All posts by Palethnologie

2010 # 2

2010-15–GERBE

The action of weathering on burned bone:

an Experimental Approach

Magali GERBE

Icon pdf   Download

Abstract

The alteration of bones following exposure to weathering is today well known, but it is possible that burned bones do not suffer the same type of changes since their physicochemical properties are modified by combustion. A series of experiments has been carried out with the aim of better understanding these reactions. These experiments form part of a more widespread attempt to better understand the impact of taphonomic agents on burned bones in order to estimate the distortions between bone material originating from experimental combustion and the fossil material.

Five experimental series resulting from the combustion of fresh cow humeri were exposed for eighteen months to weathering in a Mediterranean context. Several criteria were observed in order to highlight the impact of this exposure on the burned bones: degree of fragmentation, loss of bone mass, alteration of bone surface, influence of the degree of combustion (carbonised vs charred) and of the bone tissue (spongy vs compact) on the preservation of the material.

The results of these experiments mainly show a high fragmentation of the material (the small burned bones being in the majority), associated with a reduction in bone mass. In addition, spongy and charred bones have an increased sensitivity to the action of weathering, leading to their destruction. A preferential preservation of charred compact bone is thus expected.

To cite this article

Gerbe M., 2010 – The Action of Weathering on Burned Bone: an Experimental Approach, in Théry-Parisot I., Chabal L., Costamagno S., The taphonomy of Burned Organic Residues and Combustion Features in Archaeological Contexts, Actes de la table ronde, 27-29 mai 2008, CEPAM, P@lethnology, 2, 185-196.
2010 # 2

2010-16–RILLARDON-BRACCO

Reflections on the potential
for preservation of burned bone based on the material
from Saint-Antoine (Vitrolles, Hautes-Alpes)

Maryline RILLARDON, Jean-Pierre BRACCO

Icon pdf   Download

Abstract

The faunal assemblage from the open-air site of Saint-Antoine at Vitrolles (Hautes-Alpes, Epigravettian) has yielded an atypical composition of burned bones (NRT = 23 %), being composed mainly of charred compact bones. While in an experimental context a high proportion of charred bones is typical of the use of skeletal remains as fuel, their representation in archaeological contexts is generally low, particularly in comparison to that of the less intensely burned elements. Contrary to this general principle, the Saint-Antoine deposit shows a strong representation of charred bones in a difficult taphonomic context characterised by an acid sediment and by the intensive action of different taphonomic phenomena (weathering, sediment compaction, dissolution). The high representation of charred bones seems to result from a combination of various factors, including the purpose of the combustion (camp maintenance and/or use as fuel) and their intense fragmentation, together with a higher preservation potential for burned bones (compact and spongy), including charred bones, compared to unburned bone elements when they are buried in acid sediments.

To cite this article

Rillardon L., Bracco J.-P., 2010 – Reflections on the Potential for Preservation of Burned Bone Based on the Material from Saint-Antoine (Vitrolles, Hautes-Alpes), in Théry-Parisot I., Chabal L., Costamagno S., The taphonomy of Burned Organic Residues and Combustion Features in Archaeological Contexts, Proceedings of the round table, May 27-29 2008, CEPAM, P@lethnology, 2, 197-208.
Varia

2010-VARIA–THIÉBAUT-ET-ALII

The recycling and reuse of cores
and bifaces during the Middle Paleolithic
in Western Europe:

Functional and Cultural Interpretations

Céline THIÉBAUT, Émilie CLAUD, Vincent MOURRE, Maria-Gema CHACÓN,
Guillaume ASSELIN, Michel BRENET, Benoît PARAVEL

ico-pdf-02   Download

Abstract

In several Middle Paleolithic assemblages in Western Europe, cores and bifaces with percussion zones that are not related to their usual mode of functioning have been observed. We used experimental cores and bifaces as percussion tools on different materials. The stigmata produced during percussion on stone materials closely resemble those observed on archaeological objects. Though the use of these pieces as hammerstones or retouchers is difficult to firmly demonstrate, this is the most probable hypothesis. The characteristics of the traces observed are similar to those observed on classic hammerstones. While the recycling of bifaces and cores into hammerstones, sometimes followed by their reuse, depending on their original function, is infrequently observed in Middle Paleolithic assemblages, it appears to be a recurrent characteristic that is independent of environmental constraints or economic or technical contexts. This practice thus seems to be associated with cultural choices, perhaps of a universal nature.

