Hominid subsistence strategies in the South-West of France: A new look at the early Upper Palaeolithic faunal material from Roc-de-Combe (Lot, France)

Abstract

Roc-de-Combe is a well-known Palaeolithic site which has yielded deposits spanning the Middle-to-Upper Palaeolithic transition. While the faunal remains were recently studied by Grayson and Delpech, this paper presents a new analysis of the Châtelperronian and Early Aurignacian faunal assemblages based on both published and previously unpublished material in order to clarify the manner in which ungulates were exploited and discuss the status of carnivores and small game at the site. Despite similarities between Châtelperronian and Early Aurignacian assemblages, several differences exist in seasonality and prey selection, butchering practices and small-game exploitation. These results differ from earlier studies that tend to demonstrate no significant differences in species exploitation between Châtelperronian and Early Aurignacian. It appears that hunting choices were closely linked to the physical conditions of the ungulates. At Roc-de-Combe, hunters adapted their butchering practices according to the season often resulting in the intense exploitation of carcasses. Furthermore, the status of some small prey changes between the Châtelperronian and the Early Aurignacian. These changes can be linked to particular objectives such as the exploitation of pelts or the fabrication of personal ornaments. Finally, the results suggest that the two humans groups occupied and exploited the same territory in different ways.