PH. D. Use-wear analyst. Interested on use-wear of non-flint materials. Working with the mousterian industries made of quartz at Pinilla del Valle sites (Madrid- Spain) . Also interested in prehistoric hunting techniques. Address: Museo Arqueologico Regional Plaza de las Bernardas s/n 28801-Alcala de Henares (Madrid, Spain)
This work examines the possible behaviour of Neanderthal groups at
the Cueva Des-Cubierta (centr... more This work examines the possible behaviour of Neanderthal groups at the Cueva Des-Cubierta (central Spain) via the analysis of the latter’s archaeological assemblage. Alongside evidence of Mousterian lithic industry, Level 3 of the cave infll was found to contain an assemblage of mammalian bone remains dominated by the crania of large ungulates, some associated with small hearths. The scarcity of post-cranial elements, teeth, mandibles and maxillae, along with evidence of anthropogenic modifcation of the crania (cut and percussion marks), indicates that the carcasses of the corresponding animals were initially processed outside the cave, and the crania were later brought inside. A second round of processing then took place, possibly related to the removal of the brain. The continued presence of crania throughout Level 3 indicates that this behaviour was recurrent during this level’s formation. This behaviour seems to have no subsistence-related purpose but to be more symbolic in its intent
This work examines the possible behaviour of Neanderthal groups at
the Cueva Des-Cubierta (centr... more This work examines the possible behaviour of Neanderthal groups at the Cueva Des-Cubierta (central Spain) via the analysis of the latter’s archaeological assemblage. Alongside evidence of Mousterian lithic industry, Level 3 of the cave infll was found to contain an assemblage of mammalian bone remains dominated by the crania of large ungulates, some associated with small hearths. The scarcity of post-cranial elements, teeth, mandibles and maxillae, along with evidence of anthropogenic modifcation of the crania (cut and percussion marks), indicates that the carcasses of the corresponding animals were initially processed outside the cave, and the crania were later brought inside. A second round of processing then took place, possibly related to the removal of the brain. The continued presence of crania throughout Level 3 indicates that this behaviour was recurrent during this level’s formation. This behaviour seems to have no subsistence-related purpose but to be more symbolic in its intent.
Human Adaptations to the Last Glacial Maximum , 2019
The shouldered point with abrupt retouch (SP) is one of the most characteristic elements of the h... more The shouldered point with abrupt retouch (SP) is one of the most characteristic elements of the hunting tools from the end of the Solutrean period in Iberia outside the Cantabrian region. Its morphological and volumetric variability allowed a large variety of hafts with the intention of creating composite projectiles. To test different hafting techniques we carried out an experimental program to establish which hafting systems are the most effective for hunting medium-sized ungulates. In order to achieve this, some replicas of SP were made. These were attached with birch tar and, in some cases, strengthened by means of gut in shafts of different lengths and diameters in order to create arrows with one, two or three points. These arrows were shot by three different types of bows at two fallow-deer carcasses in order to test their effectiveness. The results obtained have enabled us to establish four basic models of hafting shouldered points, and to test their hunting efficiency and best ballistic behavior when mounted on arrow hafts.
Premio Prisma al Mejor Libro de Divulgación Científica editado en España en 2004 La historia evol... more Premio Prisma al Mejor Libro de Divulgación Científica editado en España en 2004 La historia evolutiva del ser humano abarca los últimos seis millones de años, desde nuestra separación del linaje de los chimpancés hasta la actualidad. La búsqueda de nuestros orígenes nos remonta a un tiempo perdido que los científicos tratan de recuperar a través de las excavaciones y la investigación de los fósiles hallados. La adopción de la postura bípeda, una gran expansión cerebral, el desarrollo de la inteligencia, los cambios morfológicos en la mano que permiten la manipulación fina de los objetos (pinza de precisión), el cambio de la dieta vegetariana a la omnívora, la prolongación del desarrollo con la aparición de la niñez y la adolescencia, la capacidad tecnológica y la gran explosión cultural, son algunos de los cambios evolutivos que se han sucedido durante este período, explicando la aparición de nuestra especie, el Homo sapiens. Incluyendo los descubrimientos más recientes y las últimas investigaciones en el campo de la antropología y la arqueología, haremos un recorrido apasionante por la historia de los diferentes homínidos, hijos de este tiempo perdido en el que se esconden las claves de los procesos de humanización.
Este trabajo pretende ofrecer una imagen global de los estudios que se han realizado sobre un sop... more Este trabajo pretende ofrecer una imagen global de los estudios que se han realizado sobre un soporte tan particular y definitorio cronológica y territorialmente del Paleolítico superior como son las puntas solutrenses. Iniciaremos nuestro trabajo explicando los distintos tipos de puntas solutrenses que se han definido hasta el momento para posteriormente mostrar la información obtenida desde los estudios funcionales de las puntas arqueológicos y la surgida desde las réplicas experimentales. Ambas perspectivas complementarias serán el medio con el que hablar del grado de efectividad de las distintas puntas, los modos de enmangue, las fracturas que se producen como consecuencia de factores tanto funcionales y tecnológicos, así como aquellos generados como resultado de alteraciones mecánicas diversas. En todo caso, pretendemos aportar en qué punto estamos en esta temática más allá de la simple descripción morfológicaThis paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the research o...
