Andreu Ollé - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Andreu Ollé
Quaternary International, 2020
Abstract Dental microwear has been used for the reconstruction of diet for decades, and given its... more Abstract Dental microwear has been used for the reconstruction of diet for decades, and given its long history, substantial changes in the methodologies and technologies used to observe and quantify microwear have occurred. For instance, early work on microwear used optical microscopy (OM), before being largely replaced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). More recently, SEM-based studies have been overshadowed by confocal microscopy and dental microwear texture analysis. However, SEM is still the preferred method of data acquisition for buccal microwear analysis and significant improvements in OM have also occurred in recent years – particularly with the development of continuous focus systems for OM. Given the low-cost and simple upkeep of OM compared to SEM, this study seeks to explore the utility of OM for buccal microwear data acquisition compared to the methods established using SEM. A sample of 18 human teeth (originals and casts) were analyzed using both OM and SEM. Results show that more striations are observed using OM than when analyzing the same surface with SEM. However, the central counting trend is similar with both techniques. We can therefore conclude that OM is a consistent and user-friendly method that provides good image resolution together with a series of economic and technical advantages.
Journal of Human Evolution
Short-Term Occupations in Paleolithic Archaeology, 2021
Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology, 2020
This paper presents a unified methodology to describe critical features in lithic assemblages, in... more This paper presents a unified methodology to describe critical features in lithic assemblages, in order to better interpret the Middle Pleistocene hominin occupation of Western Europe, in the context of the Western European Acheulean Project (WEAP). This project aims to characterise the Acheulean technology of Western side of Europe by the analysis of 10 key assemblages in this area, to generate an in depth regional comparison in particular on the Large Cutting Tools (LCTs). Nevertheless, to go beyond the local perspective and gain a regional point of view requires a deep understanding of the underlying technology to identify the differences or similarities in processes and traditions of manufacture. The different criteria to analyse and to categorise the results make it difficult to compare data from different research traditions (British, French and Spanish). But after decades of intense work on technological analysis and although many technological approaches have been developed, there are still differences in methods between the different countries. It was necessary to develop a unified, yet flexible, protocol to characterize the LCTs that could be adapted to the technological characteristics of each area or site. It also had to be a system that could describe tools technology and morphology, combined with a proper statistical treatment, to sum up all the data and compare the results. And due to the recent development of innovative technologies, it is timely to move the research forward to make more detailed comparisons between sites. In this paper, we test the WEAP Method with three very different European sites, Galería and Gran Dolina-subunit TD10.1 (both in Atapuerca, Spain) and Boxgrove (Sussex, UK).
Journal of Lithic Studies, 2014
While many experimental studies have been done on siliceous and metamorphic rocks for both use-we... more While many experimental studies have been done on siliceous and metamorphic rocks for both use-wear and post depositional surface modification (PDSM) events, little is known about such experiments on volcanic materials (other than obsidian), and on basalt in particular. Here we present the preliminary results of several experiments related to: a) evidence for basalt use (e.g., butchery and fresh hide scraping) and the subsequent characteristic use-wear patterns that can be seen; and b) postdepositional surface modifications caused by bear (Ursidae) trampling on experimental basalt flakes and subsequent use of these flakes for a tumbling experiment in a special tumbling machine. The results of these experiments were compared to better understand some surface modifications noted on the Middle to Upper Pleistocene lithic assemblages of the Azokh Cave site (Nagorno Karabagh, Lesser Caucasus). Although some aspects of both events (use-wear and PDSM) remain to be studied in depth, the experiments have improved our understanding of the effects of use-wear and post-depositional trampling and tumbling on basalt lithic artefacts. In particular, it has allowed us to recognise mechanical alterations (e.g., cracks, striations, fractures, edge damage) caused by trampling and tumbling and to note differences between these modifications and those caused by use. In particular, the experiments have shown that macroscopic modifications are rarely diagnostic, especially those observed after use. Microscopic wear features such as edge rounding, polish, abrasion and striations were the most evident types of alteration on basalt flakes, although occurring at different times and from different types of use. Distribution and orientation of alterations may be key in distinguishing use-wear from post-depositional alterations on basalt artefacts.
Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences
The preparation of samples for traceological analysis is a key methodological aspect in the corre... more The preparation of samples for traceological analysis is a key methodological aspect in the correct interpretation of use-wear; however, it is often poorly reflected in the archaeological literature. The treatment of osseous tissues is particularly overlooked, and receives even less attention than lithic raw materials. The presence of residues and contaminants on the surface of artefacts can conceal or even be mistaken for use-wear features, thereby affecting their interpretation. Therefore, the objective of this work is to contribute to the systematization of cleaning protocols and the preparation of experimental bone tools for traceological analysis. Through a sequential experiment, we tested the effects of different cleaning agents on experimental samples. Microscopic observation of the samples was complemented with microhardness testing. Our results made it possible to evaluate the cleaning effectiveness of the tested products, to determine how each product affects the bone surf...
Spanish Journal of Palaeontology, 2022
El yacimiento de Galería es uno los rellenos cársticos pleistocenos situados en la Trinchera del ... more El yacimiento de Galería es uno los rellenos cársticos pleistocenos situados en la Trinchera del Ferrocarril de la Sierra de Atapuerca. El relleno sedimentario se divide en seis unidades estratigráficas (GI a GVI). La base de la sucesión estratigráfica corresponde al Pleistoceno Inferior y es estéril. Las unidades fosilíferas con evidencias de ocupación humana (GIT y GITT) son de la segunda mitad del Pleistoceno Medio. Las especies de mamíferos permanecen evolutivamente estables; solo se observan cambios menores en los roedores Iberomys breccensis, Microtus aff. arvalis y Arvicola sp. No obstante, se detectan variaciones en las frecuencias de micro- y macrovertebrados y en las comunidades de aves. La subunidad Glla se interpreta como formada durante una fase cálida.
Approaching the life history of artefacts is fundamental for understanding both the formation pro... more Approaching the life history of artefacts is fundamental for understanding both the formation processes of archaeological assemblages and their technological variability. In this paper, we explore the variability of technological behaviours exhibited by the hominins from subunit TD6.2 at the Gran Dolina site (Atapuerca, Burgos), by combining both technological and reduction intensity analyses of the cores recovered. We used the Volumetric Reconstruction Method (VRM) to estimate the original volume of the blanks and quantify the reduction intensity of each core individually, after which we characterised the reduction distribution patterns using Weibull probability distribution functions. Our results suggest differential raw material management in terms of reduction intensity, according to the characteristics of each lithology. This could reflect a solid understanding of raw material qualities and a certain degree of planning. From a technological perspective, our results suggest cont...
Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2021
In this manuscript, we present the first systematic refitting results of the small-scale Middle P... more In this manuscript, we present the first systematic refitting results of the small-scale Middle Pleistocene (MIS11) rock shelter site of La Cansaladeta. The lithic materials that have been recovered from the archaeological levels E and J were the main study materials. These levels were investigated regarding spatial pattern analysis and analyzed with auxiliary methods such as quantitative density mapping demonstration and technological analysis of the lithic clusters. Thus, the spatial patterns of the two levels were compared and discussed, in terms of connections, clusters, and movement of the lithic elements. Undoubtedly, the well preservation of the archaeological levels offered a great opportunity for the interpretation of the spatial patterns in a high-resolution perspective. La Cansaladeta has not been paid attention adequately so far may be due to the small dimension of the excavation surface or to the scarcity of faunal record. Our results show that small-scale sites without...
Journal of Lithic Studies, 2020
Nowadays, the fruitful discussion regarding the morphological variability of handaxes during the ... more Nowadays, the fruitful discussion regarding the morphological variability of handaxes during the Middle Pleistocene has reached a decisive moment with the use of more accurate statistical methods, such as geometric morphometrics (GM) and multivariate analyses (MA). This paper presents a preliminary methodological approach for checking the utility of these new approaches on the analysis of the tools’ shape. It goes beyond the simple description of morphology and isolates the variables which define the final morphology of a tool. We compared two Middle Pleistocene sites, Boxgrove and Swanscombe, which are morphologically very different. Then, we applied the GM analysis on 1) 2D images, with two semi-landmark distributions: 28 semi-landmarks, specially concentrated on the tip and butt, and 60 equally spaced points; and 2) on 3D models using new software (AGMT3-D Software) including 5000 semi-landmarks. The more points used to define the tool’s outline, the more accurate will be the int...
Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory, 2018
The morphological variability of Large Cutting Tools (LCT) during the Middle Pleistocene has been... more The morphological variability of Large Cutting Tools (LCT) during the Middle Pleistocene has been traditionally associated with two main variables: raw material constraints and reduction intensity. Boxgrovec.500kais one of the most informative sites at which to analyze shaping strategies and handaxe morphological variability in the European Middle Pleistocene, because of the large number of finished handaxes, and the presence of complete operational chains. We focused on the entire handaxe and rough-out sample from Boxgrove-Q1/B with the aim of assessing the role of raw material characteristicssize, form, and homogeneity of nodulesin the shaping process, and to ascertain if they represent real constraints in the production of handaxes. Additionally, given the large number of handaxes and the intensity of the thinning work at Boxgrove, we also aimed to determine if reduction intensity affected the final shape to the degree that some authors have previously postulated. The methodology combines traditional technological descriptions, metrical analysis, and experimental reproduction of shaping processes together with geometric morphometry and PCA. The conclusions we draw are that the Q1/B handaxe knapping strategies were flexible and adapted to the characteristics of the blanks. These characteristics affected the reduction strategy but there is no clear relationship between initial nodule or blank morphology and final handaxe shape. Throughout the experiments, we explored the capacity to solve problems arising from reduction accidents, which led to re-configuring the knapping strategy to achieve the predetermined "mental template". Furthermore, no substantial morphological differences related to reduction intensity were noticed with the Q1/B handaxes. Systematic re-sharpening as the cause of shape variation seems highly unlikely, perhaps related to the short use-life of the Boxgrove-Q1/B handaxes. Preferred forms constitute part of a broader pattern emerging for specific handaxe types at different times during the British Acheulean. The patterns have tentatively been interpreted as the result of changing environments and the movement of hominin populations.
Quaternary Research, 2017
Here we present a new site in the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain): Galería de las Estatuas (G... more Here we present a new site in the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain): Galería de las Estatuas (GE), which provides new information about Mousterian occupations in the Iberian Plateau. The GE was an ancient entrance to the cave system, which is currently closed and sealed by a stalagmitic crust, below which a detritic sedimentary sequence of more than 2 m is found. This has been divided into five litostratigraphic units with a rich assemblage of faunal and lithic remains of clear Mousterian affinity. Radiocarbon dates provide minimum ages and suggest occupations older than 4514C ka BP. The palynological analysis detected a landscape change to increased tree coverage, which suggests that the sequence recorded a warming episode. The macromammal assemblage is composed of both ungulates (mainly red deer and equids) and carnivores. Taphonomic analysis reveals both anthropic, and to a lesser extent, carnivore activities. The GE was occupied by Neanderthals and also sporadically by carnivo...
Scientific Reports, 2017
Kaldar Cave is a key archaeological site that provides evidence of the Middle to Upper Palaeolith... more Kaldar Cave is a key archaeological site that provides evidence of the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition in Iran. Excavations at the site in 2014–2015 led to the discovery of cultural remains generally associated with anatomically modern humans (AMHs) and evidence of a probable Neanderthal-made industry in the basal layers. Attempts have been made to establish a chronology for the site. These include four thermoluminescence (TL) dates for Layer 4, ranging from 23,100 ± 3300 to 29,400 ± 2300 BP, and three AMS radiocarbon dates from charcoal samples belonging to the lower part of the same layer, yielding ages of 38,650–36,750 cal BP, 44,200–42,350 cal BP, and 54,400–46,050 cal BP (all at the 95.4% confidence level). Kaldar Cave is the first well-stratified Late Palaeolithic locality to be excavated in the Zagros which is one of the earliest sites with cultural materials attributed to early AMHs in western Asia. It also offers an opportunity to study the technological differences...