To cite this article

Thiébaut C., Claud É., Mourre V., Chacón M.-G., Asselin G., Brenet M., Paravel B., 2010 – The Recycling and Reuse of Cores and Bifaces during the Middle Paleolithic in Western Europe: Functional and Cultural Interpretations, P@lethnology, Varia, 41 p.
2010 # 2

2010-17–MORIN

Taphonomic implications of the use
of bone as fuel

Eugène MORIN

Icon pdf   Download

Abstract

This paper explores the effects of the use of bone as fuel on archaeological skeletal part representation. Faunal data from the Paleolithic site of Saint-Césaire show that this activity may present an archaeological signature similar to that of differential preservation. The bones most frequently burned at Saint-Césaire are also those that are the least dense and that contain the most grease. The analysis of faunal remains from Saint-Césaire also suggests that spongy bone fragments from small-bodied and large-bodied taxa are subject to differential identification.

To cite this article

Morin E., 2010 – Taphonomic Implications of the Use of Bone as Fuel, in Théry-Parisot I., Chabal L., Costamagno S., The taphonomy of Burned Organic Residues and Combustion Features in Archaeological Contexts, Proceedings of the round table, May 27-29 2008, CEPAM, P@lethnology, 2, 209-217.
Varia

2009-VARIA–COSTAMAGNO-ET-ALII

MAN OR CARNIVORES?
STUDY PROTOCOL OF MIXED BONE ASSEMBLAGES:

the Example of Les Pradelles mousterian Site
(Marillac-le-Franc, Charente, France)

Sandrine COSTAMAGNO, Cédric BEAUVAL, Brigitte LANGE-BADRÉ,
Bernard VANDERMEERSCH, Alan MANN, Bruno MAUREILLE

ico-pdf-02   Download

Abstract

In many archaeological assemblages, the presence of traces made by humans and made by carnivores on faunal assemblages raises the question of the respective roles played by these two agents in the accumulation and modification of the bones. This article presents a critical review of the different criteria taken into consideration in distinguishing between hunting and scavenging by men and by carnivores. The Mousterian site of Les Pradelles is analysed on the basis of this synthesis. From this study, it emerges that the anthropic impact on bones decreases from the base to the summit of the stratigraphical sequence, lower levels corresponding to sites of habitat (in a very broad sense) and upper levels corresponding to carnivore dens. In the lower sequence, the capacity of Neandertals to hunt all sizes of ungulates is clearly demonstrated. This study also shows the necessity of diversifying actualistic approaches in order to document the complexity of archaeological deposits. Finally, it indicates that the refitting method recommended by C. W. Marean (Bartram, Marean, 1999; Marean, 1998; Marean, Kim, 1998) for the determination of shaft fragments is not always necessary for the distinction between hunting and scavenging in assemblages of bones extensively ravaged by carnivores, the determination of shaft fragments using morphological criteria being, in most cases, largely sufficient.

To cite this article

Costamagno S., Beauval C., Lange-Badré B., Vandermeersch B., Mann A., Maureille B., 2009 – Man or Carnivores? Study Protocol of Mixed Bone Assemblages:the Example of Les Pradelles mousterian Site (Marillac-le-Franc, Charente, France), P@lethnology, Varia, 361-387.
Varia

2009-VARIA–LE-QUELLEC

“Hunters” and “Herders” in the Central Sahara:

the “archaic Hunters” expelled from the paradigm

Jean-Loïc LE QUELLEC

ico-pdf-02   Download

Abstract

With regard to the chronology of the rock art of the whole Saharan sub-continent, a very common opinion is that, starting from the VIIth millennium BP or even earlier, an older “Culture of the Hunters” had been replaced by groups of “Herders”, and that this change appeared in rock art as a modification of styles, techniques and, above all, of the set of themes associated with the imaginative world of these two populations. A series of recent publications renews this proposal for the Fezzan province, by presenting “archaic Hunters” as existing before 8000 BP, or even as dating from the very Late Pleistocene. After analysing the methodology and the arguments adopted by its authors, this thesis will finally be confronted with, and largely contradicted by, new observations carried out on the two plateaux of the Libyan Messak, i.e. in one of the supposed ‘homes’ of the aforesaid “Hunters Culture”.

