Human–Mammoth dynamics in the mid-Upper Palaeolithic of the middle Danube region

Abstract

The interaction between mammoths and humans has long been a subject of discussion in Central Europe, especially for the mid-Upper Palaeolithic (30–20 ka BP). The goal of this research is to gain a better understanding of the human–mammoth relationship in the middle Danube region. Mammoth molar assemblages from four sites – Krems-Hundssteig, Grub-Kranawetberg, Langmannersdorf, and Předmostí – were studied and the results compared to those of other sites in the region using age-at-death profiles. Age-at-death profiles prove to be useful, especially for regional comparisons, provided the underlying methods are applied in identical fashion. This study shows that although some patterns are evident, there is substantial variation between mammoth molar assemblages in the middle Danube region during the mid-Upper Palaeolithic. Variability on a regional scale is best explained by the coexistence of several well-established strategies of interaction with mammoths or their remains ranging from subsistence to tool/personal adornment production. Procurement strategy was likewise diverse and included bone collecting as well as scavenging. Although tentative, the results indicate that humans were likely to have hunted mammoths occasionally.