Cores-on-flakes and ramification during the middle palaeolithic in Southern France: A gradual process from the early to late middle palaeolithic?

Abstract

Cores-on-flakes are a common feature of Middle Palaeolithic techno-complexes. This study focuses on demonstrating the development of this phenomenon until its culmination during the Late Middle Palaeolithic period in south-western France.During the Early Middle Palaeolithic (MIS 9-6), the use of flakes as matrices for the production of flake-tools or tool-blanks increased and became widespread. These productions peaked during the Late Middle Palaeolithic, with huge quantities of small flakes in several sites.Several reasons account for the use of flakes as blanks (to obtain smaller flake-tools, flake-tools with specific morphologies, or as a raw material supply). The technological approach to these productions allows us to distinguish two core-on-flake (COF) management systems. The first is the already defined concept of ramification (e.g. branching strategy), which was common during the Middle Palaeolithic whereas the second consists of a specific production of flake-blanks for debitage, and only for this purpose, which we call the “integrative strategy”.In Southern France, ramified reduction processes have different statuses within lithic assemblages, although they are systematically represented regardless Lithic Techno-Complex: S.S.D.A., Levallois, Quina or Discoid. The Levallois system is the only one with a wide diversity of visible ramification methods, and where sought-after products are complementary to main production, with the pursuit of small products or tools. The integrative strategy is also linked to the Levallois concept during the Early Middle Palaeolithic.In Discoid and Quina systems, ramification functions are additional (same products as the main productions), and are oriented towards decreased product dimensions (microlithisation). Combined-matrices (both for production and functional purposes) are also present in these systems. These pieces are used for the production of small flakes in addition to the manufacture of a tool.The degree of development of ramified chaines opératoires in these sites seems to be related more to cultural (techno-complex) and economic (site status) aspects rather than to the type of site (open-air site or cave, short or long duration of occupation), and raw material economy (rich or poor in good quality rocks, good or poor quality…).In all cases, the development and culmination of this phenomenon seem to be linked to the pursuit of small products/tools.