Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2011
Considerations of Neandertal geographical variation have been hampered by the dearth of remains f... more Considerations of Neandertal geographical variation have been hampered by the dearth of remains from Mediterranean Europe and the absence there of sufficiently complete associated postcrania. The 2006 and 2007 excavation of an articulated partial skeleton of a small adult female Neandertal at the Sima de las Palomas, Murcia, southeastern Spain (Sima de las Palomas 96) provides substantial and secure information on body proportions among southern European Neandertals, as well as further documenting the nature of Neandertal biology in southern Iberia. The remains exhibit a suite of cranial, mandibular, dental, and postcranial features, of both Neandertals and archaic Homo generally, that distinguish them from contemporary and subsequent early modern humans. Its lower limbs exhibit the robustness of later Pleistocene Homo generally, and its upper limbs conform to the pattern of elevated robustness of the Neandertals. Its body proportions, including relative clavicular length, distal li...
Abstract The development of pyrotechnology is a hallmark of human history, providing our ancestor... more Abstract The development of pyrotechnology is a hallmark of human history, providing our ancestors with warmth, security and cooked food. Evidence for fire use before 400 thousand years ago (kya) remains contentious due largely to the taphonomically fragile nature of charcoal and ash. As such, it is imperative to the study of prehistoric fire that we develop techniques and methodologies for identifying anthropogenic fire use via more robust materials. A new methodology described by Fernandez-Jalvo and Avery (2015) based on small mammal taphonomy to identify high intensity fire events from the distant past is replicated herein. When we applied this method to assemblages from Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Rio Quipar, an upland rock-shelter in southeastern Spain, dated to between 780 kya and 980 kya, we recognized a spatial relationship between highly heat modified micromammal specimens and a previously reported delineated feature of thermally altered and carbonate rich sediment which also includes heat-fractured chert and calcined bone (the fire feature). The proportion of heavily heat-modified specimens (charred and/or calcined specimens) identified within the stratigraphic context associated with the fire feature proved statistically significant ( x 2 = 169.18, p
In 1991, a speleologist descending the 18-m deep entrance shaft extracted a fossil (designated SP... more In 1991, a speleologist descending the 18-m deep entrance shaft extracted a fossil (designated SP1) which, once the cemented breccia was removed, comprised Neanderthal maxillae connected to the mandible, with almost all their adult teeth. Subsequent systematic excavation uncovered three undisturbed Neanderthal partial skeletons (SP96, SP92, and a child, SP97) with several skeletal parts in anatomical position (including cranio-mandibular articulation, femoro-pelvic articulation, elbow, rib-cage, vertebral column, shoulder girdle, foot bones, etc.), Mousterian Palaeolithic artifacts, and animal bones.
Localización: XIX Jornadas de Patrimonio Cultural de la Región de Murcia:[celebradas en] Cartagen... more Localización: XIX Jornadas de Patrimonio Cultural de la Región de Murcia:[celebradas en] Cartagena, Alhama de Murcia, La Unión y Murcia, 7 de octubre al 4 de noviembre 2008/coord. por Manuel Lechuga Galindo, Pedro Enrique Collado Espejo, María Belén ...
The development of pyrotechnology is a hallmark of human history, providing our ancestors with wa... more The development of pyrotechnology is a hallmark of human history, providing our ancestors with warmth, security and cooked food. Evidence for fire use before 400 thousand years ago (kya) remains contentious due largely to the taphonomically fragile nature of charcoal and ash. As such, it is imperative to the study of prehistoric fire that we develop techniques and methodologies for identifying anthropogenic fire use via more robust materials. A new methodology described by Fernández-Jalvo and Avery (2015) based on small mammal taphonomy to identify high intensity fire events from the distant past is replicated herein. When we applied this method to assemblages from Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Río Quípar, an upland rock-shelter in southeastern Spain, dated to between 780 kya and 980 kya, we recognized a spatial relationship between highly heat modified micromammal specimens and a previously reported delineated feature of thermally altered and carbonate rich sediment which also includes heat-fractured chert and calcined bone (the fire feature). The proportion of heavily heat-modified specimens (charred and/or calcined specimens) identified within the stratigraphic context associated with the fire feature proved statistically significant (x 2 = 169.18, p b 0.001) when compared with the proportion of similarly modified specimens from overlying deposits (within other stratigraphic layers). The degree of discolouration seen on the micromammal remains within the fire feature has been linked to temperatures exceeding 600 °C (Shipman et al., 1984), and as such supports claims that the fire feature may have an anthropo-genic origin. Environmental scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) of bone specimens confirms that this discolouration is due to burning rather than post-depositional mineral staining. This confirms that methodology, which represents a novel line of evidence for identifying pyrotechnical events at early Palaeolithic sites, can be used to identify potentially anthropogenic fire events from the distant past when alternative scenarios are excluded. Furthermore, studies of this type showcase the value of including detailed taphonomic studies of microfauna assemblages within multidisciplinary research projects.
Control of fire was a hallmark of developing human cognition and an essential technology for the ... more Control of fire was a hallmark of developing human cognition and an essential technology for the colonisation of cooler latitudes. In Europe, the earliest evidence comes from recent work at the site of Cueva Negra del Estrecho del RIo Quípar in south-eastern Spain. Charred and calcined bone and thermally altered chert were recovered from a deep, 0.8-million-year-old sedimentary deposit. A combination of analyses indicated that these had been heated to 400–600ºC, compatible with burning. Inspection of the sediment and hydroxyapatite also suggests combustion and degradation of the bone. The results provide new insight into Early Palaeolithic use of fire and its significance for human evolution.
20 AÑOS DE EXCAVACIONES EN LA SIMA DE LAS PALOMAS DEL CABEZO GORDO DE TORREPACHECO.
Michael Wal... more 20 AÑOS DE EXCAVACIONES EN LA SIMA DE LAS PALOMAS DEL CABEZO GORDO DE TORREPACHECO.
Michael Walker, Mariano López Martínez, María Haber-Uriarte
ARTE RUPESTRE LEVANTINO. DESDE LA REALIDAD A LOS MITOS.
Miguel Ángel Mateo Saura
LA RUTA DE LOS ÍBEROS - PAISAJES DEL THADER. UN PROYECTO TURÍSTICO CULTURAL INNOVADOR.
Justo Ireno Fernández Reche
ÚLTIMAS ACTUACIONES ARQUEOLOGICAS EN HISN SIYÂSA.
