Solutrean

The last investigations made during the excavation of the different levels at this important site to study the solutrean in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, have permited us to make some precisions on its chronostratigraphic position in the upper pleistocene. The calibration of a new radiocarbon date for the level IV (Upper Solutrean) and other six new dates (5 of them AMS) for the level II (Final Upper Solutrean) allows us to place this two cultural phases between the Greenland Stadial GS3 (end of OIS 3) and the end of the Greenland Intersatial GI 2, with a greater occupation of level II after the Heinrich Event H2, agreeing with the intersadial that come just before the last glacial maximum (GS 2). This new data modify clearly the before existing dates, making the whole record very much older. On the other side, the discovery of decorated panels with engravings and paintings, recoverd by Upper Solutrean sediments, allow us to place this representations, with great precision, in the Medium Solutrean (level VI) that must be placed between the GI 5 and the G 3. The excavation of the area that we call the microstratigraphy, included in level II (Final Upper Solutrean or Evolved Upper Solutrean), has provided 21 double layers of hearts, one of them with a stone structure and thousands of very typical solutrean flint implements that includes the characteristic barbed and tanged points, shouldered points and leaf points. The investigations carried out in the Laboratorio de Estudios Paleolíticos with this arrowheads, shows that they must be thrown with a bow.

Abstract

The archaeological excavation of the Puente de los Tres Ojos site, next to Cerro Negro Street (Madrid), has provided new data that has allowed us to go in depth into the human settlement and the palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the old Abroñigal stream valley, whose fluvial course worked as a tributary of the Manzanares River probably from before the Late Pleistocene up to the second half of the XXth century. In this paper we present the geomorphological and chronostratigraphic data of the excavated layers, documenting the various sequences of the fluvial and alluvial deposits that have filled the right bank of the Abroñigal valley bottom within its lower stretch. A large collection of lithic pieces has been obtained during the excavation works, most of which have been found within medium energy deposits of sands and gravels, being the rest associated to argillaceous slimes and thin sand deposits. The majority of the lithic collection responds to technical systems of the Middle Palaeolithic, although it is noteworthy the testimonial presence of pieces belonging to the Upper Palaeolithic, as well as mammal faunal remains from the Late Pleistocene. The dates obtained through OSL place the chronology of the deposit between approximately 14,400 and 11,170 years BP.

The aim of this paper is to critically examine the validity of the Solutrean Hypothesis using an optimal foraging lens. While much of the evidence cited by the hypothesis' originators revolves around the lithic similarities between Clovis and Solutrean tool assemblages, I argue that the most important aspect of the hypothesis is the feasibility of crossing the North Atlantic ice-bridge that supposedly connected Europe and North America. Conditions on this bridge would have to have been extremely favourable in order to entice certain groups of Solutreans to move northward during the LGM rather than southward as their neighbours did.

Proponents of a Solutrean colonization of the New World, and a pre-LGM occupation of North America's Mid-Atlantic region, cite as evidence a bifacially flaked, bi-pointed stone blade allegedly dredged from the continental shelf by the crew of the vessel Cinmar, along with portions of a mastodon skeleton later directly dated to 22,760 ± 90 RCYBP. However, our investigations into the discovery found several significant inconsistencies with respect to what is currently reported in the literature and raise serious questions that must be addressed before the Cinmar artifact can be considered evidence of anything pertinent to archaeology. In this article we present evidence and questions regarding the history of the Cinmar discovery, the location of the Cinmar discovery site, and the nature of the Cinmar vessel itself.

The variability in laurel leaf point morphology and the shaping and sharpening tech-niques utilized on them are examined. Both intra-and inter-regional Solutrean group differences are studied, using data obtained from recent excavation projects in Central France and ...

