inhabitable areas. From a nutritional perspective,
faunal refits suggest synchronic relationships between the different activity areas and, therefore, the
anthropic occupation of the total surface of the rock-shelter during the formation of Level J. However, this
certain synchrony is combined with the presence of other elements, such as overlapped hearths, which
show a succession of several occupations with the same settlement patterns. In this way, Level J of Abric
Romaní could be understood as the succession of several occupations formed by groups that maintained
the same traditions through time. From this perspective, the aim of this paper is to improve data to
understand the settlement patterns and the social organization systems of the Neanderthal groups during
MIS 3.
Research Interests:
Subsistence strategies are a set of actions and measures chosen by hominins in a specific place and at a specific time to obtain the means necessary to survive and reproduce as individuals and as a group. Choosing successful actions and... more
Subsistence strategies are a set of actions and measures chosen by hominins in a specific place and at
a specific time to obtain the means necessary to survive and reproduce as individuals and as a group.
Choosing successful actions and measures increases the group’s means of survival, which in turn gives
rise to an increase in population, thereby ensuring the continuity of the group. Some authors believe that
Early Pleistocene hominin settlements were marginal and discontinuous due to their lack of social
networks and cultural acquirements. However, the faunal remains recovered in the caves of Gran Dolina
(levels 3e4 and 6) and Sima del Elefante (levels 9e14) in the Sierra de Atapuerca (Spain) show that the
subsistence strategies of Early Pleistocene hominins in Europe were successful enough to allow hominin
groups to survive and reproduce in sufficient numbers. Therefore, these first humans would have the
ability to maintain a continuous occupation of Europe.
a specific time to obtain the means necessary to survive and reproduce as individuals and as a group.
Choosing successful actions and measures increases the group’s means of survival, which in turn gives
rise to an increase in population, thereby ensuring the continuity of the group. Some authors believe that
Early Pleistocene hominin settlements were marginal and discontinuous due to their lack of social
networks and cultural acquirements. However, the faunal remains recovered in the caves of Gran Dolina
(levels 3e4 and 6) and Sima del Elefante (levels 9e14) in the Sierra de Atapuerca (Spain) show that the
subsistence strategies of Early Pleistocene hominins in Europe were successful enough to allow hominin
groups to survive and reproduce in sufficient numbers. Therefore, these first humans would have the
ability to maintain a continuous occupation of Europe.
Research Interests:
The human use of fire generates a cultural sedimentary record that can be used to characterize prehistoric activity areas. The aim of this paper is to develop a field guide for recognizing and describing combustion structures. The use... more
The human use of fire generates a cultural sedimentary record that can be used to characterize
prehistoric activity areas. The aim of this paper is to develop a field guide for recognizing and describing
combustion structures. The use of fire as suggested by the results of ethnoarchaeological and prehistoric
archaeological studies has served as the foundation for the analytical design of the field observations of
the combustion structures at the Abric Romaní rockshelter.
Flat and concave combustion structure types have been uncovered in archaeological level O. The
systematic recording of the sedimentary and dimensional attributes of the combustion structures can be
used as empirical evidence with which to characterize the use of fire. Differences in the use of fire
represent a significant finding in the cultural repertoires of Neanderthals. Recognizing and recording the
specific organizational patterns of these activity areas, such as fire-use in sleeping and resting activity
areas, indicate the definitive emergence of home bases in the spatial record of the living floors of the
archaic human groups.
prehistoric activity areas. The aim of this paper is to develop a field guide for recognizing and describing
combustion structures. The use of fire as suggested by the results of ethnoarchaeological and prehistoric
archaeological studies has served as the foundation for the analytical design of the field observations of
the combustion structures at the Abric Romaní rockshelter.
Flat and concave combustion structure types have been uncovered in archaeological level O. The
systematic recording of the sedimentary and dimensional attributes of the combustion structures can be
used as empirical evidence with which to characterize the use of fire. Differences in the use of fire
represent a significant finding in the cultural repertoires of Neanderthals. Recognizing and recording the
specific organizational patterns of these activity areas, such as fire-use in sleeping and resting activity
areas, indicate the definitive emergence of home bases in the spatial record of the living floors of the
archaic human groups.