Joaquín Salmerón Juan, Francisco Escobar Guio, María José Morcillo Sánchez
ARQUEOLOGÍA SUBACUÁTICA UNA REFLEXIÓN ACERCA DE LA SITUACIÓN ACTUAL
Michael Trojan Hernández
ARQUEOLOGÍA INDUSTRIAL MURCIANA. INTRODUCCIÓN Y ALGUNOS EJEMPLOS
Óscar González Vergara
LA MANZANILLA DE ESCOMBRERAS. UNA JOYA BOTÁNICA LIGADA LA COSTA DE CARTAGENA
Aguado López, M., Matínez Sánchez, J.J., Franco Leemhuis, J.A., Bañón Arias, S., Conesa Gallego, E. Vicente Colomer, M.J.
EDUCACIÓN Y NUEVAS TECNOLOGÍAS PARA EL DESARROLLO DEL PATRIMONIO. Pedro Lucas Salcedo
Popular Archaeology Vol. 15, 03012014, Jun 5, 2014
Spain's Murcia University, scientists suggest that early humans who lived in the Cueva Negra (Bla... more Spain's Murcia University, scientists suggest that early humans who lived in the Cueva Negra (Black Cave) rock-shelter of southeastern Spain about 800,000 years ago used fire, and that they exhibited behaviors that indicated a cognitively sophisticated late early Pleistocene use of resources and tools in their environment. The detailed report is published in the upcoming Volume 15 of Popular Archaeology Magazine.
In 1991, a speleologist descending the 18-m deep entrance shaft extracted a fossil (designated SP... more In 1991, a speleologist descending the 18-m deep entrance shaft extracted a fossil (designated SP1) which, once the cemented breccia was removed, comprised Neanderthal maxillae connected to the mandible, with almost all their adult teeth. Subsequent systematic excavation uncovered three undisturbed Neanderthal partial skeletons (SP96, SP92, and a child, SP97) with several skeletal parts in anatomical position (including cranio-mandibular articulation, femoro-pelvic articulation, elbow, rib-cage, vertebral column, shoulder girdle, foot bones, etc.), Mousterian Palaeolithic artifacts, and animal bones.
The late Early Pleistocene deposit, dating from ca. 0.8-0.9 Ma, at Cueva Negra del Estrecho del R... more The late Early Pleistocene deposit, dating from ca. 0.8-0.9 Ma, at Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Río Quípar in Murcia, Spain, contains an abundant assemblage of small flaked artifacts of chert, quartzite and limestone, and one bifacially-flaked
limestone hand-axe. We have investigated several possible sources of the chert in an attempt to throw light on Palaeolithic
interaction with the environment. Possible sources on the landscape were sampled at distances of up to 30 km from the
site. Trace-element fingerprints were analyzed by laser-ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Factor analysis was used to differentiate between sources and as a pointer to where chert analyzed from the cave may have
been obtained. Our initial assumption was that most had come from less than 1 km away, namely, from a conglomerate outcrop
where chert nodules could be quarried readily. Whilst trace-element evidence supports that hypothesis, it also points to
a fair likelihood that some recovered chert lithics had been brought from sources up to 30 km away from the cave. Although
evidence is scarce for transport of stone from a similar distance at other late Early Pleistocene sites in Europe, it nevertheless
is present in the archaeological record, particularly in Spain where it may be possible to begin to consider differences in
stone-procurement strategies between late Early Pleistocene technological assemblages.
Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Río Quípar (Caravaca de la Cruz, Murcia, Spain), hereinafter Cueva N... more Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Río Quípar (Caravaca de la Cruz, Murcia, Spain), hereinafter Cueva Negra, is
a key-site for understanding the early peopling of Europe. Since 1990, systematic excavation has revealed
an intriguing assemblage of lithic and faunal remains, and hominin teeth. It was deposited 0.99e0.78 Ma
according to palaeomagnetic and biostratigraphical data; pollen data indicate warm moist conditions.
Recently, possible evidence of thermal alteration was detected in a deep part of the deposit. We report
here on our revision of the Cueva Negra stratigraphy, and offer information on site formation processes,
based on new field observations and preliminary data from soil micromorphology. The Cueva Negra
succession comprises three main stratigraphical complexes. Complex 1 is late Holocene. Complexes 2
and 3 are Pleistocene and are formed mainly of alluvial sediment, with subordinate inputs from the cave
walls. Complexes 2 and 3 were accumulated almost without interruption, being separated by an erosive
surface truncating a thin alluvial soil developed at the top of Complex 3. Our initial micromorphological
findings indicate that anthropic inputs are mostly in derived positions, very likely having undergone
inward displacement from the mouth of the rock-shelter.
Quaternary International (edición digital temprana) doi:10:1016/j.quaint.2012.04.038, pág. 1-25, 2013
At Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Río Quípar biostratigraphy and palaeomagnetism indicate a time in... more At Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Río Quípar biostratigraphy and palaeomagnetism indicate a time in the
late Early Pleistocene (i.e. somewhat before the Matuyama-Brunhes boundary of 780,000 a, 0.78 Ma), for
the entire 5 m thick sedimentary fill excavated in the rock-shelter, from which there are hominin teeth
(cf. Homo heidelbergensis), a rich palaeontological and palaeopalynological record demonstrating warm
moist environmental conditions (possibly MIS 21), a fundamentally homogeneous artifact assemblage
throughout the sedimentary deposit, and evidence of fire at over 4 m depth. A brief introduction to the
site and the assemblage is offered. Palaeolithic artifacts were produced by three different reduction
sequences, because: (a) an “Acheulian” hand-axe was flaked bifacially on a flat limestone cobble; (b)
several excavated chert flakes had been struck off small cores by recurrent flaking, with one flake
showing a facetted striking platform, whilst two surface finds of small discoidal cores bear the broad
central concave scar that in a “Levalloisian” prepared-core reduction sequence would correspond to
centripetal removal of the final flake; and (c) abundant small artifacts (25e60 mm), mainly of chert,
reflect expedient removal of small flakes or fragments from cores, by both unipolar and bipolar reduction
techniques, including many keeled pieces that could be residual cores which have notches, slender spurs
or beaks (“becs”), or a planoconvex (“slug”-like or “limace”) shape, all of which may be remnants of cores
subjected to bipolar knapping, in addition to very small pointed and “awl”-like pieces, and several
fragments and flakes with steep abrupt (“Mousteroid”) edge-retouch, and abundant knapping spalls and
waste. Although the site had been interpreted conservatively in earlier publications as early Middle
Pleistocene, recent palaeomagnetic findings show that the entire sedimentary fill corresponds to the late
Early Pleistocene, somewhat over 780,000 a (0.78 Ma), an age which is acceptable from the standpoint of
the biostratigraphical data. Among the aims of this paper are: (1) a consideration of the Palaeolithic
assemblage in relation to local availability of raw materials of appropriate shapes and petrology for
knapping in a palaeoenvironmental context far different from that of today; (2) consideration of the implications for human cognitive and technological evolution in the European late Early Pleistocene; and (3) a proposal that those considerations highlight practical, methodological, and theoretical drawbacks to the classical European interpretation of earlier Palaeolithic chronologies from a perspective of typological
sequences.