At the end of the upper Solutrean, a specific cultural group, the Salpetrian, appears in Languedoc (France) around 19000 BP. Named in 1964 after the type-site of La Salpêtrière cave (near the « Pont-du-Gard » roman bridge), the Salpetrian is nowadays known by two other prehistoric deposits : La Rouviere in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc (Ardeche) and Cadenet in Gaujac (Gard). The definition of this cultural entity rests on the absence of invasive solutrean retouch and the focusing of lithic production on a specific tool : the mediterranean shouldered point with abrupt retouch.
This study tries to analyze the lithic technology of the upper Solutrean and lower Salpetrian series in Languedoc. Consequently the lithic reduction of salpetrian industry and the knapping objectives are clearly defined. The links between the Salpetrian and the Solutrean is clarified from a technological point of view.
The analysis brings additional elements for the characterization of the Salpetrian. It also provides the debate on cultural filiation between upper Solutrean and Salpetrian in Languedoc but in mediterranean Europe too.

The comparison between an experimental framework and the spatial analysis and technological reconstruction of the lithic production at the site of Les Maîtreaux suggests that no major post-depositional process affected the site since its prehistoric abandonment. Systematic refitting allowed for the definition of spatial units resulting from at least 10 successive passages on the site, characterized by constant technical procedures. Such homogeneity, besides revealing a complex technical expertise and knowledge, can be interpreted as an argument for a set of behaviours taking part on a same cultural tradition. An attempt to evaluate the time between each occupation and its relations to sedimentary and pedological rhythms on the basis of a geoarchaeological approach can elucidate us on the limits of the applied methods for studying time and taphonomy in Les Maîtreaux and other comparable sites.

The variability in laurel leaf point morphology and the shaping and sharpening techniques utilized on them are examined. Both intra- and inter-regional Solutrean group differences are studied, using data obtained from recent excavation projects in Central France and Portugal. Models are proposed to explain similarities and disparities in the production, function, and discard of laurel leaf points at a regional level in the two study areas.

This article summarizes the main results of research that aims to reconsider the nature and status of the Badegoulian phenomenon. In France, the second part of the Upper Paleolithic witnessed an abrupt change in the development of technological traditions: around 19,500 BP (23,500-23,000 cal. BP), the Solutrean industries disappeared and were replaced by very different Badegoulian assemblages. Initially considered as the beginning of the Magdalenian, the Badegoulian was later re-evaluated as a specific archaeological “culture”: at the end of the 1990s it was considered as an atypical and discordant industry without clear links with the preceding and the following ones. Research questioned this position, and reexamined the reality of the “Badegoulian interlude” through the techno-economic analysis of several lithic assemblages from Southern France. A dynamic reconstruction of the lithic technical system confirms the sharp and deep break that separates the Solutrean and Badegoulian techno-economic worlds. On the other hand, without denying the differences existing between the Badegoulian and the Magdalenian, it is demonstrated that the Badegoulian truly gave root to the Magdalenian around 17,500 BP (20,500 cal. BP). Finally, the place and the meaning of the Badegoulian in the “palaeo-history” of southwestern Europe are discussed within a broader geographical context.

Le niveau supérieur du gisement solutréen récent de plein air de Landry constitue un remarquable témoignage des activités domestiques et cynégétiques réalisées au bord de l'Isle.
Ce travail de Master II a pour objectifs d'apporter de nouvelles données fonctionnelles sur les industries lithiques du secteur 3 grâce à une approche tracéologique et de les croiser avec les données spatiales, afin de contribuer à déterminer la fonction de l'occupation ou des occupations et à mieux définir leur organisation spatiale. Retour de chasse (armature impactée), boucherie, travail de la peau, probable travail de matières dures organiques en percussion et enfin probable travail de l'ocre sont les activités qui ont été identifiées dans ce secteur, qui n'avait à ce jour fait l'objet que d'une étude tracéologique préliminaire sur les outils retouchés.
Une problématique a été plus particulièrement abordée, celle de l'interaction entre l'outillage en silex et les blocs en dolérite, puisque ces derniers portent des traces d'impact et des stries visibles à l'œil nu. Un référentiel expérimental a été constitué afin de tester l'hypothèse de l'utilisation d'outils en silex pour la découpe de matières tendres (comme la viande ou la peau) posées sur bloc. La comparaison entre les traces expérimentales et archéologiques, réalisées principalement pour les outils en silex, a permis d'identifier plusieurs supports, le plus souvent laissés bruts, ayant très probablement servi selon ce mode de fonctionnement.

