Celia Fat Cheung - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Celia Fat Cheung

Quaternary International, 2018

This paper builds on recent research on the abrupt cooling event known as GS1 (Younger Dryas) fro... more This paper builds on recent research on the abrupt cooling event known as GS1 (Younger Dryas) from ca. 12.9 to 11.7 ka cal. BP. These studies have indicated the diversity of local responses to this period between different regions across Europe. Research has indicated both responses and lack of responses of humans to this event in different regions. In accordance with this research, this paper argues that it is necessary to move away from global models of human responses to the analysis of regional scales. We argue that it is necessary to consider the evolutionary dynamics that predated the GS1 cooling event before identifying its potential impact. This paper focuses on this aspect of the problem by considering evidence from three mountainous areas: the Pyrenees, the northern French Alps and Jura, and lastly southern and Apuan Alps. Recently studied sites are considered with specific attention to lithic industries. Our analysis focuses on (1) the identifiable changes in each industry and (2) the relationship with pre-existing cultural and technological dynamics. The analysis has produced two main results. First, there was a tendency towards a decrease in the standardization of blanks, especially in blades, which was common to the different areas. This change, however, predated GS1 and can therefore not be associated with cooling at the start of GS1. Second, the Northern Alps and Jura, in contrast to the two other areas, seems to reveal a break from the lithic technological traditions that occurred around 12.9 ka cal BP or the early stages of GS1. These results enable a discussion of the different mechanisms that can explain differential regional responses to GS1.

In : Langlais, M., Naudinot, N., Peresani, M. (dir.), 2014. Les groupes culturels de la transitio... more In : Langlais, M., Naudinot, N., Peresani, M. (dir.), 2014. Les groupes culturels de la transition Pléistocène-Holocène entre Atlantique et Adriatique, Paris, Société Préhistorique Française (Séances de la Société Préhistorique Française, 3) , p. 83-128

Les Groupes culturels de la transition Pléistocène-Holocène entre Atlantique et Adriatique, 2014

This article synthesises recent zooarchaeological studies and techno-typological analyses of Azil... more This article synthesises recent zooarchaeological studies and techno-typological analyses of Azilian assemblages from southwestern
France. This data, occasionally complemented by information from bone tools and mobiliary art, allows the variability of the
various Azilian industries to be discussed and sheds new light on the diachronic evolution of Lateglacial societies in the region. Situated
chronologically between the Early Azilian and the Laborian, faunal assemblages from the Late Azilian and its regional manifestations on
both sides of the Garonne Plain are investigated in order to better understand questions concerning the exploitation of the environment.

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lying Magdalenian in regards both the lithic industry (bipoints and backed points interpreted as hunting weapons, and small, regular
blades with scalariform retouch) and the faunal spectrum (reindeer replaced by horse). Overlying this Early Azilian occupation, the
less dense Late Azilian occupation is represented by less well-prepared, backed points on blades associated with a faunal assemblage
dominated by rabbit and red deer.
The long stratigraphic sequence of Pont d’Ambon includes several layers attributed to the Magdalenian, Early Azilian, Late Azilian
and Laborian. Differences in knapping techniques suggests that the Late Azilian can be divided into two assemblages representing

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debitage modes differ between the two assemblage types. The Laborian is characterised by several particular artefacts – backed points
with truncated bases on small, very regular blades and tools on fairly regular blades – demonstrating a higher technical investment than
is evident with the Late Azilian assemblage.
More general aspects of the Early, Late Azilian and Laborian lithic industries are also discussed by taking into account others sites of
the northern Aquitaine region such as Rochereil, Roc d’Abeilles, Pégourié, Pagès, Le Morin and Le Cuzoul de Gramat. Compared to
the Early Azilian, Late Azilian assemblages show simpler production modes, although some technical traditions persist (blade production
and châine opératoires). In terms of faunal exploitation, the combination of ungulates such as red deer and smaller game such as

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Margineda (Early Azilian, an Azilian with harpoons, Final Azilian). A major difference with Troubat lies in the preferential use of local

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phases of Rhodes II (level ‘Foyer 5’: Early Azilian, level ‘Foyer 6’ intermediate, ‘Foyer 7’: Late Azilian with harpoons), but remains
consistent at Balma Margineda (level 10 and 9: Early Azilian, level 8: Typical Azilian, level 7: Final Azilian). Although the Azilian is
easily distinguishable from other regional industries, its internal variability remains to be documented and its early and late phases are

Laborian sites in the central Pyrenees are less typical than those from the northern Aquitaine with the best-preserved assemblages being
those from Gouërris, Manirac and Buholoup. Laborian material is present on other regional sites such as Troubat, Mas d’Azil or La
Tourasse; however, no clear occupation layers have been documented. As in the northern Aquitaine, red deer remains the major prey

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larly at Troubat, were rarely captured and consumed. The presence of other game in the faunal spectrum such as the ibex, indicative of
more mountainous terrains, demonstrates the exploitation of a variety of different biotopes.

