Intra-level technological change and its implications for Mousterian assemblage variability. The example of Le Moustier, layer G

Abstract

Revealing the multiple factors underlying variability observed in Middle Palaeolithic lithic assemblages of southwestern France continues to be of great interest, dividing scholars both in terms of their interpretation and the approaches applied. Building sound interpretive models, whether in terms of chronology or techno-economy, is, however, often hindered by the nature of recovery strategies employed during many early excavations in this important region. The site of Le Moustier (Lower Shelter) has played a fundamental role in the definition of the well-known and controversial Mousterian 'facies' as well as the perception of their chronological patterning. Based on a technological and taphonomic analysis of material recovered from a small test-pit it has recently been shown that the original lithic collections recovered from Le Moustier by Peyrony before the First World War are unrepresentative, and that clear technological variations exist that were otherwise undetectable. In this brief contribution, we present additional data concerning newly discovered material from layer G, assigned by Bordes to his MTA type A variant. This material further supports the previously documented separation of a lower Levallois-dominated assemblage from the overlying one with a heavy emphasis on bifacial shaping (faconnage). Finally, these results are discussed in terms of broader definitional issues of Middle Palaeolithic techno-complexes, focussing specific attention on assemblages with bifacial tools.