To cite this article

Le Quellec J.-L., 2009 – “Hunters” and “Herders” in the Central Sahara: the “Archaic Hunters” Expelled from the Paradigm, P@lethnology, Varia, 388-397.
2009 # 1

2009–REVIEW

Cover 2009

CONTENTS

Jean-Marc PÉTILLON, Marie-Hélène DIAS-MEIRINHO, Pierre CATTELAIN,
Matthieu HONEGGER, Christian NORMAND, Nicolas VALDEYRON

NEW LIGHT ON PALAEOLITHIC, MESOLITHIC
AND NEOLITHIC PROJECTILE WEAPON ELEMENTS

PART 1
FUNCTIONAL PROSPECTS

Christian NORMAND, Magen O’FARRELL, Joseba RIOS GARAIZAR

THE FUNCTION(S) OF ARCHAIC AURIGNACIAN BLADELETS:
Data and Thoughts Based on Examples from Isturitz Cave (Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France)

Valentina BORGIA

ANCIENT GRAVETTIAN IN THE SOUTH OF ITALY:
Functional Analysis of Backed Points from Grotta Plagicci (Foggia) and Grotta della Cala (Salerno)

Jean-Marc PÉTILLON

WHAT ARE THESE BARBS FOR?
Preliminary Study on the Function of the Upper Magdalenian Barbed Weapon Tips

Mara-Julia WEBER

FABRICATION AND USE OF HAMBURGIAN SHOULDERED POINTS:
New Data from Poggenwisch and Teltwisch 1 (Ahrensbourg Valley, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany)

Lorène CHESNAUX

SAUVETERRIAN MICROLITHS:
Evidence of the hunting Weapons of the Last Hunter-gatherers of the Northern Alps

Stefano GRIMALDI

EXPERIMENTAL OBSERVATIONS OF EARLY MESOLITHIC POINTS IN NORTH-EAST ITALY

Matthieu HONEGGER

LUNATE MICROLITHS IN THE HOLOCENE INDUSTRIES OF NUBIA:
Multifunctional Tools, Sickle Blades or Weapon Elements?

Marie-Hélène DIAS-MEIRINHO

ON THE NOTION OF WAR WEAPONRY IN THE NEOLITHIC

PART 2
DIACHRONIC PROSPECTS

Aurélien SIMONET

A GRAVETTIAN KNAPPING WORKSHOP AT TERCIS (LANDES):
a Probable Case of Apprenticeship in the Fabrication of Lithic Weapon Tips

Mathieu LANGLAIS

CHRONOLOGY AND TERRITORIES IN THE MAGDALENIAN
BETWEEN THE RHÔNE AND EBRO RIVERS:
the Exemple of Lithics Points

Nicolas NAUDINOT

LITHIC WEAPON ELEMENTS IN WESTERN FRANCE
(BRITTANY AND PAYS DE LA LOIRE) DURING THE LATE GLACIAL PERIOD:
a Proposed Chrono-cultural Organization and Reduction Sequence

Nicolas VALDEYRON, Bruno BOSC-ZANARDO, Thomas BRIAND

THE EVOLUTION OF STONE WEAPON ELEMENTS AND CULTURAL DYNAMICS
DURING THE MESOLITHIC IN SOUTHWESTERN FRANCE:
the Case of the Haut Quercy (Lot, France)

Anne HAUZEUR, Hartwig LÖHR

ARROWHEAD LATERALIZATION:
Recent Data from the Mosel Region in the Context of the North-West Linear Pottery Culture

Georgia STRATOULI, Odysseas METAXAS

PROJECTILE TIPS FROM NEOLITHIC LAYERS OF DRAKAINA CAVE
ON KEPHALONIA,IONAN ISLAND, W. GREECE:
Technological “Conservatism” and Social Identity

Javier FERNÁNDEZ LÓPEZ DE PABLO, Juan Francisco GIBAJA BAO, Antoni PALOMO

GEOMETRIC WEAPON ELEMENTS DURING THE NEOLITHIC IN THE EASTERN IBERIAN PENINSULA:
Typological, Technological and Functional Aspects

Bruno BOSC-ZANARDO, François BON, François-Xavier FAUVELLE-AYMAR

BUSHMEN ARROWS AND THEIR RECENT HISTORY:
Crossed Outlooks of Historical, Ethnological and Archaeological Sources