(Caravaca de la Cruz). Actas del XVII Congreso de la Sociedad Española deAntropología Física, 2012
La Región de Murcia ofrece dos importantes yacimientos con huesos y dientes del Hombre Fósil, enc... more La Región de Murcia ofrece dos importantes yacimientos con huesos y dientes del Hombre Fósil, encontrados juntos con sus utensilios paleolíticos y restos que demuestran los animales extintos, aves y plantas que conformaron entornos naturales desaparecidos. 20 años de paciente investigación científica, en el campo y el laboratorio, han demostrado que pertenecen a períodos muy lejanos pero también muy separados entre sí.
La Sima de las Palomas es un yacimiento del “Hombre de Neandertal” (Homo neanderthalensis u Homo sapiens neanderthalensis) y los restos en la cueva corresponden al período de entre 60.000 y 40.000 años, durante el último período glacial. Esto lo demuestran las metodologías del radiocarbono, la serie isotópica del uranio, la luminiscencia óptica del sedimento y la resonancia del “spin” electrónico.
La Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Río Quípar es un yacimiento del “Hombre de Heidelburgo” europeo (Homo heidelbergensis) que en Europa parece ser el precursor directo del “Hombre de Neandertal” y algunos científicos prefieren a clasificar ambos como Homo neanderthalensis a secas (aunque esto presenta dificultades en África donde Homo heidelbergensis fue el antepasado directo de nosotros Homo sapiens y donde no hay Neandertales). Los hallazgos en la
Cueva Negra corresponden a un tiempo de medio millón de años o más.
Proceedings of the NationalAcademy of Sciences USA 108: 10087-10091., 2011
Considerations of Neandertal geographical variation have been hampered by the dearth of remains f... more Considerations of Neandertal geographical variation have been hampered by the dearth of remains from Mediterranean Europe and the absence there of sufficiently complete associated postcrania. The 2006 and 2007 excavation of an articulated partial skeleton of a small adult female Neandertal at the Sima de las Palomas, Murcia, southeastern Spain (Sima de las Palomas 96) provides substantial and secure information on body proportions among southern European Neandertals, as well as further documenting the nature of Neandertal biology in southern Iberia. The remains exhibit a suite of cranial, mandibular, dental, and postcranial features, of both Neandertals and archaic Homo generally, that distinguish them from contemporary and subsequent early modern humans. Its lower limbs exhibit the robustness of later Pleistocene Homo generally, and its upper limbs conform to the pattern of elevated robustness of the Neandertals. Its body proportions, including relative clavicular length, distal limb segment lengths, and body mass to stature indicators, conform to the “cold-adapted” pattern of more northern Neandertals. Palomas 96 therefore documents the presence of a suite of “Neandertal” characteristics in southern Iberia and, along with its small body size, the more “Arctic” body proportions of other European Neandertals despite the warmer climate of southern Iberia during marine isotope stage 3
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2011
Considerations of Neandertal geographical variation have been hampered by the dearth of remains f... more Considerations of Neandertal geographical variation have been hampered by the dearth of remains from Mediterranean Europe and the absence there of sufficiently complete associated postcrania. The 2006 and 2007 excavation of an articulated partial skeleton of a small adult female Neandertal at the Sima de las Palomas, Murcia, southeastern Spain (Sima de las Palomas 96) provides substantial and secure information on body proportions among southern European Neandertals, as well as further documenting the nature of Neandertal biology in southern Iberia. The remains exhibit a suite of cranial, mandibular, dental, and postcranial features, of both Neandertals and archaic Homo generally, that distinguish them from contemporary and subsequent early modern humans. Its lower limbs exhibit the robustness of later Pleistocene Homo generally, and its upper limbs conform to the pattern of elevated robustness of the Neandertals. Its body proportions, including relative clavicular length, distal li...
Abstract The development of pyrotechnology is a hallmark of human history, providing our ancestor... more Abstract The development of pyrotechnology is a hallmark of human history, providing our ancestors with warmth, security and cooked food. Evidence for fire use before 400 thousand years ago (kya) remains contentious due largely to the taphonomically fragile nature of charcoal and ash. As such, it is imperative to the study of prehistoric fire that we develop techniques and methodologies for identifying anthropogenic fire use via more robust materials. A new methodology described by Fernandez-Jalvo and Avery (2015) based on small mammal taphonomy to identify high intensity fire events from the distant past is replicated herein. When we applied this method to assemblages from Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Rio Quipar, an upland rock-shelter in southeastern Spain, dated to between 780 kya and 980 kya, we recognized a spatial relationship between highly heat modified micromammal specimens and a previously reported delineated feature of thermally altered and carbonate rich sediment which also includes heat-fractured chert and calcined bone (the fire feature). The proportion of heavily heat-modified specimens (charred and/or calcined specimens) identified within the stratigraphic context associated with the fire feature proved statistically significant ( x 2 = 169.18, p
In 1991, a speleologist descending the 18-m deep entrance shaft extracted a fossil (designated SP... more In 1991, a speleologist descending the 18-m deep entrance shaft extracted a fossil (designated SP1) which, once the cemented breccia was removed, comprised Neanderthal maxillae connected to the mandible, with almost all their adult teeth. Subsequent systematic excavation uncovered three undisturbed Neanderthal partial skeletons (SP96, SP92, and a child, SP97) with several skeletal parts in anatomical position (including cranio-mandibular articulation, femoro-pelvic articulation, elbow, rib-cage, vertebral column, shoulder girdle, foot bones, etc.), Mousterian Palaeolithic artifacts, and animal bones.
Localización: XIX Jornadas de Patrimonio Cultural de la Región de Murcia:[celebradas en] Cartagen... more Localización: XIX Jornadas de Patrimonio Cultural de la Región de Murcia:[celebradas en] Cartagena, Alhama de Murcia, La Unión y Murcia, 7 de octubre al 4 de noviembre 2008/coord. por Manuel Lechuga Galindo, Pedro Enrique Collado Espejo, María Belén ...