Journal of Archaeological Science, 2015
Abstract Although in prehistoric archaeology the evidence provided by molluscs has often been stu... more Abstract Although in prehistoric archaeology the evidence provided by molluscs has often been studied, few works have focused on the functional analysis of shells as tools. A number of prehistoric sites around the world are producing evidence from retouched shells that indicates that they were used for certain operations. In recent years, several experimental studies have been conducted for the purpose of gaining insight into the processes involved in shell tool production and use. This paper focuses on the procedures and the preliminary results of a program of use-wear experiments based on SEM analysis, and corroborates that non-retouched shells can also yield interesting results and can be used as a reference against which archaeological materials can be compared.
Since the work of Brochier, Villa & Giacomarra (Journal of Anthropological Archaeology 1992) the ... more Since the work of Brochier, Villa & Giacomarra (Journal of Anthropological Archaeology 1992) the use of caves and rock shelters, for pastoral purpose, in this area of Sicily since antiquity, has been attested, but the attention of the mentioned study focused mainly on recent and subrecent deposits and the lack of an archaeological record within the sites presented, reduces the impact of it, with respect to our investigation, despite an accurate sedimentological analysis. Today we want to present and discuss the results of an interdisciplinary investigation of a site that, up to date, is the first pastoral settlement of the area covering the entire history of pastoralism development, from Neolithic to modern age (with some gap, of course) in one of the main Mediterranean islands: Sicily. Our research documents the born and the development of pastoralism from different point of view: chronological, technical and cultural. We are documenting the interest for a mountain range, dating back to Neolithic until present. The site shows a stratigraphy that embraces the whole Holocene. The deposit was covered by a subactual level of use, with a modern pastoral pen and goes back to Neolithic, crossing medieval, late roman, middle and early Bronze age levels. Up to date, actually, Vallone Inferno rock shelter and the Neolithic "tricromica" painted pottery found here represent the first stage of a constant and uninterrupted mountain exploitation (mainly for pastoral purpose, we suggest) opening this extreme range to human peopling from all over the region, until modern age. Even if the rock shelter is sited in a mountainous context, the place is opened directly on one of the main fluvial valley of the Island-the Himera river valley, connecting, with the Soutern Himera river, the Northern coast of Sicily to the inner and Southern part of the region. This geographical feature and the altitude reached by these mountains, the only real mountains (except Mt. Etna) of the Island, are the more probable explications for the presence in the site of cultural element coming from all over Sicily, especially during recent prehistory (final Copper age-early Bronze age), when the pastoral activity probably involved both horizontal (North-South and East-West) and vertical (from valley to the top of the mountains) shifts of livestock. Our speech aims to show a detailed report of an interdisciplinary analysis, mainly of levels of Bronze age, as knew by the ongoing excavation, with particular attention to the dynamics of formation of the archaeological deposit and to the technical choices linked to the pastoral activity we can interpret by data of anthropic and natural derivation, originating by different chrono-cultural stages we are able to distinguish. Vallone Inferno rockshelter is a rare place where herding activity and its socio-cultural features can be seen in their evolution from the first stage of Holocene until contemporary days, that's a unique chance! Our attention will be focused on seasonality of the site (suggested from analysis of carpological remains), cultural provenance of herding groups (with some implication for regional culture and economy development), technical choices resulting by intra-site spatial analysis at a diachronic level of investigation, especially of pens and areas or levels of burnt manure.
Anthropologie, 2001
Morphotechnical Structure of the lithic industry of Atapuerca&amp... more Morphotechnical Structure of the lithic industry of Atapuerca's Lower and Middle Pleistocene Sites (Burgos, Spain). The three technical Modes for the production of lithic artefacts, during the Lower and Middle Pleistocene, have been recognized in the Atapuerca sites (Burgos, Spain). In the lower levels of Gran Dolina (TD4, TD5 and TD6), with an age of > 780 ka, we have
COMMUNICATION on CONTEMPORARY ANTHROPOLOGY, 2010
Quaternary Science Reviews, 2011
as the dominant component of the tree storey was induced by the climatic cycles, and steppes spre... more as the dominant component of the tree storey was induced by the climatic cycles, and steppes spread across the landscape during the drier periods. In any case, it is not possible to establish clear cutoff points separating entirely different environmental episodes. Our results show no evidence of any relationship between environmental change and cultural change at the Sierra de Atapuerca.
Quaternary International, 2013
Abstract The Sierra de Atapuerca sites offer a chronological sequence that allows the evolution o... more Abstract 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 ...