Conference Presentations by Celia Fat Cheung

ABSTRACTS IN ENGLISH, SPANISH AND FRENCH CULTURES OF THE PLEISTOCENE-HOLOCENE TRANSITION IN WEST... more ABSTRACTS IN ENGLISH, SPANISH AND FRENCH

CULTURES OF THE PLEISTOCENE-HOLOCENE TRANSITION IN WESTERN EUROPE
In the last few years several research projects focusing on the origins and development of cultures of the Pleistocene-Holocene transition (ca. 14000-10500 cal. BP) have been conducted in Western Europe. These projects seek to order, at a regional level, the large cultural mosaic that seems to develop in Europe from GI-1 (Bølling-Allerød Interstadial).
Different terms have been used so far to define these industrial complexes: Azilian, Epimagdalenian, Epipalaeolithic, Laborien, Epigravettian, Ahrensbourgian, Swiderian, Federmesser, etc. Despite this apparent diversity and a clear regionalization, some elements may be telling indicators of an extensive dissemination of ideas. Stone tools, such as, for example, backed and truncated points (Malaurie type), arched backed points (Azilian types) or the appearance of the first geometric or bitruncated tools (trapezes, triangles or lunates) could suggest closer relationships among these cultures than previously thought.
Additionally, about 14000 calBP there is a replacement of animal species of glacial origin by those of temperate climates. From then on, several climatic phases will impact on humans and their economic practices, so we would like to explore how these changes affect both the economy and the industries.
This session aims to offer a meeting point for those researchers working on the development of post-Magdalenian cultures from industrial and/or economic perspectives. Pooling research results and expertise in Western European territories we aim to advance knowledge on our understanding of both the spread and extension of these cultures as well as the regional specificities developed during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition.
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LAS CULTURAS DE LA TRANSICIÓN PLEISTOCENO-HOLOCENO EN EUROPA OCCIDENTAL
En los últimos años se están llevando a cabo en Europa occidental diversos proyectos de investigación sobre los orígenes y el desarrollo de las culturas de la transición pleistoceno-holoceno (ca. 14000-10500 calBP). Se trata de proyectos que pretenden ordenar, a nivel regional, ese gran mosaico cultural que parece desarrollarse en Europa a partir del GI-1 (interestadio Bølling-Allerød).
Diversas nomenclaturas son usadas para definir estos complejos industriales: Aziliense, Epimagdaleniense, Epipaleolítico, Laboriense, Epigravetiense, Ahrensbourguiense, Swideriense, Federmesser, etc. Pese a esta aparente diversidad y una evidente regionalización, existen algunos elementos que podrían mostrar una amplia difusión de ideas. Piezas como las puntas de dorso truncadas (tipo Malaurie), las puntas de dorso arqueado (tipo aziliense) o la aparición de los primeros geométricos/bitruncaduras (trapecios, triángulos y segmentos) sólo por poner unos ejemplos, podrían mostrar unas relaciones más estrechas de las supuestas hasta ahora para las culturas que conforman esta transición.
Por otro lado, la sustitución de las especies de origen glaciar por las de climas templados se produce sobre el 14000 calBP. Sin embargo, existen diferencias entre las diversas fases climáticas, por lo que es interesante comparar la caza con la evolución industrial.
Esta sesión pretende ser un punto de encuentro para aquellos investigadores que están trabajando el desarrollo de las culturas post-magdalenienses desde una perspectiva industrial o económica. La puesta en común de las nuevas investigaciones llevadas a cabo en los diversos territorios que conforman la Europa occidental deberían permitirnos avanzar de manera importante hacia una mejor comprensión, tanto del grado de difusión y extensión de estas culturas como de los rasgos regionales que se desarrollaron en la transición pleistoceno-holoceno.
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LES CULTURES DE LA TRANSITION PLEISTOCENE-HOLOCENE EN EUROPE DE L’OUEST

Ces dernières années, plusieurs projets de recherches ont apporté de nouvelles données sur l’origine et le développement des « cultures » à la transition Pléistocène-Holocène (14-10,5 ky calBP) en Europe de l’Ouest. Ces travaux ont mis en évidence à des échelles régionales une importante mosaïque culturelle qui se développe en Europe à partir du GI-1 (i.e. Bølling-Allerød).
Différents termes sont employés pour définir ces complexes industriels : Azilien, Épimagdalénien, Épipaléolithique, Laborien, Épigravettien, Ahrensbourgien, Swidérien, Federmesser…etc. Malgré cette apparente diversité et des évidences de régionalisation culturelle, certains éléments et comportements signent des liens culturels transrégionaux et des interactions via une circulation d’idées. Certains outils ou armatures comme des types de pointes à dos particuliers (cf. pointes à dos tronquées type Malaurie), pointes à dos courbes ou le développement des premiers géométriques (triangles, trapèzes notamment) suggèrent des relations sur de grandes distances au sein d’une grande communauté d’idées.
Vers 14 ky calBP, on assiste au remplacement des espèces glaciaires par des biocénoses tempérées. En quoi les différents changements paléoenvironnementaux en Europe ont-ils participé aux changements culturels, notamment techniques, de la fin du Tardiglaciaire et à quels rythmes. Avec quelle inertie ou résilience selon les régions ?
Cette session a pour objectif de réunir les spécialistes de ces questions et de cette chronologie post-magdalénienne selon des perspectives techniques et économiques afin de mieux percevoir les différences régionales et l’unité européenne des traditions en Europe occidentale durant la transition Pléistocène-Holocène.

Notes by Celia Fat Cheung