2009 # 1

2009-01–PÉTILLON-ET-ALII

NEW LIGHT ON PALAEOLITHIC, MESOLITHIC
AND NEOLITHIC PROJECTILE WEAPON ELEMENTS

Jean-Marc PÉTILLON, Marie-Hélène DIAS-MEIRINHO, Pierre CATTELAIN, Matthieu HONEGGER, Christian NORMAND, Nicolas VALDEYRON

Icon pdf   Download

Stone or bone, transverse heads or points, barbs, foreshafts, harpoon heads… Projectile weapon elements are found in many forms in prehistoric sites, at least from the beginning of the Upper Palaeolithic. These artefacts first attract archaeologists with their great numbers, often dominating proportions in tool assemblages, but they are also interesting due to their clearly dynamic role in prehistoric material culture: the morphology and/or technical characteristics of many of them vary significantly through time and space, thus constituting a useful tool for archaeologists in the construction of chronologies and the definition of cultures. Researchers often integrate these variations with other types of transformations—such as ecological or economic ones—to build interpretative models of the evolution of societies.

To cite this article

Pétillon J.-M., Dias-Meirinho M.-H., Cattelain P., Honegger M., Normand C., Valdeyron N., 2009 – New Light on Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic Projectile Weapon Elements, in Pétillon J.-M., Dias-Meirinho M.-H., Cattelain P., Honegger M., Normand C., Valdeyron N., Projectile Weapon Elements from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, Proceedings of session C83, XVth UISPP World Congress, Lisbon, September 4-9, 2006, P@lethnology, 1, 1-5.
2009 # 1

2009-02–NORMAND-ET-ALII

THE FUNCTION(S) OF ARCHAIC AURIGNACIAN BLADELETS:

Data and Thoughts Based on Examples
from Isturitz Cave (Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France)

Christian NORMAND, Magen O’FARRELL, Joseba RIOS GARAIZAR

Icon pdf   Download

Abstract

Very early on, prehistoric groups in the western Pyrenees benefitted from the favorable geographic situation and vast dimensions of Isturitz Cave. The excavations conducted there in the beginning of the 20th century revealed evidence of frequent occupations during the Middle, and especially Upper Paleolithic. Starting in 1999, new research in the Saint-Martin gallery has focused on its Aurignacian stratigraphic sequence. The base of this sequence is composed of rich Archaic Aurignacian assemblages with a lithic industry largely dominated by bladelets. In this paper, we present the first results of usewear analyses of these bladelets, which reveal diverse functions. However, we also insist on the need to validate our hypotheses through experimentation.

To cite this article

Normand C., O’Farrel M., Rios Garaizar J., 2009 – The Function(s) of Archaic Aurignacian Bladelets:Data and Thoughts based on Examples from Isturitz Cave (Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France), in Pétillon J.-M., Dias-Meirinho M.-H., Cattelain P., Honegger M., Normand C., Valdeyron N., Projectile Weapon Elements from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, Proceedings of session C83, XVth UISPP World Congress, Lisbon, September 4-9, 2006, P@lethnology, 1, 6-44.
2009 # 1

2009-03–BORGIA

Ancient Gravettian in the South of Italy:

Functional Analysis of Backed Points
from Grotta Plagicci (Foggia) and Grotta della Cala (Salerno)

Valentina BORGIA

Icon pdf   Download

Abstract

This study is concentrated on the modalities of use of the Gravettian backed tools, considering the Adriatic side and that Tyrrhenian of southern Italy. A first part of the work has regarded the functional analysis of the backed instruments found in the Ancient Gravettian layers of Grotta Paglicci (Foggia).The methodological proposal derived from this study, based on the association of the techno-typometric and typological analysis with the use-wear analysis, has been extended for a comparison to the backed tools from a Gravettian site, almost coeval, on the opposite side of our peninsula: Grotta della Cala (Salerno).

To cite this article

Borgia V., 2009 – Ancient Gravettian in the South of Italy: Functional Analysis of Backed Points from Grotta Plagicci (Foggia) and Grotta della Cala (Salerno), in Pétillon J.-M., Dias-Meirinho M.-H., Cattelain P., Honegger M., Normand C., Valdeyron N., Projectile Weapon Elements from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, Proceedings of session C83, XVth UISPP World Congress, Lisbon, September 4-9, 2006, P@lethnology, 1, 45-65.