Macrotraces of Middle Pleistocene bifaces from two Mediterranean sites: Structural and functional analysis

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the functional potential of two sets of Acheulean bifaces from south-eastern France. Bifaces from Terra Amata (MIS 11-10, Nice) and bifaces from AU 27 of Lazaret Cave (MIS 6, Nice) are analyzed in order to determine how they were used. The technological and morphological characteristics of bifaces are linked to create groups with equivalent functional potential. This analysis is completed by a low-power use-wear analysis of the artefacts in order to determine how these tools were used through comparisons with experimental data.Functional data were obtained on two bifaces with distal bevels from Terra Amata and on two bifaces with distal bevels and two bifaces with active edge-points from AU 27. Use-wear on the distal bevels was interpreted as the result of handheld percussion activities. For the edge-points of the pieces from AU 27, use-wear was linked to a linear longitudinal tool motion. Technological, morphological and functional data from bifaces from both sites are compared here to assess the evolution of the functional status of this artefact during the Middle Pleistocene. The persistence of bifaces with distal bevels for percussive activities and the presence of bifaces with long cutting edges in AU 27 are highlighted.