Résultats de l'analyse tomographique informatisée de la plus ancienne flûte découverte à Divje babé I (Slovénie) et sa position chronologique dans le contexte des changements paléoclimatiques et paléoenvironnementaux au cours du dernier glaciaire

Abstract

New chronological and sedimentary morphogenetic analyses were combined to determine sedimentation rates, relative humidity, and palaeotemperatures for the Last Glacial (Würmian) deposits at Divje babé I, actually Slovenia's most investigated Palaeolithic site. Local palaeotemperature and palaeopricipitations estimates were verified by comparing with palaeontological and palaeobotanical determinations and then compared to global δ 18O and palynological records. Eleven archaeologically significant layers were dated by 42 independent standard ESR (electron spin resonance) analyses from 26 cave bear teeth. Numerous sedimentary characteristics indicate that Divje babé experienced strong climatic fluctuations during the Late Pleistocene. From Layers 2 to 23, the ESR dates, sedimentological and biostratigraphical data suggest that stratigraphic sequence belongs mostly to OIS 5 and 3, and partially to OIS 4. A confident chronostratigraphical marker is correlated with OIS 5/4 boundary. The suspected flute, which dates to Moershoofd-Glinde or Orel Interstadial, and is definitely older than 46 ka, was analysed with the aid of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) and reinterpreted in the light of two hypotheses, one of which envisages an artificial origin of the holes and the other a natural one. It was found that there were four holes on the diaphysis; that at least two were made prior to the damage to the proximal and distal ends of the diaphysis; and that carnivores could not have made all the holes, but one at the most. The holes are very probably artificial, made by the combined use of stone and simple bone tools found at the Divje babé I site. The majority, and probably all the damage made by carnivores on the suspected flute, are of secondary origin. Conclusions about the origin of the holes cannot therefore be reached only on the basis of the damage, and the hypothesis of an artificial origin cannot be rejected.