The Solutrean shouldered point with abrupt retouch is one of the most characteristic hunting tool... more The Solutrean shouldered point with abrupt retouch is one of the most characteristic hunting tools at the end of Solutrean period in the outer-Cantabric area. Its morphological and volumetric variability permitted a large variety of hafts with the intention of creating composed projectiles. For that reason, our main aim is to carry out an experimental programme to find out which hafting systems are most effective for the hunting of medium sized ungulates. In order to achieve this, some replicas of shouldered points with abrupt retouch have been attached with birch tar and, in some cases, strengthened by means of gut in hafts of different lengths and diameters in order to create arrows with one, two or three shouldered points. These arrows were shot by three different types of bows at two deer previously taken down in order to test their effectiveness. The results have enabled us to establish four basic models of hafting shouldered points, and to test their hunting eficiency and perfect ballistic behaviour to be mounted on arrow shafts.
Abstract Traceological method is based on the identification and analysis of the stone tools surf... more Abstract Traceological method is based on the identification and analysis of the stone tools surface modifications as a result of the use, hafting or manufacturing procedures, among others. Traditionally, use-wear analyses have been conducted using Optical Light Microscopy (OLM) or even, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), normally basing the interpretations on subjective descriptions. Although there are general protocols successfully followed and good results in this field, researchers have always been conscious about the need to advance towards a quantitative an objective method. In response to that concern, techniques as Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM) are being applied successfully to functional analyses, thus improving the metrological studies. The main goal of this research is the characterization and quantification of those alterations caused by butchering activities in comparison with unused areas in order to recognize modification patterns on the chert natural surface. Wood working has been also included in this study as a comparative sample. Also, a quantitative distinction between micropolishes produced by butchering activities and wood working has been carried out. The results show that discrimination between unused areas and wood micropolishes is possible. Meanwhile, butchering activities modify lightly the chert surface. On the other hand, quantitative parameters statistically differ between worked materials proving this method to be useful to identify them.
In recent years, reports on bone breakage at archaeological sites have become more common in the ... more In recent years, reports on bone breakage at archaeological sites have become more common in the taphonomic literature. The present work tests a recently published method, based on the use of machine learning algorithms for analysing the processes involved in bone breakage, to identify the agent that broke the bones of medium-sized animals at the Mousterian Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid). This is the first time this method has been used in an archaeological setting. The results show that these bones were mostly broken by anthropic action, while some were slightly ravaged by carnivores, probably hyaenas. These findings agree very well with published interpretations of the site, and show the method used to be useful in taphonomic studies of archaeological materials with poorly preserved cortical surfaces.
Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter is an Upper Pleistocene archaeological site in the Lozoya River Valley (... more Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter is an Upper Pleistocene archaeological site in the Lozoya River Valley (Madrid, Spain) with a quartz-based Mousterian lithic assemblage. To understand the reasons behind an intense use of quartz over flint and quartzite, a mechanical experiment was carried out. Flakes from flint, quartzite, and local quartz were tested under controlled conditions and quantifiable variables. The mechanical action consisted in a standardised linear repetitive cutting protocol over antler and pine wood. Results allowed to differentiate flake resistance between raw materials through mass and edge angle material loss statistics. Results also showed that the edges produced on flint are sharper allowing to create deeper cuts, but the thin working edges break more easily meaning that they would need a higher maintenance by retouch. Quartzite and quartz have similar performances, but quartzite suffers a more intense modification of the edge angle, while quartz edges present a higher endurance. When compared with flint, quartzite and quartz are more suitable for those tasks where heavier force is applied. Based on that, we concluded that there was no functional disadvantage in using a quartz-based toolkit. Therefore, the quartz assemblages recovered throughout the sequence of Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter show that it was intensely explored not just because of its availability in the landscape but also for its suitability to the development of the different activities taking place at Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter such as big sized herbivore butchering, for a long time span.
This article presents the PhD project under the supervision of Nuno Bicho and Enrique Baquedano, ... more This article presents the PhD project under the supervision of Nuno Bicho and Enrique Baquedano, which aims to study the origin of raw materials from the Mousterian lithic sets of the Calvero de la Higuera sites. At this first stage of the project the main objective is the determination and characterization of the raw materials present at the sites.