The development of pyrotechnology is a hallmark of human history, providing our ancestors with wa... more The development of pyrotechnology is a hallmark of human history, providing our ancestors with warmth, security and cooked food. Evidence for fire use before 400 thousand years ago (kya) remains contentious due largely to the taphonomically fragile nature of charcoal and ash. As such, it is imperative to the study of prehistoric fire that we develop techniques and methodologies for identifying anthropogenic fire use via more robust materials. A new methodology described by Fernández-Jalvo and Avery (2015) based on small mammal taphonomy to identify high intensity fire events from the distant past is replicated herein. When we applied this method to assemblages from Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Río Quípar, an upland rock-shelter in southeastern Spain, dated to between 780 kya and 980 kya, we recognized a spatial relationship between highly heat modified micromammal specimens and a previously reported delineated feature of thermally altered and carbonate rich sediment which also includes heat-fractured chert and calcined bone (the fire feature). The proportion of heavily heat-modified specimens (charred and/or calcined specimens) identified within the stratigraphic context associated with the fire feature proved statistically significant (x 2 = 169.18, p b 0.001) when compared with the proportion of similarly modified specimens from overlying deposits (within other stratigraphic layers). The degree of discolouration seen on the micromammal remains within the fire feature has been linked to temperatures exceeding 600 °C (Shipman et al., 1984), and as such supports claims that the fire feature may have an anthropo-genic origin. Environmental scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) of bone specimens confirms that this discolouration is due to burning rather than post-depositional mineral staining. This confirms that methodology, which represents a novel line of evidence for identifying pyrotechnical events at early Palaeolithic sites, can be used to identify potentially anthropogenic fire events from the distant past when alternative scenarios are excluded. Furthermore, studies of this type showcase the value of including detailed taphonomic studies of microfauna assemblages within multidisciplinary research projects.
Control of fire was a hallmark of developing human cognition and an essential technology for the ... more Control of fire was a hallmark of developing human cognition and an essential technology for the colonisation of cooler latitudes. In Europe, the earliest evidence comes from recent work at the site of Cueva Negra del Estrecho del RIo Quípar in south-eastern Spain. Charred and calcined bone and thermally altered chert were recovered from a deep, 0.8-million-year-old sedimentary deposit. A combination of analyses indicated that these had been heated to 400–600ºC, compatible with burning. Inspection of the sediment and hydroxyapatite also suggests combustion and degradation of the bone. The results provide new insight into Early Palaeolithic use of fire and its significance for human evolution.
20 AÑOS DE EXCAVACIONES EN LA SIMA DE LAS PALOMAS DEL CABEZO GORDO DE TORREPACHECO.
Michael Wal... more 20 AÑOS DE EXCAVACIONES EN LA SIMA DE LAS PALOMAS DEL CABEZO GORDO DE TORREPACHECO.
Michael Walker, Mariano López Martínez, María Haber-Uriarte
ARTE RUPESTRE LEVANTINO. DESDE LA REALIDAD A LOS MITOS.
Miguel Ángel Mateo Saura
LA RUTA DE LOS ÍBEROS - PAISAJES DEL THADER. UN PROYECTO TURÍSTICO CULTURAL INNOVADOR.
Justo Ireno Fernández Reche
ÚLTIMAS ACTUACIONES ARQUEOLOGICAS EN HISN SIYÂSA.
Joaquín Salmerón Juan, Francisco Escobar Guio, María José Morcillo Sánchez
ARQUEOLOGÍA SUBACUÁTICA UNA REFLEXIÓN ACERCA DE LA SITUACIÓN ACTUAL
Michael Trojan Hernández
ARQUEOLOGÍA INDUSTRIAL MURCIANA. INTRODUCCIÓN Y ALGUNOS EJEMPLOS
Óscar González Vergara
LA MANZANILLA DE ESCOMBRERAS. UNA JOYA BOTÁNICA LIGADA LA COSTA DE CARTAGENA
Aguado López, M., Matínez Sánchez, J.J., Franco Leemhuis, J.A., Bañón Arias, S., Conesa Gallego, E. Vicente Colomer, M.J.
EDUCACIÓN Y NUEVAS TECNOLOGÍAS PARA EL DESARROLLO DEL PATRIMONIO. Pedro Lucas Salcedo
Popular Archaeology Vol. 15, 03012014, Jun 5, 2014
Spain's Murcia University, scientists suggest that early humans who lived in the Cueva Negra (Bla... more Spain's Murcia University, scientists suggest that early humans who lived in the Cueva Negra (Black Cave) rock-shelter of southeastern Spain about 800,000 years ago used fire, and that they exhibited behaviors that indicated a cognitively sophisticated late early Pleistocene use of resources and tools in their environment. The detailed report is published in the upcoming Volume 15 of Popular Archaeology Magazine.
In 1991, a speleologist descending the 18-m deep entrance shaft extracted a fossil (designated SP... more In 1991, a speleologist descending the 18-m deep entrance shaft extracted a fossil (designated SP1) which, once the cemented breccia was removed, comprised Neanderthal maxillae connected to the mandible, with almost all their adult teeth. Subsequent systematic excavation uncovered three undisturbed Neanderthal partial skeletons (SP96, SP92, and a child, SP97) with several skeletal parts in anatomical position (including cranio-mandibular articulation, femoro-pelvic articulation, elbow, rib-cage, vertebral column, shoulder girdle, foot bones, etc.), Mousterian Palaeolithic artifacts, and animal bones.
The late Early Pleistocene deposit, dating from ca. 0.8-0.9 Ma, at Cueva Negra del Estrecho del R... more The late Early Pleistocene deposit, dating from ca. 0.8-0.9 Ma, at Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Río Quípar in Murcia, Spain, contains an abundant assemblage of small flaked artifacts of chert, quartzite and limestone, and one bifacially-flaked
limestone hand-axe. We have investigated several possible sources of the chert in an attempt to throw light on Palaeolithic
interaction with the environment. Possible sources on the landscape were sampled at distances of up to 30 km from the
site. Trace-element fingerprints were analyzed by laser-ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Factor analysis was used to differentiate between sources and as a pointer to where chert analyzed from the cave may have
been obtained. Our initial assumption was that most had come from less than 1 km away, namely, from a conglomerate outcrop
where chert nodules could be quarried readily. Whilst trace-element evidence supports that hypothesis, it also points to
a fair likelihood that some recovered chert lithics had been brought from sources up to 30 km away from the cave. Although
evidence is scarce for transport of stone from a similar distance at other late Early Pleistocene sites in Europe, it nevertheless
is present in the archaeological record, particularly in Spain where it may be possible to begin to consider differences in
stone-procurement strategies between late Early Pleistocene technological assemblages.
Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Río Quípar (Caravaca de la Cruz, Murcia, Spain), hereinafter Cueva N... more Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Río Quípar (Caravaca de la Cruz, Murcia, Spain), hereinafter Cueva Negra, is
a key-site for understanding the early peopling of Europe. Since 1990, systematic excavation has revealed
an intriguing assemblage of lithic and faunal remains, and hominin teeth. It was deposited 0.99e0.78 Ma
according to palaeomagnetic and biostratigraphical data; pollen data indicate warm moist conditions.
Recently, possible evidence of thermal alteration was detected in a deep part of the deposit. We report
here on our revision of the Cueva Negra stratigraphy, and offer information on site formation processes,
based on new field observations and preliminary data from soil micromorphology. The Cueva Negra
succession comprises three main stratigraphical complexes. Complex 1 is late Holocene. Complexes 2
and 3 are Pleistocene and are formed mainly of alluvial sediment, with subordinate inputs from the cave
walls. Complexes 2 and 3 were accumulated almost without interruption, being separated by an erosive
surface truncating a thin alluvial soil developed at the top of Complex 3. Our initial micromorphological
findings indicate that anthropic inputs are mostly in derived positions, very likely having undergone
inward displacement from the mouth of the rock-shelter.
Quaternary International (edición digital temprana) doi:10:1016/j.quaint.2012.04.038, pág. 1-25, 2013
At Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Río Quípar biostratigraphy and palaeomagnetism indicate a time in... more At Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Río Quípar biostratigraphy and palaeomagnetism indicate a time in the
late Early Pleistocene (i.e. somewhat before the Matuyama-Brunhes boundary of 780,000 a, 0.78 Ma), for
the entire 5 m thick sedimentary fill excavated in the rock-shelter, from which there are hominin teeth
(cf. Homo heidelbergensis), a rich palaeontological and palaeopalynological record demonstrating warm
moist environmental conditions (possibly MIS 21), a fundamentally homogeneous artifact assemblage
throughout the sedimentary deposit, and evidence of fire at over 4 m depth. A brief introduction to the
site and the assemblage is offered. Palaeolithic artifacts were produced by three different reduction
sequences, because: (a) an “Acheulian” hand-axe was flaked bifacially on a flat limestone cobble; (b)
several excavated chert flakes had been struck off small cores by recurrent flaking, with one flake
showing a facetted striking platform, whilst two surface finds of small discoidal cores bear the broad
central concave scar that in a “Levalloisian” prepared-core reduction sequence would correspond to
centripetal removal of the final flake; and (c) abundant small artifacts (25e60 mm), mainly of chert,
reflect expedient removal of small flakes or fragments from cores, by both unipolar and bipolar reduction
techniques, including many keeled pieces that could be residual cores which have notches, slender spurs
or beaks (“becs”), or a planoconvex (“slug”-like or “limace”) shape, all of which may be remnants of cores
subjected to bipolar knapping, in addition to very small pointed and “awl”-like pieces, and several
fragments and flakes with steep abrupt (“Mousteroid”) edge-retouch, and abundant knapping spalls and
waste. Although the site had been interpreted conservatively in earlier publications as early Middle
Pleistocene, recent palaeomagnetic findings show that the entire sedimentary fill corresponds to the late
Early Pleistocene, somewhat over 780,000 a (0.78 Ma), an age which is acceptable from the standpoint of
the biostratigraphical data. Among the aims of this paper are: (1) a consideration of the Palaeolithic
assemblage in relation to local availability of raw materials of appropriate shapes and petrology for
knapping in a palaeoenvironmental context far different from that of today; (2) consideration of the implications for human cognitive and technological evolution in the European late Early Pleistocene; and (3) a proposal that those considerations highlight practical, methodological, and theoretical drawbacks to the classical European interpretation of earlier Palaeolithic chronologies from a perspective of typological
sequences.
(Caravaca de la Cruz). Actas del XVII Congreso de la Sociedad Española deAntropología Física, 2012
La Región de Murcia ofrece dos importantes yacimientos con huesos y dientes del Hombre Fósil, enc... more La Región de Murcia ofrece dos importantes yacimientos con huesos y dientes del Hombre Fósil, encontrados juntos con sus utensilios paleolíticos y restos que demuestran los animales extintos, aves y plantas que conformaron entornos naturales desaparecidos. 20 años de paciente investigación científica, en el campo y el laboratorio, han demostrado que pertenecen a períodos muy lejanos pero también muy separados entre sí.
La Sima de las Palomas es un yacimiento del “Hombre de Neandertal” (Homo neanderthalensis u Homo sapiens neanderthalensis) y los restos en la cueva corresponden al período de entre 60.000 y 40.000 años, durante el último período glacial. Esto lo demuestran las metodologías del radiocarbono, la serie isotópica del uranio, la luminiscencia óptica del sedimento y la resonancia del “spin” electrónico.
La Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Río Quípar es un yacimiento del “Hombre de Heidelburgo” europeo (Homo heidelbergensis) que en Europa parece ser el precursor directo del “Hombre de Neandertal” y algunos científicos prefieren a clasificar ambos como Homo neanderthalensis a secas (aunque esto presenta dificultades en África donde Homo heidelbergensis fue el antepasado directo de nosotros Homo sapiens y donde no hay Neandertales). Los hallazgos en la
Cueva Negra corresponden a un tiempo de medio millón de años o más.
Proceedings of the NationalAcademy of Sciences USA 108: 10087-10091., 2011
Considerations of Neandertal geographical variation have been hampered by the dearth of remains f... more Considerations of Neandertal geographical variation have been hampered by the dearth of remains from Mediterranean Europe and the absence there of sufficiently complete associated postcrania. The 2006 and 2007 excavation of an articulated partial skeleton of a small adult female Neandertal at the Sima de las Palomas, Murcia, southeastern Spain (Sima de las Palomas 96) provides substantial and secure information on body proportions among southern European Neandertals, as well as further documenting the nature of Neandertal biology in southern Iberia. The remains exhibit a suite of cranial, mandibular, dental, and postcranial features, of both Neandertals and archaic Homo generally, that distinguish them from contemporary and subsequent early modern humans. Its lower limbs exhibit the robustness of later Pleistocene Homo generally, and its upper limbs conform to the pattern of elevated robustness of the Neandertals. Its body proportions, including relative clavicular length, distal limb segment lengths, and body mass to stature indicators, conform to the “cold-adapted” pattern of more northern Neandertals. Palomas 96 therefore documents the presence of a suite of “Neandertal” characteristics in southern Iberia and, along with its small body size, the more “Arctic” body proportions of other European Neandertals despite the warmer climate of southern Iberia during marine isotope stage 3
Small mammals from archaeological contexts have often been used as environmental proxies in Paleo... more Small mammals from archaeological contexts have often been used as environmental proxies in Paleolithic studies. Key to such use is an understanding of both the biogeographic distributions and habitat preferences/dietary needs of both extinct and extant species. As such, precise taxonomic identification of archaeologically derived faunal specimens can be significantly informative to attempts to understand why a particular region was occupied by prehistoric hominid populations. This poster details the identification of five rodent dental specimens, recovered during the 2011 field season at Sima de las Palomas del Cabezo Gordo, Southeastern Spain via statistical and morphological comparison of morphometric dental features. Recovered from contexts dated to between 125 – 60 kya, these specimens come from a time of limited fossil representation, a relative ‘dark age’, with regards to Hystricidae geographic distribution (Van Weers, 1994, 2005), as well as a time of variable climatic warmings and coolings preceeding the last glacial maximum. Identified correlations between the Sima de las Palomas specimens, Hystrix javanica and Hystrix brachyura in molariform size, a reliable measure of phenotypic variation when compared multidimentionally, suggests a greater geographic range for these species than previously documented. Furthermore, the inclusion of Hystricidae populations in the faunal record at Sima de las Palomas allows for a more detailed account of the various plant species likely included in the local ecosystem and substantiates previous climatic interpretations (Carrion et al., 2003, 2004). Studies such as this are important in that they provide a nuanced understanding of the environments inhabited by our early ancestors, in this case Homo neanderthalensis, during climatically volatile periods.