This paper deals with the study of the shouldered point of Mediterranean type, coming .from the Upper Evolved Solutrean levels of "La Cueva de Ambrosio" (Almería, Spain). This type of projectile points are characterized from morphological and typometrical parameters. A theoretical model is also proposed to explain the manufacturing processes and their effect on the archaeological record. Finally, the exhaustive analysis of these arrowheads makes it possible to establish some hypotheses on the functioning of their set systems and propulsion systems.

En el presente trabajo se observan los patrones de subsistencia existentes del Solutrense y el
Magdaleniense de la cornisa cantábrica, para ello se ha escogido esta región por la abundancia de datos
arqueozoológicos. Con este estudio se pretende revisar los patrones de representación taxonómicos con la
finalidad de poder identificar que técnicas cinegéticas emplearon los cazadores del Pleistoceno Superior
Final. De esta manera se pueden documentar la sucesión de una serie de fases que van desde unas
estrategias cinegéticas diversificadas al comienzo del Solutrense hasta otras más especializadas en el
transcurso del Magdaleniense, en el que prima cada vez más los propios criterios de selección humana
frente a otros condicionantes externos como el clima o el entorno. Por otra parte la identificación de estas
conductas especializadas o diversificadas dependerá en parte de los criterios metodológicos empleados,
así la utilización de un método basado en el número de restos (NR) propiciará un marco más
especializado, que otro basado en el número mínimo de individuos (MNI).
Palabras clave. Solutrense, Magdaleniense, Especialización, Diversificación, Cérvidos, Capra, NR.
MNI.
Abstract
This paper estudies the subsistencie strategies in the Cantabrian solutrean and Magdalenian. We
observed that in this area is where we have more dates by his zooarchaeology tradition. With this study
it's want to analyze the taxonomic representation patrons for to identify the hunting techniques of the end
Upper Pleistocene. So we can to observe there are diferent phases since the Solutrean's diversified
hunting until the Magdalenian's specialized hunting. Finally for moment the resources selection is more
important the human protagonist than others conditions by example the environmental or the climate. In
this specialized or diversified conduct is important to differentiate between the method used, so the
interpretations to be based on remains number (NR) is more specialized than the minimal number
individuals (MNI).
Key Words. Solutrean. Magdalenian, Specialized, Diversified, Cervids, Capra, NR, MNI.

The open-air Solutrean site of Les Maitreaux (Bossay-sur-Claise, Indre et Loire): an original lithic production type. The results obtained since 1 994 at the site of Les Maitreaux, located near an outcrop of abundant, high-quality flint, has permitted the distinction of several Solutrean occupation levels. The spatial distribution of artifacts is remarkably well preserved in a silty-shale. Technological analyses of the lithic assemblages from the two levels show that the first consists of lithic concentrations associated with the production of blade blanks for shouldered points. All the shouldered points left in place show fabrication fracture stigmata -, associated with pressure retouching. The second level contains fragments and flakes produced during the production of Laurel Leaf ; points, ranging in size from 25 to 35 cm, which were also broken during fabrication. The interpretation of the site as a workshop, based on the deficit of certain tools and blades, is nuanced by the abandonment of other rare tool types, which are shown by microwear analysis to have been utilized.

El Solutrense es pródigo en la invención de piezas líticas con una significativa carga de información técnica, a la vez que su peculiar reparto por la geografía, en un momento climático y con una distribución de la población europea especialmente articulares, ofrece datos que permiten demarcar territorios y difusión de elementos de cultura.