Los denticulados y las muescas son dos de los elementos más frecuentes en la panoplia musteriense... more Los denticulados y las muescas son dos de los elementos más frecuentes en la panoplia musteriense. El creciente interés por el estudio de estos tipos permite vislumbrar su complejidad. La aparente estandarización de sus formas no lo es tal a la luz de nuevos estudios tipométricos. Así mismo, la especialización supuesta del denticulado parece encontrarse ahora en entredicho a partir de los nuevos datos revelados por estudios traceológicos que apuntan a que se trata de una pieza en esencia versátil. Presentamos en este artículo los resultados de un estudio funcional realizado sobre una muestra de denticulados y muescas en cuarzo procedente del yacimiento musteriense del Abrigo de Navalmaíllo (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid, España). Las huellas de uso sobre elementos de cuarzo son peculiares dadas las especiales características de la materia prima. Por otro lado, normalmente se conservan mejor que las formadas en materiales de mejor calidad como el sílex. Los resultados del estudio corrobo...
Premio Prisma al Mejor Libro de Divulgación Científica editado en España en 2004 La historia evol... more Premio Prisma al Mejor Libro de Divulgación Científica editado en España en 2004 La historia evolutiva del ser humano abarca los últimos seis millones de años, desde nuestra separación del linaje de los chimpancés hasta la actualidad. La búsqueda de nuestros orígenes nos remonta a un tiempo perdido que los científicos tratan de recuperar a través de las excavaciones y la investigación de los fósiles hallados. La adopción de la postura bípeda, una gran expansión cerebral, el desarrollo de la inteligencia, los cambios morfológicos en la mano que permiten la manipulación fina de los objetos (pinza de precisión), el cambio de la dieta vegetariana a la omnívora, la prolongación del desarrollo con la aparición de la niñez y la adolescencia, la capacidad tecnológica y la gran explosión cultural, son algunos de los cambios evolutivos que se han sucedido durante este período, explicando la aparición de nuestra especie, el Homo sapiens. Incluyendo los descubrimientos más recientes y las últim...
This work examines the possible behaviour of Neanderthal groups at
the Cueva Des-Cubierta (centr... more This work examines the possible behaviour of Neanderthal groups at the Cueva Des-Cubierta (central Spain) via the analysis of the latter’s archaeological assemblage. Alongside evidence of Mousterian lithic industry, Level 3 of the cave infll was found to contain an assemblage of mammalian bone remains dominated by the crania of large ungulates, some associated with small hearths. The scarcity of post-cranial elements, teeth, mandibles and maxillae, along with evidence of anthropogenic modifcation of the crania (cut and percussion marks), indicates that the carcasses of the corresponding animals were initially processed outside the cave, and the crania were later brought inside. A second round of processing then took place, possibly related to the removal of the brain. The continued presence of crania throughout Level 3 indicates that this behaviour was recurrent during this level’s formation. This behaviour seems to have no subsistence-related purpose but to be more symbolic in its intent
This work examines the possible behaviour of Neanderthal groups at
the Cueva Des-Cubierta (centr... more This work examines the possible behaviour of Neanderthal groups at the Cueva Des-Cubierta (central Spain) via the analysis of the latter’s archaeological assemblage. Alongside evidence of Mousterian lithic industry, Level 3 of the cave infll was found to contain an assemblage of mammalian bone remains dominated by the crania of large ungulates, some associated with small hearths. The scarcity of post-cranial elements, teeth, mandibles and maxillae, along with evidence of anthropogenic modifcation of the crania (cut and percussion marks), indicates that the carcasses of the corresponding animals were initially processed outside the cave, and the crania were later brought inside. A second round of processing then took place, possibly related to the removal of the brain. The continued presence of crania throughout Level 3 indicates that this behaviour was recurrent during this level’s formation. This behaviour seems to have no subsistence-related purpose but to be more symbolic in its intent.
Human Adaptations to the Last Glacial Maximum , 2019
The shouldered point with abrupt retouch (SP) is one of the most characteristic elements of the h... more The shouldered point with abrupt retouch (SP) is one of the most characteristic elements of the hunting tools from the end of the Solutrean period in Iberia outside the Cantabrian region. Its morphological and volumetric variability allowed a large variety of hafts with the intention of creating composite projectiles. To test different hafting techniques we carried out an experimental program to establish which hafting systems are the most effective for hunting medium-sized ungulates. In order to achieve this, some replicas of SP were made. These were attached with birch tar and, in some cases, strengthened by means of gut in shafts of different lengths and diameters in order to create arrows with one, two or three points. These arrows were shot by three different types of bows at two fallow-deer carcasses in order to test their effectiveness. The results obtained have enabled us to establish four basic models of hafting shouldered points, and to test their hunting efficiency and best ballistic behavior when mounted on arrow hafts.
