Lithic production in the centre and south of the Iberian Mediterranean region (Spain) throughout the Pleistocene–Holocene transition (14.5–10.5 ky cal BP)

Abstract

For the first time we compare lithic production systems from the three archaeological phases identified in the Iberian Mediterranean region between 14.5 and 10.5 ky cal BP: final Magdalenian, microlaminar Epipalaeolithic and sauveterroid Epipalaeolithic. These phases coincided with rapid palaeoenvironmental changes, whose effects on a peripheral region of southern Europe require a regional analysis. The basic blanks used in all three phases were blades and bladelets and there is considerable typological homogeneity.The results obtained in the study of the three phases identified at Coves de Santa Maira provide new grounds for discussion about lithic production systems during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition. Through this study it has been possible to establish the local and regional origin of the raw materials. At the same time, it has been observed that the standardisation typical of the classic Magdalenian decreased and there was an increase in more flexible and opportunistic chaînes opératoires, in addition to the absence of some stone points that are characteristic of more northern facies and cultures. The results have made it possible to contextualise the known data for the central–southern region of the Iberian Peninsula, allowing us to draw up a regional model of lithic production systems and assess the continuity or break between the three phases, as well as providing new possibilities to investigate the relationship with other facies and regional groups.