Cueva Negra, an upland rock-shelter overlooking the Rio Quipar of Murcia, Spain, has revealed a r... more Cueva Negra, an upland rock-shelter overlooking the Rio Quipar of Murcia, Spain, has revealed a rich paleontological, paleopalynological, and lithic record of the Early to Late Pleistocene. Dated by magnostratigraphy to >0.78 Ma, the Early Pleistocene stratigraphic context is an alluvial silty deposit with sandy intercalations and anthropic inputs including evidence of the combustion of organic and lithic materials. The research discussed here substantiates claims of cultivated fire use within these deposits through analysis of heat altered small mammal bone. Taphonomic analysis conducted on a sample of 2300 rodent, shrew and rabbit remains from the Early Pleistocene sediments indicates temperatures exceeding those commonly occurring in natural fires (>600oC). The intensity of heating is indicated by varying intensities of discolouration evident on the small mammal bones. Based on Scanning electron microscopy of bone fragments, discolouration due to post-depositional mineral staining can be ruled out. Five grades of heat-induced discolouration were recognized throughout the assemblage, with 97% of category 5 (calcined) bone occurring within the deep combusted layer. Interpretation of the agent responsible for the micromammal sample accumulation, based on element representation, breakage patterning and acid etching, suggests that these bones were deposited by non-human avian predators prior to the burning event. Thermal alteration of these small mammal remains most likely represents unintentional anthropic modification. In addition to suggesting another line of taphonomic bias rarely explored in small mammal studies (anthropic alteration), this research represents a novel line of evidence in identifying hominin pyrotechnological capabilities at early Pleistocene occupation sites.
Cueva Negra, an upland rock-shelter in southeastern Spain, contains a rich paleontological, paleo... more Cueva Negra, an upland rock-shelter in southeastern Spain, contains a rich paleontological, paleopalynological, and lithic record. Dated by magnostratigraphy to >0.78 Ma, the Early Pleistocene deposits contain anthropic inputs as well as a delineated ash feature containing burnt macrofauna and chert. The research discussed here substantiates claims of opportunistic fire use within these deposits through analysis of heat altered small mammal bone. We hypothesize that small mammal bone deposited on the cave surface by non-human predators may be unintentionally exposed to the intense temperatures of anthropogenic fire, and may be used as proxy evidence of human fire behaviour in the past. Taphonomic analysis conducted on a sample of 2290 rodent remains indentified modification indicative of exposure to temperatures exceeding those commonly occurring in natural fires (>600oC). SEM – EDS confirms this discolouration is not due to post-depositional mineral staining. Within the ash feature, 62% of specimens showed heat-related discolouration with 32% charred or calcined. In total, 97% of the total charred and calcined bone examined come from the ash feature, a statistically significant (x2 – 169.7, p < 0.001) pattern in the distribution of heavily burnt bone. Digestive corrosion, skeletal element representation and breakage patterns on the darkened ash layer assemblage suggests it was deposited by non-human predator, most likely a moderately destructive owl (such as the Little Owl) or carnivorous small mammal. As such, the thermal alteration of these small mammal remain likely represents unintentional anthropic modification. In addition to suggesting another line of taphonomic bias rarely explored in small mammal studies (anthropic alteration), this research represents a novel line of evidence in identifying hominin pyrotechnological capabilities at early Pleistocene occupation sites.
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Papers by Mariano López
Michael Walker, Mariano López Martínez, María Haber-Uriarte
ARTE RUPESTRE LEVANTINO. DESDE LA REALIDAD A LOS MITOS.
Miguel Ángel Mateo Saura
LA RUTA DE LOS ÍBEROS - PAISAJES DEL THADER. UN PROYECTO TURÍSTICO CULTURAL INNOVADOR.
Justo Ireno Fernández Reche
ÚLTIMAS ACTUACIONES ARQUEOLOGICAS EN HISN SIYÂSA.
Joaquín Salmerón Juan, Francisco Escobar Guio, María José Morcillo Sánchez
ARQUEOLOGÍA SUBACUÁTICA UNA REFLEXIÓN ACERCA DE LA SITUACIÓN ACTUAL
Michael Trojan Hernández
ARQUEOLOGÍA INDUSTRIAL MURCIANA. INTRODUCCIÓN Y ALGUNOS EJEMPLOS
Óscar González Vergara
LA MANZANILLA DE ESCOMBRERAS. UNA JOYA BOTÁNICA LIGADA LA COSTA DE CARTAGENA
Aguado López, M., Matínez Sánchez, J.J., Franco Leemhuis, J.A., Bañón Arias, S., Conesa Gallego, E. Vicente Colomer, M.J.