Se describen los conjuntos de industria lítica correspondientes con las distintas ocupaciones del yacimiento de
Arlanpe. Se ofrece una descripción de las estrategias de organización tecnológica, teniendo en cuenta las modali-
dades de aprovisionamiento de materia prima, los sistemas de fabricación y la gestión del utillaje. Los resultados
muestran, en el Paleolítico Medio Antiguo, un sistema basado fundamentalmente en el consumo de rocas locales,
con sistemas de fabricación que combinan el uso de técnicas propias del Achelense (tecnología bifacial,
Clactoniense) con técnicas propias del Paleolítico Medio (Levallois y Discoide), estando destinado a abastecer de
utillaje variado a un grupo de gran movilidad residencial que realiza actividades variadas en el yacimiento.
Durante el Solutrense el aprovisionamiento tecnológico se organiza en torno a un consumo moderado de materias
primas locales y la fabricación de laminillas a partir de núcleos de sílex importados, estando el utillaje retocado
dominado por las laminillas de dorso y siendo las piezas foliáceas escasas. Estas características se corresponden
con las de una ocupación mixta en la que se combinan actividades de preparación de la caza con otras más domés-
ticas. En el Magdaleniense Medio se observa una organización caracterizada por un uso casi exclusivo del sílex,
por la fabricación de laminillas, y por la abundancia de laminillas de dorso. Este conjunto se interpreta como el
resultado de sucesivos altos de caza.
LABURPENA
Arlanpe aztarnategiko okupazio ezberdinen utzitako harri industria multzoak deskribatzen dira. Teknologia
antolakuntzaren estrategiak ezagutzeko, lehengaien hautaketa, produkzio sistemak eta tresnen kudeaketa azter-
tuko dira. Erdi Paleolito Zaharreko sistema inguruko harrien oinarritzen da nagusiki. Produkzio sistema mistoa
erabiltzen da, Acheul aldiko sistemak (Aurpegi-bikoa, Clactoniarra) eta Erdi Paleolitokoak (Levallois, Diskoide)
integratuz. Sistema hau oso mugikorra diren Neandertal taldeei tresneria hornitzeko erabiltzen da, Arlanpen bertan
aktibitate anitzak egin zitzaten. Solutre aldian, aldiz, inguruko harrien kontsumo moderatuak, inportatutako suha-
rriko nukleotik ateratako ijekitxoen produkzioak, eta bizkardun ijekitxoak eta hosto itxurako punten fabrikazioak
karakterizatzen dute teknologia hornitzeko sistema. Hau ehiza-geltokiko eta bizi-tokiko beharren asetzeko sistema
bezala interpretatzen da. Erdi Madeleine Aldian, ia bakarrik inportatutako suharria erabiltzen da, kasu honetan
bizkardun ijekitxoak nagusi dira, eta ehiza-geltokiko ezaugarriak identifikatzen dira.
SUMMARY
In this paper we describe the lithic assemblages left by the different occupation events in Arlanpe cave.
Technological organization strategies are described in detail. For doing go raw material provisioning modalities,
production systems and tool management are investigated. Obtained results show that, in Early Middle Paleolithic,
the system is based in the procurement of local raw materials, with a production system that combines Acheulean
technology (bifacial technology, Clactonian) with Middle Paleolithic technology (Levallois and Discoid). The
main objective is tool provisioning for high mobility Neandertal groups for making diverse and varied activities
at the site. During the Solutrean the lithic provisioning is organized around a moderate consume of local raw
materials, the use of imported flint cores to produce bladelets, being the retouched tools dominated by backed
bladeltes with some foliate points. These characteristics describe a mixed occupation, which combines activities
of a hunting-camp with other more usual in domestic spaces. During Middle Magdalenian, the system is charac-
terized by an almost exclusive use of imported flint used to produce bladelets and the fabrication of backed bla-
delets. This assemblage is interpreted as the result of successive hunting camps

