Abstract
Layer 6 of Orgnac 3 corresponds to a cave occupation, dated to the end of MIS 9. It yielded numerous lithic and paleontological remains, and witnesses of diverse hominin activities. This paper aims to consider percussive activities from both lithic material and fauna, according to a technological and traceologicalological analysis. Knapping activities are dominant, based on the presence of hammerstones and retouchers (from bone and lithic materials). Recycling phenomena were also highlighted, with cores used as hammerstones. A flake-bulb presents also typical wear marks due to its use as retoucher (“éclat à bulbe piqueté”). These phenomena are usual during the Middle Palaeolithic and are here presented from the first stages of these lithic techno-complexes. Among the shaped pieces, a chopper bears macro-wear marks typical of use in launched percussion on a non-mineral hard material (bone?). Herbivorous remains present anthropic fractures for marrow extraction, diaphysis fragments being further punctually used as retouchers. Percussive activities have an important role in prehistoric lifeways (knapping activities, acquisition and transformation of raw materials linked to subsistence). The diversity of the percussive tool-kit testifies to a technological specialisation, while recycling shows the hominins adaptive skills to their environment.
Highlights
Ces dernières années, les matériaux de percussion au sens large bénéficient d’un regain d’intérêt de la part des chercheurs
This paper aims to consider percussive activities from both lithic material and fauna, according to a technological and traceologicalological analysis
Recycling phenomena were highlighted, with cores used as hammerstones
Summary
Les matériaux de percussion au sens large bénéficient d’un regain d’intérêt de la part des chercheurs. Dans le contexte du Paléolithique inférieur et moyen européen, plusieurs études archéologiques et expérimentales ont été réalisées sur les percuteurs de différents sites espagnols et français, en lien avec les systèmes de débitage en présence (Roussel et al 2009 ; Cuartero 2014 ; Navarro et al 2016). Au cours du Paléolithique inférieur et moyen, des traces sont documentées dans de nombreux sites (Moncel 1995 ; Mitchell 1998 ; WenbanSmith & Bridgland 2001 ; Boëda et al 2004 ; Leroyer 2016). Si la majorité des outils de percussion identifiés concerne la sphère de la taille de la pierre (percuteurs, retouchoirs), certains bifaces ont vraisemblablement été utilisés comme briquets (Sorensen et al 2018)
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