Premio Prisma al Mejor Libro de Divulgación Científica editado en España en 2004 La historia evol... more Premio Prisma al Mejor Libro de Divulgación Científica editado en España en 2004 La historia evolutiva del ser humano abarca los últimos seis millones de años, desde nuestra separación del linaje de los chimpancés hasta la actualidad. La búsqueda de nuestros orígenes nos remonta a un tiempo perdido que los científicos tratan de recuperar a través de las excavaciones y la investigación de los fósiles hallados. La adopción de la postura bípeda, una gran expansión cerebral, el desarrollo de la inteligencia, los cambios morfológicos en la mano que permiten la manipulación fina de los objetos (pinza de precisión), el cambio de la dieta vegetariana a la omnívora, la prolongación del desarrollo con la aparición de la niñez y la adolescencia, la capacidad tecnológica y la gran explosión cultural, son algunos de los cambios evolutivos que se han sucedido durante este período, explicando la aparición de nuestra especie, el Homo sapiens. Incluyendo los descubrimientos más recientes y las últimas investigaciones en el campo de la antropología y la arqueología, haremos un recorrido apasionante por la historia de los diferentes homínidos, hijos de este tiempo perdido en el que se esconden las claves de los procesos de humanización.
Este trabajo pretende ofrecer una imagen global de los estudios que se han realizado sobre un sop... more Este trabajo pretende ofrecer una imagen global de los estudios que se han realizado sobre un soporte tan particular y definitorio cronológica y territorialmente del Paleolítico superior como son las puntas solutrenses. Iniciaremos nuestro trabajo explicando los distintos tipos de puntas solutrenses que se han definido hasta el momento para posteriormente mostrar la información obtenida desde los estudios funcionales de las puntas arqueológicos y la surgida desde las réplicas experimentales. Ambas perspectivas complementarias serán el medio con el que hablar del grado de efectividad de las distintas puntas, los modos de enmangue, las fracturas que se producen como consecuencia de factores tanto funcionales y tecnológicos, así como aquellos generados como resultado de alteraciones mecánicas diversas. En todo caso, pretendemos aportar en qué punto estamos en esta temática más allá de la simple descripción morfológicaThis paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the research o...
The Solutrean shouldered point with abrupt retouch is one of the most characteristic hunting tool... more The Solutrean shouldered point with abrupt retouch is one of the most characteristic hunting tools at the end of Solutrean period in the outer-Cantabric area. Its morphological and volumetric variability permitted a large variety of hafts with the intention of creating composed projectiles. For that reason, our main aim is to carry out an experimental programme to find out which hafting systems are most effective for the hunting of medium sized ungulates. In order to achieve this, some replicas of shouldered points with abrupt retouch have been attached with birch tar and, in some cases, strengthened by means of gut in hafts of different lengths and diameters in order to create arrows with one, two or three shouldered points. These arrows were shot by three different types of bows at two deer previously taken down in order to test their effectiveness. The results have enabled us to establish four basic models of hafting shouldered points, and to test their hunting eficiency and perfect ballistic behaviour to be mounted on arrow shafts.
Abstract Traceological method is based on the identification and analysis of the stone tools surf... more Abstract Traceological method is based on the identification and analysis of the stone tools surface modifications as a result of the use, hafting or manufacturing procedures, among others. Traditionally, use-wear analyses have been conducted using Optical Light Microscopy (OLM) or even, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), normally basing the interpretations on subjective descriptions. Although there are general protocols successfully followed and good results in this field, researchers have always been conscious about the need to advance towards a quantitative an objective method. In response to that concern, techniques as Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM) are being applied successfully to functional analyses, thus improving the metrological studies. The main goal of this research is the characterization and quantification of those alterations caused by butchering activities in comparison with unused areas in order to recognize modification patterns on the chert natural surface. Wood working has been also included in this study as a comparative sample. Also, a quantitative distinction between micropolishes produced by butchering activities and wood working has been carried out. The results show that discrimination between unused areas and wood micropolishes is possible. Meanwhile, butchering activities modify lightly the chert surface. On the other hand, quantitative parameters statistically differ between worked materials proving this method to be useful to identify them.
In recent years, reports on bone breakage at archaeological sites have become more common in the ... more In recent years, reports on bone breakage at archaeological sites have become more common in the taphonomic literature. The present work tests a recently published method, based on the use of machine learning algorithms for analysing the processes involved in bone breakage, to identify the agent that broke the bones of medium-sized animals at the Mousterian Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid). This is the first time this method has been used in an archaeological setting. The results show that these bones were mostly broken by anthropic action, while some were slightly ravaged by carnivores, probably hyaenas. These findings agree very well with published interpretations of the site, and show the method used to be useful in taphonomic studies of archaeological materials with poorly preserved cortical surfaces.
Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter is an Upper Pleistocene archaeological site in the Lozoya River Valley (... more Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter is an Upper Pleistocene archaeological site in the Lozoya River Valley (Madrid, Spain) with a quartz-based Mousterian lithic assemblage. To understand the reasons behind an intense use of quartz over flint and quartzite, a mechanical experiment was carried out. Flakes from flint, quartzite, and local quartz were tested under controlled conditions and quantifiable variables. The mechanical action consisted in a standardised linear repetitive cutting protocol over antler and pine wood. Results allowed to differentiate flake resistance between raw materials through mass and edge angle material loss statistics. Results also showed that the edges produced on flint are sharper allowing to create deeper cuts, but the thin working edges break more easily meaning that they would need a higher maintenance by retouch. Quartzite and quartz have similar performances, but quartzite suffers a more intense modification of the edge angle, while quartz edges present a higher endurance. When compared with flint, quartzite and quartz are more suitable for those tasks where heavier force is applied. Based on that, we concluded that there was no functional disadvantage in using a quartz-based toolkit. Therefore, the quartz assemblages recovered throughout the sequence of Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter show that it was intensely explored not just because of its availability in the landscape but also for its suitability to the development of the different activities taking place at Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter such as big sized herbivore butchering, for a long time span.
This article presents the PhD project under the supervision of Nuno Bicho and Enrique Baquedano, ... more This article presents the PhD project under the supervision of Nuno Bicho and Enrique Baquedano, which aims to study the origin of raw materials from the Mousterian lithic sets of the Calvero de la Higuera sites. At this first stage of the project the main objective is the determination and characterization of the raw materials present at the sites.
Los denticulados y las muescas son dos de los elementos más frecuentes en la panoplia musteriense... more Los denticulados y las muescas son dos de los elementos más frecuentes en la panoplia musteriense. El creciente interés por el estudio de estos tipos permite vislumbrar su complejidad. La aparente estandarización de sus formas no lo es tal a la luz de nuevos estudios tipométricos. Así mismo, la especialización supuesta del denticulado parece encontrarse ahora en entredicho a partir de los nuevos datos revelados por estudios traceológicos que apuntan a que se trata de una pieza en esencia versátil. Presentamos en este artículo los resultados de un estudio funcional realizado sobre una muestra de denticulados y muescas en cuarzo procedente del yacimiento musteriense del Abrigo de Navalmaíllo (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid, España). Las huellas de uso sobre elementos de cuarzo son peculiares dadas las especiales características de la materia prima. Por otro lado, normalmente se conservan mejor que las formadas en materiales de mejor calidad como el sílex. Los resultados del estudio corrobo...
Premio Prisma al Mejor Libro de Divulgación Científica editado en España en 2004 La historia evol... more Premio Prisma al Mejor Libro de Divulgación Científica editado en España en 2004 La historia evolutiva del ser humano abarca los últimos seis millones de años, desde nuestra separación del linaje de los chimpancés hasta la actualidad. La búsqueda de nuestros orígenes nos remonta a un tiempo perdido que los científicos tratan de recuperar a través de las excavaciones y la investigación de los fósiles hallados. La adopción de la postura bípeda, una gran expansión cerebral, el desarrollo de la inteligencia, los cambios morfológicos en la mano que permiten la manipulación fina de los objetos (pinza de precisión), el cambio de la dieta vegetariana a la omnívora, la prolongación del desarrollo con la aparición de la niñez y la adolescencia, la capacidad tecnológica y la gran explosión cultural, son algunos de los cambios evolutivos que se han sucedido durante este período, explicando la aparición de nuestra especie, el Homo sapiens. Incluyendo los descubrimientos más recientes y las últim...
ABSTRACT Barbed and tanged points (BTP) are one of the specific elements which characterizes extr... more ABSTRACT Barbed and tanged points (BTP) are one of the specific elements which characterizes extracantabrian Solutrean. Its morphology contributes to fix the hypothesis that its possible function can be arrowheads propelled by a bow. However, until date there are not specific studies to contrast the idea. In this sense, we have carried out an experimental program to characterise the arrows from a technological, functional, ballistic and hunting qualities point of view. Some of the results show that barbed and tanged points of the Spanish Solutrean are morphologically and metric well suited to be thrown by a bow. The replicas had a perfect ballistic behaviour, so we can think that the origin of bow can be earlier than traditionally thought. Résumé. Les pointes de pédoncule et ailerons sont un des éléments spécifiques qui caractérisent le Solutréen extracantabrique. Sa morphologie contribue à établir l'hipothèse de que sa probable fontion peut-être des pointes des flèches propulsées par an arc. Cependant, jusqu'à maintenant il n'y a pas des études spécifiques pour contraster cette idée. C'est pour cette raison que nous avons développé un programme expérimental pour caractériser les flèches du point de vue tecnologique, fonctionel, balistique et des qualités de chasse. Quelques resultants montrent que les pointes de pédoncule et ailerons du Solutréen espagnol sont métrique et morphologiquement performantes pour être lancées avec an arc. Les répliques ont eu un comportement balistique parfait, et pour cette raison nous pensons que l'origine de l'arc a du être antérieur à ce qu'on pense traditionnellement.