Quaternary International, 2020
Abstract Dental microwear has been used for the reconstruction of diet for decades, and given its... more Abstract Dental microwear has been used for the reconstruction of diet for decades, and given its long history, substantial changes in the methodologies and technologies used to observe and quantify microwear have occurred. For instance, early work on microwear used optical microscopy (OM), before being largely replaced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). More recently, SEM-based studies have been overshadowed by confocal microscopy and dental microwear texture analysis. However, SEM is still the preferred method of data acquisition for buccal microwear analysis and significant improvements in OM have also occurred in recent years – particularly with the development of continuous focus systems for OM. Given the low-cost and simple upkeep of OM compared to SEM, this study seeks to explore the utility of OM for buccal microwear data acquisition compared to the methods established using SEM. A sample of 18 human teeth (originals and casts) were analyzed using both OM and SEM. Results show that more striations are observed using OM than when analyzing the same surface with SEM. However, the central counting trend is similar with both techniques. We can therefore conclude that OM is a consistent and user-friendly method that provides good image resolution together with a series of economic and technical advantages.
Journal of Human Evolution
Short-Term Occupations in Paleolithic Archaeology, 2021
Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology, 2020
This paper presents a unified methodology to describe critical features in lithic assemblages, in... more This paper presents a unified methodology to describe critical features in lithic assemblages, in order to better interpret the Middle Pleistocene hominin occupation of Western Europe, in the context of the Western European Acheulean Project (WEAP). This project aims to characterise the Acheulean technology of Western side of Europe by the analysis of 10 key assemblages in this area, to generate an in depth regional comparison in particular on the Large Cutting Tools (LCTs). Nevertheless, to go beyond the local perspective and gain a regional point of view requires a deep understanding of the underlying technology to identify the differences or similarities in processes and traditions of manufacture. The different criteria to analyse and to categorise the results make it difficult to compare data from different research traditions (British, French and Spanish). But after decades of intense work on technological analysis and although many technological approaches have been developed, there are still differences in methods between the different countries. It was necessary to develop a unified, yet flexible, protocol to characterize the LCTs that could be adapted to the technological characteristics of each area or site. It also had to be a system that could describe tools technology and morphology, combined with a proper statistical treatment, to sum up all the data and compare the results. And due to the recent development of innovative technologies, it is timely to move the research forward to make more detailed comparisons between sites. In this paper, we test the WEAP Method with three very different European sites, Galería and Gran Dolina-subunit TD10.1 (both in Atapuerca, Spain) and Boxgrove (Sussex, UK).
Journal of Lithic Studies, 2014
While many experimental studies have been done on siliceous and metamorphic rocks for both use-we... more While many experimental studies have been done on siliceous and metamorphic rocks for both use-wear and post depositional surface modification (PDSM) events, little is known about such experiments on volcanic materials (other than obsidian), and on basalt in particular. Here we present the preliminary results of several experiments related to: a) evidence for basalt use (e.g., butchery and fresh hide scraping) and the subsequent characteristic use-wear patterns that can be seen; and b) postdepositional surface modifications caused by bear (Ursidae) trampling on experimental basalt flakes and subsequent use of these flakes for a tumbling experiment in a special tumbling machine. The results of these experiments were compared to better understand some surface modifications noted on the Middle to Upper Pleistocene lithic assemblages of the Azokh Cave site (Nagorno Karabagh, Lesser Caucasus). Although some aspects of both events (use-wear and PDSM) remain to be studied in depth, the experiments have improved our understanding of the effects of use-wear and post-depositional trampling and tumbling on basalt lithic artefacts. In particular, it has allowed us to recognise mechanical alterations (e.g., cracks, striations, fractures, edge damage) caused by trampling and tumbling and to note differences between these modifications and those caused by use. In particular, the experiments have shown that macroscopic modifications are rarely diagnostic, especially those observed after use. Microscopic wear features such as edge rounding, polish, abrasion and striations were the most evident types of alteration on basalt flakes, although occurring at different times and from different types of use. Distribution and orientation of alterations may be key in distinguishing use-wear from post-depositional alterations on basalt artefacts.
Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences
The preparation of samples for traceological analysis is a key methodological aspect in the corre... more The preparation of samples for traceological analysis is a key methodological aspect in the correct interpretation of use-wear; however, it is often poorly reflected in the archaeological literature. The treatment of osseous tissues is particularly overlooked, and receives even less attention than lithic raw materials. The presence of residues and contaminants on the surface of artefacts can conceal or even be mistaken for use-wear features, thereby affecting their interpretation. Therefore, the objective of this work is to contribute to the systematization of cleaning protocols and the preparation of experimental bone tools for traceological analysis. Through a sequential experiment, we tested the effects of different cleaning agents on experimental samples. Microscopic observation of the samples was complemented with microhardness testing. Our results made it possible to evaluate the cleaning effectiveness of the tested products, to determine how each product affects the bone surf...
Spanish Journal of Palaeontology, 2022
El yacimiento de Galería es uno los rellenos cársticos pleistocenos situados en la Trinchera del ... more El yacimiento de Galería es uno los rellenos cársticos pleistocenos situados en la Trinchera del Ferrocarril de la Sierra de Atapuerca. El relleno sedimentario se divide en seis unidades estratigráficas (GI a GVI). La base de la sucesión estratigráfica corresponde al Pleistoceno Inferior y es estéril. Las unidades fosilíferas con evidencias de ocupación humana (GIT y GITT) son de la segunda mitad del Pleistoceno Medio. Las especies de mamíferos permanecen evolutivamente estables; solo se observan cambios menores en los roedores Iberomys breccensis, Microtus aff. arvalis y Arvicola sp. No obstante, se detectan variaciones en las frecuencias de micro- y macrovertebrados y en las comunidades de aves. La subunidad Glla se interpreta como formada durante una fase cálida.
Approaching the life history of artefacts is fundamental for understanding both the formation pro... more Approaching the life history of artefacts is fundamental for understanding both the formation processes of archaeological assemblages and their technological variability. In this paper, we explore the variability of technological behaviours exhibited by the hominins from subunit TD6.2 at the Gran Dolina site (Atapuerca, Burgos), by combining both technological and reduction intensity analyses of the cores recovered. We used the Volumetric Reconstruction Method (VRM) to estimate the original volume of the blanks and quantify the reduction intensity of each core individually, after which we characterised the reduction distribution patterns using Weibull probability distribution functions. Our results suggest differential raw material management in terms of reduction intensity, according to the characteristics of each lithology. This could reflect a solid understanding of raw material qualities and a certain degree of planning. From a technological perspective, our results suggest cont...
Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2021
In this manuscript, we present the first systematic refitting results of the small-scale Middle P... more In this manuscript, we present the first systematic refitting results of the small-scale Middle Pleistocene (MIS11) rock shelter site of La Cansaladeta. The lithic materials that have been recovered from the archaeological levels E and J were the main study materials. These levels were investigated regarding spatial pattern analysis and analyzed with auxiliary methods such as quantitative density mapping demonstration and technological analysis of the lithic clusters. Thus, the spatial patterns of the two levels were compared and discussed, in terms of connections, clusters, and movement of the lithic elements. Undoubtedly, the well preservation of the archaeological levels offered a great opportunity for the interpretation of the spatial patterns in a high-resolution perspective. La Cansaladeta has not been paid attention adequately so far may be due to the small dimension of the excavation surface or to the scarcity of faunal record. Our results show that small-scale sites without...
Journal of Lithic Studies, 2020
Nowadays, the fruitful discussion regarding the morphological variability of handaxes during the ... more Nowadays, the fruitful discussion regarding the morphological variability of handaxes during the Middle Pleistocene has reached a decisive moment with the use of more accurate statistical methods, such as geometric morphometrics (GM) and multivariate analyses (MA). This paper presents a preliminary methodological approach for checking the utility of these new approaches on the analysis of the tools’ shape. It goes beyond the simple description of morphology and isolates the variables which define the final morphology of a tool. We compared two Middle Pleistocene sites, Boxgrove and Swanscombe, which are morphologically very different. Then, we applied the GM analysis on 1) 2D images, with two semi-landmark distributions: 28 semi-landmarks, specially concentrated on the tip and butt, and 60 equally spaced points; and 2) on 3D models using new software (AGMT3-D Software) including 5000 semi-landmarks. The more points used to define the tool’s outline, the more accurate will be the int...
Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory, 2018
The morphological variability of Large Cutting Tools (LCT) during the Middle Pleistocene has been... more The morphological variability of Large Cutting Tools (LCT) during the Middle Pleistocene has been traditionally associated with two main variables: raw material constraints and reduction intensity. Boxgrovec.500kais one of the most informative sites at which to analyze shaping strategies and handaxe morphological variability in the European Middle Pleistocene, because of the large number of finished handaxes, and the presence of complete operational chains. We focused on the entire handaxe and rough-out sample from Boxgrove-Q1/B with the aim of assessing the role of raw material characteristicssize, form, and homogeneity of nodulesin the shaping process, and to ascertain if they represent real constraints in the production of handaxes. Additionally, given the large number of handaxes and the intensity of the thinning work at Boxgrove, we also aimed to determine if reduction intensity affected the final shape to the degree that some authors have previously postulated. The methodology combines traditional technological descriptions, metrical analysis, and experimental reproduction of shaping processes together with geometric morphometry and PCA. The conclusions we draw are that the Q1/B handaxe knapping strategies were flexible and adapted to the characteristics of the blanks. These characteristics affected the reduction strategy but there is no clear relationship between initial nodule or blank morphology and final handaxe shape. Throughout the experiments, we explored the capacity to solve problems arising from reduction accidents, which led to re-configuring the knapping strategy to achieve the predetermined "mental template". Furthermore, no substantial morphological differences related to reduction intensity were noticed with the Q1/B handaxes. Systematic re-sharpening as the cause of shape variation seems highly unlikely, perhaps related to the short use-life of the Boxgrove-Q1/B handaxes. Preferred forms constitute part of a broader pattern emerging for specific handaxe types at different times during the British Acheulean. The patterns have tentatively been interpreted as the result of changing environments and the movement of hominin populations.
Quaternary Research, 2017
Here we present a new site in the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain): Galería de las Estatuas (G... more Here we present a new site in the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain): Galería de las Estatuas (GE), which provides new information about Mousterian occupations in the Iberian Plateau. The GE was an ancient entrance to the cave system, which is currently closed and sealed by a stalagmitic crust, below which a detritic sedimentary sequence of more than 2 m is found. This has been divided into five litostratigraphic units with a rich assemblage of faunal and lithic remains of clear Mousterian affinity. Radiocarbon dates provide minimum ages and suggest occupations older than 4514C ka BP. The palynological analysis detected a landscape change to increased tree coverage, which suggests that the sequence recorded a warming episode. The macromammal assemblage is composed of both ungulates (mainly red deer and equids) and carnivores. Taphonomic analysis reveals both anthropic, and to a lesser extent, carnivore activities. The GE was occupied by Neanderthals and also sporadically by carnivo...
Scientific Reports, 2017
Kaldar Cave is a key archaeological site that provides evidence of the Middle to Upper Palaeolith... more Kaldar Cave is a key archaeological site that provides evidence of the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition in Iran. Excavations at the site in 2014–2015 led to the discovery of cultural remains generally associated with anatomically modern humans (AMHs) and evidence of a probable Neanderthal-made industry in the basal layers. Attempts have been made to establish a chronology for the site. These include four thermoluminescence (TL) dates for Layer 4, ranging from 23,100 ± 3300 to 29,400 ± 2300 BP, and three AMS radiocarbon dates from charcoal samples belonging to the lower part of the same layer, yielding ages of 38,650–36,750 cal BP, 44,200–42,350 cal BP, and 54,400–46,050 cal BP (all at the 95.4% confidence level). Kaldar Cave is the first well-stratified Late Palaeolithic locality to be excavated in the Zagros which is one of the earliest sites with cultural materials attributed to early AMHs in western Asia. It also offers an opportunity to study the technological differences...
