Abstract
In the frame of the Aurignacian to Gravettian «transition», this research aims at highlighting the modalities of this shift in the middle Prut and Dniestr area through the comparison of bladelets production schemes in both cultural entities. Two Late Aurignacian assemblages from Mitoc-Malu Galben (Romania) and relevant materials from Molodova V (Ukraine) were then examined in this perspective. In the case of Mitoc-Malu Galben, qualitative preliminary results underline the consistence and continuity of production from «Aurignacian I» to «III» levels, which aims for twisted naturally blanks produced from convergent shaped knapping surfaces. Less documented, the «Aurignacian III Supйrieur» level seems to follow, despite some potential slight discrepancies. In Molodova V, cultural horizons 10 and 9 apply to a different consistent pattern, as cores are shaped and exploited to produce straighter blanks with parallel sides. Those technological insights reaffirm the independent identity of the local Gravettian in comparison to the Aurignacian. Based only on the large set of radiocarbon dates available for both sites, a simultaneity model arises, in slight contradiction with the technological data. Then, a «classic» succession model should not be left aside. Re-investigation of contextual data, including association of materials to dates, is needed to confirm any population dynamics model.
Highlights
Aurignacian and Gravettian both represent major well-defined Upper Palaeo lithic cultures, associated to several respective specificities justifying their uniformity over time and space
Aurignacian bladelet production schemes are pretty-well illustrated by results from the complete samples examined in Mitoc-Malu Galben (MMG)’s «Aurignacian I» and «III» levels
The Aurignacian presence in MMG was al ready well assured by former studies, but these new detailed results contribute to several issues
Summary
Aurignacian and Gravettian both represent major well-defined Upper Palaeo lithic cultures, associated to several respective specificities justifying their uniformity over time and space. It is consensually accepted that the appearance of the Aurignacian in Europe, before 40000 BP, is connected to the movements of Homo Sapiens (Hublin 2015; Nigst et al 2014); despite some evolution, its material features stood stable enough to consider it a consistent cultural entity for more than 10000 years D’Errico 2003; Kozłowski, Otte 2000). Starting from 30000 BP approximately, the cultural landscape changes with the first oc currences of the Gravettian. New behaviours and material features attest to this change
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