Juan José Ibáñez, Ignacio Clemente Conte, Bernard Gassin, Juan Francisco Gibajas, Jesús González ... more Juan José Ibáñez, Ignacio Clemente Conte, Bernard Gassin, Juan Francisco Gibajas, Jesús González Urquijo, Belén Márquez, Sylvie Philibert, Amelia Rodríguez Rodríguez Instituto Internacional de Investigaciones Prehistóricas de Cantabria, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain ibanezjj@unican.es, gonzalje@unican.es Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Institución Mila i Fontanals, Barcelona, Spain ignacio@bicat.csic.es Centre d’études Préhistoire Antiquité Moyen-Âge (CEPAM) UMR 6130 CNRS – UNSA, Valbonne, France gassin@cepam.cnrs.fr Becario postdoctoral de FCT, adscrito a la Universidade do Algarve. Faculdade de Ciências Humanas e Sociais, Faro, Portugal. Colaborador del Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain jfgibaja@teleline.es Museo Arqueológico Regional, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain belen.marquez@madrid.org Grupo Tarha. Departamento de Ciencias Históricas. Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria arodriguez@dch.ulpgc.es
Se presenta el estudio de un conjunto de yacimientos del Pleistoceno superior situados en un comp... more Se presenta el estudio de un conjunto de yacimientos del Pleistoceno superior situados en un complejo karstico en el valle alto del Lozoya (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid). El abrigo de Navalmaillo conserva restos de industria litica, hogares, y fauna altamente antropizada, comun en lugares de habitacion. La cueva de la Buena Pinta, se utilizo preferentemente como cubil de hienas, aunque la presencia esporadica de industria litica de entidad, como nucleos y percutores, apunta a una cierta actividad humana. La cueva del Camino y el abrigo del Ocelado funcionaron como cubiles de hiena. Por ultimo, la cueva Des-cubierta, presenta evidentes indicios de actividad humana pero aun se encuentra en una fase preliminar de estudio. [ABSTRACT] We present here a study of some upper Pleistocene archaeological sites from central Spain. They are located at a karstic complex at de high Lozoya valley (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid). Navalmaillo Shelter preserves lithics, hearths and highly anthropically alter...
Información del artículo Análisis microscópico de los instrumentos de Galería (Sierra de Atapuerc... more Información del artículo Análisis microscópico de los instrumentos de Galería (Sierra de Atapuerca): actividades desarrolladas y formas de uso.
This work examines the possible behaviour of Neanderthal groups at
the Cueva Des-Cubierta (centr... more This work examines the possible behaviour of Neanderthal groups at the Cueva Des-Cubierta (central Spain) via the analysis of the latter’s archaeological assemblage. Alongside evidence of Mousterian lithic industry, Level 3 of the cave infll was found to contain an assemblage of mammalian bone remains dominated by the crania of large ungulates, some associated with small hearths. The scarcity of post-cranial elements, teeth, mandibles and maxillae, along with evidence of anthropogenic modifcation of the crania (cut and percussion marks), indicates that the carcasses of the corresponding animals were initially processed outside the cave, and the crania were later brought inside. A second round of processing then took place, possibly related to the removal of the brain. The continued presence of crania throughout Level 3 indicates that this behaviour was recurrent during this level’s formation. This behaviour seems to have no subsistence-related purpose but to be more symbolic in its intent
In recent years, reports on bone breakage at archaeological sites have become more common in the ... more In recent years, reports on bone breakage at archaeological sites have become more common in the taphonomic literature. The present work tests a recently published method, based on the use of machine learning algorithms for analysing the processes involved in bone breakage, to identify the agent that broke the bones of medium-sized animals at the Mousterian Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid). This is the first time this method has been used in an archaeological setting. The results show that these bones were mostly broken by anthropic action, while some were slightly ravaged by carnivores, probably hyaenas. These findings agree very well with published interpretations of the site, and show the method used to be useful in taphonomic studies of archaeological materials with poorly preserved cortical surfaces.