Journal of Archaeological Science, 2015
Abstract Although in prehistoric archaeology the evidence provided by molluscs has often been stu... more Abstract Although in prehistoric archaeology the evidence provided by molluscs has often been studied, few works have focused on the functional analysis of shells as tools. A number of prehistoric sites around the world are producing evidence from retouched shells that indicates that they were used for certain operations. In recent years, several experimental studies have been conducted for the purpose of gaining insight into the processes involved in shell tool production and use. This paper focuses on the procedures and the preliminary results of a program of use-wear experiments based on SEM analysis, and corroborates that non-retouched shells can also yield interesting results and can be used as a reference against which archaeological materials can be compared.
Since the work of Brochier, Villa & Giacomarra (Journal of Anthropological Archaeology 1992) the ... more Since the work of Brochier, Villa & Giacomarra (Journal of Anthropological Archaeology 1992) the use of caves and rock shelters, for pastoral purpose, in this area of Sicily since antiquity, has been attested, but the attention of the mentioned study focused mainly on recent and subrecent deposits and the lack of an archaeological record within the sites presented, reduces the impact of it, with respect to our investigation, despite an accurate sedimentological analysis. Today we want to present and discuss the results of an interdisciplinary investigation of a site that, up to date, is the first pastoral settlement of the area covering the entire history of pastoralism development, from Neolithic to modern age (with some gap, of course) in one of the main Mediterranean islands: Sicily. Our research documents the born and the development of pastoralism from different point of view: chronological, technical and cultural. We are documenting the interest for a mountain range, dating back to Neolithic until present. The site shows a stratigraphy that embraces the whole Holocene. The deposit was covered by a subactual level of use, with a modern pastoral pen and goes back to Neolithic, crossing medieval, late roman, middle and early Bronze age levels. Up to date, actually, Vallone Inferno rock shelter and the Neolithic "tricromica" painted pottery found here represent the first stage of a constant and uninterrupted mountain exploitation (mainly for pastoral purpose, we suggest) opening this extreme range to human peopling from all over the region, until modern age. Even if the rock shelter is sited in a mountainous context, the place is opened directly on one of the main fluvial valley of the Island-the Himera river valley, connecting, with the Soutern Himera river, the Northern coast of Sicily to the inner and Southern part of the region. This geographical feature and the altitude reached by these mountains, the only real mountains (except Mt. Etna) of the Island, are the more probable explications for the presence in the site of cultural element coming from all over Sicily, especially during recent prehistory (final Copper age-early Bronze age), when the pastoral activity probably involved both horizontal (North-South and East-West) and vertical (from valley to the top of the mountains) shifts of livestock. Our speech aims to show a detailed report of an interdisciplinary analysis, mainly of levels of Bronze age, as knew by the ongoing excavation, with particular attention to the dynamics of formation of the archaeological deposit and to the technical choices linked to the pastoral activity we can interpret by data of anthropic and natural derivation, originating by different chrono-cultural stages we are able to distinguish. Vallone Inferno rockshelter is a rare place where herding activity and its socio-cultural features can be seen in their evolution from the first stage of Holocene until contemporary days, that's a unique chance! Our attention will be focused on seasonality of the site (suggested from analysis of carpological remains), cultural provenance of herding groups (with some implication for regional culture and economy development), technical choices resulting by intra-site spatial analysis at a diachronic level of investigation, especially of pens and areas or levels of burnt manure.
Anthropologie, 2001
Morphotechnical Structure of the lithic industry of Atapuerca&amp... more Morphotechnical Structure of the lithic industry of Atapuerca's Lower and Middle Pleistocene Sites (Burgos, Spain). The three technical Modes for the production of lithic artefacts, during the Lower and Middle Pleistocene, have been recognized in the Atapuerca sites (Burgos, Spain). In the lower levels of Gran Dolina (TD4, TD5 and TD6), with an age of > 780 ka, we have
COMMUNICATION on CONTEMPORARY ANTHROPOLOGY, 2010
Quaternary Science Reviews, 2011
as the dominant component of the tree storey was induced by the climatic cycles, and steppes spre... more as the dominant component of the tree storey was induced by the climatic cycles, and steppes spread across the landscape during the drier periods. In any case, it is not possible to establish clear cutoff points separating entirely different environmental episodes. Our results show no evidence of any relationship between environmental change and cultural change at the Sierra de Atapuerca.
Quaternary International, 2013
Abstract The Sierra de Atapuerca sites offer a chronological sequence that allows the evolution o... more Abstract 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 ...