EDUCACIÓN Y NUEVAS TECNOLOGÍAS PARA EL DESARROLLO DEL PATRIMONIO. Pedro Lucas Salcedo
limestone hand-axe. We have investigated several possible sources of the chert in an attempt to throw light on Palaeolithic
interaction with the environment. Possible sources on the landscape were sampled at distances of up to 30 km from the
site. Trace-element fingerprints were analyzed by laser-ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Factor analysis was used to differentiate between sources and as a pointer to where chert analyzed from the cave may have
been obtained. Our initial assumption was that most had come from less than 1 km away, namely, from a conglomerate outcrop
where chert nodules could be quarried readily. Whilst trace-element evidence supports that hypothesis, it also points to
a fair likelihood that some recovered chert lithics had been brought from sources up to 30 km away from the cave. Although
evidence is scarce for transport of stone from a similar distance at other late Early Pleistocene sites in Europe, it nevertheless
is present in the archaeological record, particularly in Spain where it may be possible to begin to consider differences in
stone-procurement strategies between late Early Pleistocene technological assemblages.
a key-site for understanding the early peopling of Europe. Since 1990, systematic excavation has revealed
an intriguing assemblage of lithic and faunal remains, and hominin teeth. It was deposited 0.99e0.78 Ma
according to palaeomagnetic and biostratigraphical data; pollen data indicate warm moist conditions.
Recently, possible evidence of thermal alteration was detected in a deep part of the deposit. We report
here on our revision of the Cueva Negra stratigraphy, and offer information on site formation processes,
based on new field observations and preliminary data from soil micromorphology. The Cueva Negra
succession comprises three main stratigraphical complexes. Complex 1 is late Holocene. Complexes 2
and 3 are Pleistocene and are formed mainly of alluvial sediment, with subordinate inputs from the cave
walls. Complexes 2 and 3 were accumulated almost without interruption, being separated by an erosive
surface truncating a thin alluvial soil developed at the top of Complex 3. Our initial micromorphological
findings indicate that anthropic inputs are mostly in derived positions, very likely having undergone
inward displacement from the mouth of the rock-shelter.
late Early Pleistocene (i.e. somewhat before the Matuyama-Brunhes boundary of 780,000 a, 0.78 Ma), for
the entire 5 m thick sedimentary fill excavated in the rock-shelter, from which there are hominin teeth
(cf. Homo heidelbergensis), a rich palaeontological and palaeopalynological record demonstrating warm
moist environmental conditions (possibly MIS 21), a fundamentally homogeneous artifact assemblage
throughout the sedimentary deposit, and evidence of fire at over 4 m depth. A brief introduction to the
site and the assemblage is offered. Palaeolithic artifacts were produced by three different reduction
sequences, because: (a) an “Acheulian” hand-axe was flaked bifacially on a flat limestone cobble; (b)
several excavated chert flakes had been struck off small cores by recurrent flaking, with one flake
showing a facetted striking platform, whilst two surface finds of small discoidal cores bear the broad
central concave scar that in a “Levalloisian” prepared-core reduction sequence would correspond to
centripetal removal of the final flake; and (c) abundant small artifacts (25e60 mm), mainly of chert,
reflect expedient removal of small flakes or fragments from cores, by both unipolar and bipolar reduction
techniques, including many keeled pieces that could be residual cores which have notches, slender spurs
or beaks (“becs”), or a planoconvex (“slug”-like or “limace”) shape, all of which may be remnants of cores
subjected to bipolar knapping, in addition to very small pointed and “awl”-like pieces, and several
fragments and flakes with steep abrupt (“Mousteroid”) edge-retouch, and abundant knapping spalls and
waste. Although the site had been interpreted conservatively in earlier publications as early Middle
Pleistocene, recent palaeomagnetic findings show that the entire sedimentary fill corresponds to the late
Early Pleistocene, somewhat over 780,000 a (0.78 Ma), an age which is acceptable from the standpoint of
the biostratigraphical data. Among the aims of this paper are: (1) a consideration of the Palaeolithic
assemblage in relation to local availability of raw materials of appropriate shapes and petrology for
knapping in a palaeoenvironmental context far different from that of today; (2) consideration of the implications for human cognitive and technological evolution in the European late Early Pleistocene; and (3) a proposal that those considerations highlight practical, methodological, and theoretical drawbacks to the classical European interpretation of earlier Palaeolithic chronologies from a perspective of typological
sequences.
La Sima de las Palomas es un yacimiento del “Hombre de Neandertal” (Homo neanderthalensis u Homo sapiens neanderthalensis) y los restos en la cueva corresponden al período de entre 60.000 y 40.000 años, durante el último período glacial. Esto lo demuestran las metodologías del radiocarbono, la serie isotópica del uranio, la luminiscencia óptica del sedimento y la resonancia del “spin” electrónico.
La Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Río Quípar es un yacimiento del “Hombre de Heidelburgo” europeo (Homo heidelbergensis) que en Europa parece ser el precursor directo del “Hombre de Neandertal” y algunos científicos prefieren a clasificar ambos como Homo neanderthalensis a secas (aunque esto presenta dificultades en África donde Homo heidelbergensis fue el antepasado directo de nosotros Homo sapiens y donde no hay Neandertales). Los hallazgos en la
Cueva Negra corresponden a un tiempo de medio millón de años o más.
Michael Walker, Mariano López Martínez, María Haber-Uriarte
ARTE RUPESTRE LEVANTINO. DESDE LA REALIDAD A LOS MITOS.
Miguel Ángel Mateo Saura
LA RUTA DE LOS ÍBEROS - PAISAJES DEL THADER. UN PROYECTO TURÍSTICO CULTURAL INNOVADOR.
Justo Ireno Fernández Reche
ÚLTIMAS ACTUACIONES ARQUEOLOGICAS EN HISN SIYÂSA.
Joaquín Salmerón Juan, Francisco Escobar Guio, María José Morcillo Sánchez
ARQUEOLOGÍA SUBACUÁTICA UNA REFLEXIÓN ACERCA DE LA SITUACIÓN ACTUAL
Michael Trojan Hernández
ARQUEOLOGÍA INDUSTRIAL MURCIANA. INTRODUCCIÓN Y ALGUNOS EJEMPLOS
Óscar González Vergara
LA MANZANILLA DE ESCOMBRERAS. UNA JOYA BOTÁNICA LIGADA LA COSTA DE CARTAGENA
Aguado López, M., Matínez Sánchez, J.J., Franco Leemhuis, J.A., Bañón Arias, S., Conesa Gallego, E. Vicente Colomer, M.J.
EDUCACIÓN Y NUEVAS TECNOLOGÍAS PARA EL DESARROLLO DEL PATRIMONIO. Pedro Lucas Salcedo
limestone hand-axe. We have investigated several possible sources of the chert in an attempt to throw light on Palaeolithic
interaction with the environment. Possible sources on the landscape were sampled at distances of up to 30 km from the
site. Trace-element fingerprints were analyzed by laser-ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Factor analysis was used to differentiate between sources and as a pointer to where chert analyzed from the cave may have
been obtained. Our initial assumption was that most had come from less than 1 km away, namely, from a conglomerate outcrop
where chert nodules could be quarried readily. Whilst trace-element evidence supports that hypothesis, it also points to
a fair likelihood that some recovered chert lithics had been brought from sources up to 30 km away from the cave. Although
evidence is scarce for transport of stone from a similar distance at other late Early Pleistocene sites in Europe, it nevertheless
is present in the archaeological record, particularly in Spain where it may be possible to begin to consider differences in
stone-procurement strategies between late Early Pleistocene technological assemblages.
a key-site for understanding the early peopling of Europe. Since 1990, systematic excavation has revealed
an intriguing assemblage of lithic and faunal remains, and hominin teeth. It was deposited 0.99e0.78 Ma
according to palaeomagnetic and biostratigraphical data; pollen data indicate warm moist conditions.
