Variability and standardization: The early Gravettian lithic complex of Grotta Paglicci, Southern Italy

Abstract

Lithic assemblages contribute to gather insights into past human populations, their technical know-how and behaviour. The present research focuses on the period of the first Gravettian, dated between 29,000 and 27,000 BP, by analysing the technological aspects of the lithic industry recovered from layer 23 of Grotta Paglicci at Rignano Garganico (Apulia, Southern Italy). Stone tool production is characterized by the twofold concept of variability and standardization: blade débitage, one the one hand, is finalized at the manufacture of a differentiated set of tools for domestic activities, whose variability is determined by size, shape and edges, and sometimes by retouch and functional fractures, whilst bladelet production, on the other hand, aims at obtaining standardized backed tools referable to armatures hafted onto throwing weapons. Standardization of the backed points is determined both by débitage and by intensive modification. Different modalities for bladelet production are documented, among which prevails the exploitation of burin cores on thick blades. The flintknappers’ technical choices show several similarities to contemporaneous industries of Central and Western Europe. The evident change in armature manufacture which took place after 30,000 BP, represented throughout Europe by the diffusion of straight and pointed backed armatures, was most likely related to the development of new hunting technologies.