Learning how to knap flint on the Aurignacian site of Bourg-Charente (Charente, France): cognitive interactions and societal implications

Abstract

Abstract. The Palaeolithic site of Bourg-Charente (Charente, France) is a multi-level site on a calcareous slope on the left bank of the Charente River (France). The Aurignacian level, which is the subject of this article, has been preserved over a surface of 1,000 m2 and includes 12 concentrations of flint artefacts representing as many knapping areas. According to the taphonomic and dynamic analyses (including refitting), seven of them can be considered contemporary and can be the subject of a palethnological analysis. Bones are not preserved, but the functional analysis carried out on the lithic remains makes it possible to identify specific activity areas with, on the one hand, cutting and butchering activities conducted in synchrony with flintknapping and, on the other, scraping activities requiring tools produced in advance. One of the concentrations of flint artefacts corresponds to a knapping learning area. Although distinct from the other activity areas while not far from them, the links between areas testify to interactions between learners and experienced tailors/tutor. The relationships observed between these groups enable us to propose that the main objective of these knapping exercises was the acquisition and control of the gestures required to obtain flakes.