Recently, possible evidence of thermal alteration was detected in a deep part of the deposit. We report
here on our revision of the Cueva Negra stratigraphy, and offer information on site formation processes,
based on new field observations and preliminary data from soil micromorphology. The Cueva Negra
succession comprises three main stratigraphical complexes. Complex 1 is late Holocene. Complexes 2
and 3 are Pleistocene and are formed mainly of alluvial sediment, with subordinate inputs from the cave
walls. Complexes 2 and 3 were accumulated almost without interruption, being separated by an erosive
surface truncating a thin alluvial soil developed at the top of Complex 3. Our initial micromorphological
findings indicate that anthropic inputs are mostly in derived positions, very likely having undergone
inward displacement from the mouth of the rock-shelter.
late Early Pleistocene (i.e. somewhat before the Matuyama-Brunhes boundary of 780,000 a, 0.78 Ma), for
the entire 5 m thick sedimentary fill excavated in the rock-shelter, from which there are hominin teeth
(cf. Homo heidelbergensis), a rich palaeontological and palaeopalynological record demonstrating warm
moist environmental conditions (possibly MIS 21), a fundamentally homogeneous artifact assemblage
throughout the sedimentary deposit, and evidence of fire at over 4 m depth. A brief introduction to the
site and the assemblage is offered. Palaeolithic artifacts were produced by three different reduction
sequences, because: (a) an “Acheulian” hand-axe was flaked bifacially on a flat limestone cobble; (b)
several excavated chert flakes had been struck off small cores by recurrent flaking, with one flake
showing a facetted striking platform, whilst two surface finds of small discoidal cores bear the broad
central concave scar that in a “Levalloisian” prepared-core reduction sequence would correspond to
centripetal removal of the final flake; and (c) abundant small artifacts (25e60 mm), mainly of chert,
reflect expedient removal of small flakes or fragments from cores, by both unipolar and bipolar reduction
techniques, including many keeled pieces that could be residual cores which have notches, slender spurs
or beaks (“becs”), or a planoconvex (“slug”-like or “limace”) shape, all of which may be remnants of cores
subjected to bipolar knapping, in addition to very small pointed and “awl”-like pieces, and several
fragments and flakes with steep abrupt (“Mousteroid”) edge-retouch, and abundant knapping spalls and
waste. Although the site had been interpreted conservatively in earlier publications as early Middle
Pleistocene, recent palaeomagnetic findings show that the entire sedimentary fill corresponds to the late
Early Pleistocene, somewhat over 780,000 a (0.78 Ma), an age which is acceptable from the standpoint of
the biostratigraphical data. Among the aims of this paper are: (1) a consideration of the Palaeolithic
assemblage in relation to local availability of raw materials of appropriate shapes and petrology for
knapping in a palaeoenvironmental context far different from that of today; (2) consideration of the implications for human cognitive and technological evolution in the European late Early Pleistocene; and (3) a proposal that those considerations highlight practical, methodological, and theoretical drawbacks to the classical European interpretation of earlier Palaeolithic chronologies from a perspective of typological
sequences.
La Sima de las Palomas es un yacimiento del “Hombre de Neandertal” (Homo neanderthalensis u Homo sapiens neanderthalensis) y los restos en la cueva corresponden al período de entre 60.000 y 40.000 años, durante el último período glacial. Esto lo demuestran las metodologías del radiocarbono, la serie isotópica del uranio, la luminiscencia óptica del sedimento y la resonancia del “spin” electrónico.
La Cueva Negra del Estrecho del Río Quípar es un yacimiento del “Hombre de Heidelburgo” europeo (Homo heidelbergensis) que en Europa parece ser el precursor directo del “Hombre de Neandertal” y algunos científicos prefieren a clasificar ambos como Homo neanderthalensis a secas (aunque esto presenta dificultades en África donde Homo heidelbergensis fue el antepasado directo de nosotros Homo sapiens y donde no hay Neandertales). Los hallazgos en la
Cueva Negra corresponden a un tiempo de medio millón de años o más.
Taphonomic analysis conducted on a sample of 2300 rodent, shrew and rabbit remains from the Early Pleistocene sediments indicates temperatures exceeding those commonly occurring in natural fires (>600oC). The intensity of heating is indicated by varying intensities of discolouration evident on the small mammal bones. Based on Scanning electron microscopy of bone fragments, discolouration due to post-depositional mineral staining can be ruled out. Five grades of heat-induced discolouration were recognized throughout the assemblage, with 97% of category 5 (calcined) bone occurring within the deep combusted layer. Interpretation of the agent responsible for the micromammal sample accumulation, based on element representation, breakage patterning and acid etching, suggests that these bones were deposited by non-human avian predators prior to the burning event. Thermal alteration of these small mammal remains most likely represents unintentional anthropic modification. In addition to suggesting another line of taphonomic bias rarely explored in small mammal studies (anthropic alteration), this research represents a novel line of evidence in identifying hominin pyrotechnological capabilities at early Pleistocene occupation sites.
Taphonomic analysis conducted on a sample of 2290 rodent remains indentified modification indicative of exposure to temperatures exceeding those commonly occurring in natural fires (>600oC). SEM – EDS confirms this discolouration is not due to post-depositional mineral staining. Within the ash feature, 62% of specimens showed heat-related discolouration with 32% charred or calcined. In total, 97% of the total charred and calcined bone examined come from the ash feature, a statistically significant (x2 – 169.7, p < 0.001) pattern in the distribution of heavily burnt bone. Digestive corrosion, skeletal element representation and breakage patterns on the darkened ash layer assemblage suggests it was deposited by non-human predator, most likely a moderately destructive owl (such as the Little Owl) or carnivorous small mammal. As such, the thermal alteration of these small mammal remain likely represents unintentional anthropic modification. In addition to suggesting another line of taphonomic bias rarely explored in small mammal studies (anthropic alteration), this research represents a novel line of evidence in identifying hominin pyrotechnological capabilities at early Pleistocene occupation sites.