The Sierra de Atapuerca sites offer a chronological sequence that allows the evolution of technol... more The Sierra de Atapuerca sites offer a chronological sequence that allows the evolution of technology at a local scale during the Early and Middle Pleistocene to be reconstructed. This paper presents updated information on the main lithic assemblages recovered from the various levels of the Sima del Elefante, Gran Dolina, Galería, and Sima de los Huesos sites. The ultimate goal is to look for technological features on the pieces that make up these assemblages that carry evolutionary significance. Other archaeological data will be cross- referenced with the technical features documented in these artefacts in order to better understand the peopling that took place at Atapuerca during the Pleistocene.The first peopling of Atapuerca occurred at 1.2 Ma, and is represented in level TE9 and probably at the top of level TD3-TD4 by Homo sp. and a Mode 1 technology, which is very poor in terms of diversity and energy invested in tool production. This technology is related to opportunistic subsistence strategies that focused on taking advantage of carcasses that had fallen into the cavities. A second cultural phase has been revealed in level TD6, dating to before 800 ka: a phase characterised by new subsistence and technological strategies, although still belonging to Mode 1 and carried out by Homo antecessor. In TD6, the lithic assemblage is rich and diversified. Intensive occupations with well organised subsistence strategies have been documented, including hunting activities and the earliest trace of cannibalism in prehistory. After a hiatus of approximately 300 ky without evidence of hominin presence, the occupations of Galería and TD10 correspond to a third cultural phase, ranging from between 500 ka and 300 ka. They are represented by a Mode 2 technology associated with systematic and directional carcass processing, including hunting events in TD10. Homo heidelbergensis appears instead of H. antecessor, and is extraordinarily represented at the Sima de los Huesos site in the form of an intentional accumulation of numerous individuals. Finally, TD10.1 may represent the local evolution from Mode 2 to Mode 3 assemblages.After comparing these assemblages, it is clear that several technological features have either been retained or changed over the span of the Atapuerca sequence. The following are considered to have evolutionary significance due to the technological trends described: a) raw material selection (use of local varieties of rock, with the progressive increasing selection of the most workable materials through the Middle Pleistocene); b) production sequences (coexistence of several knapping methods, with a clear increase in centripetal strategies and techniques for flake predetermination, which ultimately lead to Levallois-like methods); c) scarce and insignificant presence of choppers and chopping tools; d) tools on flakes (recorded only from the end of the Early Pleistocene, increasing in number, complexity and standardisation throughout the Middle Pleistocene); and e) large cutting tools (which appear ca 500 ka, and progressively decrease in number, standardisation and intensity of shaping throughout Gran Dolina TD10).
Los arqueólogos son personas increíbles, capaces de hacer hablar hasta a las piedras. Esto ocurre... more Los arqueólogos son personas increíbles, capaces de hacer hablar hasta a las piedras. Esto ocurre, por ejemplo, con los instrumentos de piedra usados por nuestros antepasados prehistóricos. Mediante el uso de determinadas técnicas, pueden saber de qué forma se hicieron estas herramientas líticas y el uso que se les dio, así como la forma en que fueron empleadas. La traceología es el nombre del método usado para estudiar las marcas de uso que presentan estas herramientas.
Se plantea el estudio tecnológico y traceológico del conjunto lítico musteriense en cuarzo proced... more Se plantea el estudio tecnológico y traceológico del conjunto lítico musteriense en cuarzo procedente del nivel F del Abrigo de Navalmaíllo (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid). Su rasgo más característico es que está fabricado en su mayor parte en cuarzo y presenta tendencias microlíticas. Los estudios traceológicos emprendidos, confirman la utilización de algunas herramientas de cuarzo en tareas de descuartizado, así como en otras relacionadas con el trabajo de la madera o de la piel. Se confirma la versatilidad de los denticulados para realizar una variada panoplia de tareas, junto con la intencionalidad de fabricar instrumentos de pequeño tamaño lejos de constricciones tanto de tamaño como de disponibilidad de la materia prima. Los resultados del estudio permiten profundizar en el conocimiento de la tecnología y función de este tipo de conjuntos en cuarzo que en el centro de la Península ibérica son muy escasos, así como en los modos de vida y comportamiento de los grupos neandertales.
There is less information about raw material procurement on the center of the Iberian Peninsula w... more There is less information about raw material procurement on the center of the Iberian Peninsula when comparing with coastal areas. By studying lithic raw material choices and the implications it may have on the technological adaptation we are looking to understand the relation between the chaîne opératoire, raw materials and how they influence each other. Here we present the first approach to the spatial raw material distribution in the landscape and mobility analysis of an ongoing Ph.D. project aiming to study the exploration and exploitation of the lithic raw materials of the Lozoya river valley by Pinilla del Valle’s Neanderthal groups.
The shouldered point with abrupt retouch (SP) is one of the most characteristic elements of the h... more The shouldered point with abrupt retouch (SP) is one of the most characteristic elements of the hunting tools from the end of the Solutrean period in Iberia outside the Cantabrian region. Its morphological and volumetric variability allowed a large variety of hafts with the intention of creating composite projectiles. To test different hafting techniques we carried out an experimental program to establish which hafting systems are the most effective for hunting medium-sized ungulates. In order to achieve this, some replicas of SP were made. These were attached with birch tar and, in some cases, strengthened by means of gut in shafts of different lengths and diameters in order to create arrows with one, two or three points. These arrows were shot by three different types of bows at two fallow-deer carcasses in order to test their effectiveness. The results obtained have enabled us to establish four basic models of hafting shouldered points, and to test their hunting efficiency and best ballistic behavior when mounted on arrow hafts.