La punta de aletas y pedúnculo (PAP) es uno de los elementos característicos del Solutrense extracantábrico. Su morfología contribuye a plantear la hipótesis de que se hayan utilizado como punta de flecha para arco. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha no hay estudios específicos que permitan contrastar la idea. En este sentido, hemos llevado a cabo un programa experimental para caracterizar las flechas desde un punto de vista tecnológico, funcional, balístico, así como de su eficacia para cazar. Alguno de los resultados muestra que las puntas de pedúnculo y aletas del Solutrense español son morfológicamente y métricamente adecuadas para ser lanzadas por un arco. Las réplicas tuvieron un comportamiento balístico perfecto, así que podemos considerar que el origen del arco podría colocarse antes de lo pensado tradicionalmente.

This paper deals with the study of the possible origin of prehistoric archery during the Upper Solutrean in Mediterranean
Iberia. From analysis of the light arrowheads of the Extracantabrian Solutrean (barbed and tanged point and the shouldered points of Mediterranean type) are established the ballistics characteristic of this type of tool kit. These characteristics permit us to establish some hypothesis on the function in relation to their mounting and propulsion.

Abstract :
The solutrean workshop of Coustaret (Saint-Martin, Hautes-
Pyrénées). Located in the South of Tarbes (Hautes-Pyrénées), a new open air Solutrean site has been recently discovered by foot survey. It differentiates from a wide variety of knapping workshops in Hibarette by its concentration of Solutrean artefacts that seems to be lacking of other upper Palaeolithic industries. Typical Solutrean pieces are represented by laurel leaf points, some of them of big size, and also by Montaut points. The fact that the site is considered as a workshop is reinforced by the roughing of bifacial parts worked out from Montgaillard-Hibarette flint that lays down nearby. It is typically part of the Pyrenees Solutrean and geographically represents an intermediate site between the locations in Landes-Pays Basque
(Brassempouy, Tercis, Montaut, Isturitz, Azkonzilo) and those from Pyrénées Centrales (Les Harpons, Roquecourbère).

Résumé :
Un nouveau site solutréen de plein air a été récemment découvert par prospection pédestre, au sud de Tarbes (Hautes-Pyrénées). Il s’individualise au sein du vaste ensemble d’ateliers de taille d’Hibarette par une concentration d’artefacts solutréens qui semble exempte de mélanges d’autres industries du Paléolithique supérieur. Les pièces solutréennes caractéristiques sont représentées par des feuilles de lauriers, certaines de grande taille, et par des pointes de Montaut. La présence d’ébauches de pièces bifaciales, élaborées dans le silex de Montgaillard-Hibarette qui affleure à proximité, est un argument en faveur de l’interprétation fonctionnelle du site comme un atelier. Il s’intègre parfaitement dans le Solutréen typique des Pyrénées et, d’un point de vue géographique, constitue un pôle intermédiaire entre les sites des Landes-Pays
Basque (Brassempouy, Tercis, Montaut, Isturitz, Azkonzilo) et ceux du groupe des Pyrénées centrales (Les Harpons, Roquecourbère).

This study of perverse fracture among lithic bifaces combines experimental archaeology, statistical analysis, and archaeological specimen data to provide insight into prehistoric lithic reduction strategies. Experimental bifaces were worked to a maximum width to thickness ratio, unless fractured during reduction. Manufacture and breakage data elicited from replicas and artefacts illustrate the propensities of several fracture types, as well as a hypothetical lithic reduction strategy employed by Clovis peoples. Statistical analysis suggests that the perverse fracture is useful in describing archaeological assemblage formation and explaining lithic biface reduction errors.

This paper deals with the study of the laurel leaves, coming from the Upper Solutrean at Cueva de Ambrosio. This type of projectile points are characterized from morphological, typometrical and technological parameters. A theoretical model is proposed to explain the manufacturing processes and their effect on the archaeological record.