VARIABILITY IN THE MANUFACTURING
OF TRIANGULAR GEOMETRIC MICROLITHS
DURING THE EARLY MESOLITHIC:
Toward a Simplification of Barb Manufacturing?
A Comparative Techno-functional Analysis of Microlithic Assemblages
from Saint-Lizier at Creysse (24) and La Grande Rivoire at Sassenage (38)
Lorène CHESNAUX
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Abstract
The aim of this short article is to present the heuristic potential of a detailed analysis of microliths. The analysis of the manufacturing methods and of the use-wear traces of microliths from two Early Mesolithic assemblages show a certain variability which can be interpreted as a simplification of operating procedures.
To cite this article
Chesnaux L., 2014 – Variability in the Manufacturing of Triangular Geometric Microliths during the Early Mesolithic: Toward a Simplification of Barb Manufacturing? A Comparative Techno-functional Analysis of Microlithic Assemblages from Saint-Lizier at Creysse (24) and La Grande Rivoire at Sassenage (38), in Henry A., Marquebielle B., Chesnaux L., Michel S. (eds.), Techniques and Territories: New Insights into Mesolithic Cultures, Proceedings of the Round table, November 22-23 2012, Maison de la recherche, Toulouse (France), P@lethnology, 6, 54-64.
VARIABILITY OF LITHIC FLAKING STRATEGIES:
Factors and Meaning
Frédéric SÉARA
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Abstract
Lithic flaking strategies were defined based on the study of large lithic assemblages from well-preserved sites, sometimes with flaking concentrations. In these contexts with good potential for the realization of complex refittings, I was able to obtain very significant results. This analysis method, often ignored in analyses of Mesolithic assemblages, revealed previously unknown features in both the spatial organization and technology of the assemblages studied. These data are integrated into a chrono-cultural framework that constitutes a solid reference base. The determination of raw material types and their origins, a research axis that is well established in the region, contributed greatly to our interpretations. It is thus possible to address the question of the potential relationship between procurement distances and flaking strategies. The variability of the flaking strategies represented by the most significant refitting groups, composed of nearly one hundred pieces, does not appear to be very significant. Four broad, unequally represented, strategies were defined and raise the question of their justification based on criteria of a very different nature.
To cite this article
Séara F., 2014 – Variability of Lithic Flaking Strategies: Factors and Meaning, in Henry A., Marquebielle B., Chesnaux L., Michel S. (eds.), Techniques and Territories: New Insights into Mesolithic Cultures, Proceedings of the Round table, November 22-23 2012, Maison de la recherche, Toulouse (France), P@lethnology, 6, 23-53.
Archéologie et Sciences humaines