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the Cueva Des-Cubierta (central Spain) via the analysis of the latter’s
archaeological assemblage. Alongside evidence of Mousterian lithic
industry, Level 3 of the cave infll was found to contain an assemblage of
mammalian bone remains dominated by the crania of large ungulates, some
associated with small hearths. The scarcity of post-cranial elements, teeth,
mandibles and maxillae, along with evidence of anthropogenic modifcation
of the crania (cut and percussion marks), indicates that the carcasses of
the corresponding animals were initially processed outside the cave, and
the crania were later brought inside. A second round of processing then
took place, possibly related to the removal of the brain. The continued
presence of crania throughout Level 3 indicates that this behaviour was
recurrent during this level’s formation. This behaviour seems to have no
subsistence-related purpose but to be more symbolic in its intent
the Cueva Des-Cubierta (central Spain) via the analysis of the latter’s
archaeological assemblage. Alongside evidence of Mousterian lithic
industry, Level 3 of the cave infll was found to contain an assemblage of
mammalian bone remains dominated by the crania of large ungulates, some
associated with small hearths. The scarcity of post-cranial elements, teeth,
mandibles and maxillae, along with evidence of anthropogenic modifcation
of the crania (cut and percussion marks), indicates that the carcasses of
the corresponding animals were initially processed outside the cave, and
the crania were later brought inside. A second round of processing then
took place, possibly related to the removal of the brain. The continued
presence of crania throughout Level 3 indicates that this behaviour was
recurrent during this level’s formation. This behaviour seems to have no
subsistence-related purpose but to be more symbolic in its intent.
the Cueva Des-Cubierta (central Spain) via the analysis of the latter’s
archaeological assemblage. Alongside evidence of Mousterian lithic
industry, Level 3 of the cave infll was found to contain an assemblage of
mammalian bone remains dominated by the crania of large ungulates, some
associated with small hearths. The scarcity of post-cranial elements, teeth,
mandibles and maxillae, along with evidence of anthropogenic modifcation
of the crania (cut and percussion marks), indicates that the carcasses of
the corresponding animals were initially processed outside the cave, and
the crania were later brought inside. A second round of processing then
took place, possibly related to the removal of the brain. The continued
presence of crania throughout Level 3 indicates that this behaviour was
recurrent during this level’s formation. This behaviour seems to have no
subsistence-related purpose but to be more symbolic in its intent
the Cueva Des-Cubierta (central Spain) via the analysis of the latter’s
archaeological assemblage. Alongside evidence of Mousterian lithic
industry, Level 3 of the cave infll was found to contain an assemblage of
mammalian bone remains dominated by the crania of large ungulates, some
associated with small hearths. The scarcity of post-cranial elements, teeth,
mandibles and maxillae, along with evidence of anthropogenic modifcation
of the crania (cut and percussion marks), indicates that the carcasses of
the corresponding animals were initially processed outside the cave, and
the crania were later brought inside. A second round of processing then
took place, possibly related to the removal of the brain. The continued
presence of crania throughout Level 3 indicates that this behaviour was
recurrent during this level’s formation. This behaviour seems to have no
subsistence-related purpose but to be more symbolic in its intent.
the Cueva Des-Cubierta (central Spain) via the analysis of the latter’s
archaeological assemblage. Alongside evidence of Mousterian lithic
industry, Level 3 of the cave infll was found to contain an assemblage of
mammalian bone remains dominated by the crania of large ungulates, some
associated with small hearths. The scarcity of post-cranial elements, teeth,
mandibles and maxillae, along with evidence of anthropogenic modifcation
of the crania (cut and percussion marks), indicates that the carcasses of
the corresponding animals were initially processed outside the cave, and
the crania were later brought inside. A second round of processing then
took place, possibly related to the removal of the brain. The continued
presence of crania throughout Level 3 indicates that this behaviour was
recurrent during this level’s formation. This behaviour seems to have no
subsistence-related purpose but to be more symbolic in its intent
present work tests a recently published method, based on the use of machine learning algorithms for analysing the processes
involved in bone breakage, to identify the agent that broke the bones of medium-sized animals at the Mousterian Navalmaíllo
Rock Shelter (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid). This is the first time this method has been used in an archaeological setting. The results
show that these bones were mostly broken by anthropic action, while some were slightly ravaged by carnivores, probably
hyaenas. These findings agree very well with published interpretations of the site, and show the method used to be useful in
taphonomic studies of archaeological materials with poorly preserved cortical surfaces.
Los estudios traceológicos emprendidos, confirman la utilización de algunas herramientas de cuarzo en tareas de descuartizado, así como en otras relacionadas con el trabajo de la madera o de la piel. Se confirma la versatilidad de los denticulados para realizar una variada panoplia de tareas, junto con la intencionalidad de fabricar instrumentos de pequeño tamaño lejos de constricciones tanto de tamaño como de disponibilidad de la materia prima.
Los resultados del estudio permiten profundizar en el conocimiento de la tecnología y función de este tipo de conjuntos en cuarzo que en el centro de la Península ibérica son muy escasos, así como en los modos de vida y comportamiento de los grupos neandertales.