European Middle-to-Upper Palaeolithic Transitionnal Industries: Châtelperronian (original) (raw)

The Châtelperronian industry signifies the final behavioral expressions of Neanderthals in France and northern Spain, characterized by systematic blade production, personal ornaments, and the use of pigments. This transitional industry is re-evaluated as a unique set of Upper Paleolithic behaviors rather than a mere intermediary between the Middle and Upper Paleolithic periods. Evidence from associated Neanderthal remains informs a new understanding of the Châtelperronian as reflective of complex cultural interactions and technological innovations, shedding light on the Neanderthals' adaptive strategies just prior to the arrival of anatomically modern humans.