Abstract
Lithic reduction sequences are a fundamental topic in palaeolithic research, since they provide data on the behavioural capabilities of early hominids. This paper studies the variability of lithic reduction strategies in the Abric Romani (Capellades, Barcelona). This site has an extensive stratigraphic sequence, dated between 40 and 70 ka BP. In this sequence, mostly formed by travertine deposits, 27 archaeological levels have been identified, most of them corresponding to the Middle Palaeolithic. The Middle Palaeolithic levels so far excavated (B-L) are dated between 40 and 52 ka BP, and suggest a reconstruction of the behavioural patterns of the Neanderthal groups preceding the early Upper Palaeolithic. The variability of the reduction sequences in a synchronous level and the changes over time are presented in the framework of the operative field concept. The results suggest that the technological changes in the Middle Palaeolithic can be explained by technical criteria that are reflected in different domains of analysis; these criteria are related to the degree of technical knowledge invested in lithic production and the range of technical options envisaged in each archaeological level.
Highlights
Lithic reduction sequences are a fundamental topic in palaeolithic research, since they provide data on the behavioural capabilities of early hominids
This paper studies the variability of lithic reduction strategies in the Abric Romaní (Capellades, Barcelona)
The results suggest that the technological changes in the Middle Palaeolithic can be explained by technical criteria that are reflected in different domains of analysis; these criteria are related to the degree of technical knowledge invested in lithic production and the range of technical options envisaged in each archaeological level
Summary
La relevancia de las secuencias de talla lítica en la investigación prehistórica se ha incrementado extraordinariamente a lo largo de los últimos años, especialmente en la arqueología del Paleolítico. La simple clasificación de los objetos en función del método de talla al que corresponden oculta la articulación entre los distintos métodos existentes en un conjunto lítico, derivada de los criterios técnicos que comparten y de la continuidad entre sus respectivos espacios de variabilidad formal. Esta interpretación es complementaria a la perspectiva representada por el concepto de cadena operativa y no se ha de entender como un intento de formular una alternativa al mismo, entre otras cosas porque surge de las herramientas teóricas y de la práctica analítica desarrollada en el marco de dicho concepto
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