THE END OF THE MESOLITHIC ON THE SWISS PLATEAU
AND THE NORTHERN JURASSIAN MASSIF
Laure BASSIN
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Abstract
The end of the Mesolithic and the transition toward the Neolithic in Switzerland is currently being studied through the technical systems of lithic tool manufacturing at two important sites: Arconciel/La Souche (Fribourg, Switzerland) and Lutter / Abri Saint-Joseph (Alsace, France). The various innovations and/or continuities in the lithic industries of these two sites have been analyzed with the aim of determining the evolution and distribution of lithic manufacturing techniques at the end of the Mesolithic and understanding, within these assemblages, possible influences from the Neolithic sphere.
To cite this article
Bassin L., 2014 – The End of the Mesolithic on the Swiss Plateau and the Northern Jurassian Massif, 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, 141-145.
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.
Elusive Mesolithic Occupations
in the Pont-Glas Rock Shelter:
an Analysis of the Spatial Segmentation of Production Sequences
in Relation to the Mobility of Prehistoric Groups in Brittany
Grégor MARCHAND, Michel LE GOFFIC, Nancy MARCOUX
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Abstract
The Pont-Glas rock shelter (Plounéour-Ménez, Finistère), composed of granitic blocks, was entirely excavated in 2007 and 2008. Its stratigraphic sequence is 50 cm thick and shows clear disturbances in the upper levels. Composed of 998 elements, its lithic assemblage includes an early component (8th millennium BC) and a late component (6th millennium BC). Several factors differentiate this assemblage from others in Brittany, including diverse raw materials, the absence of the first phases of debitage, the importation of cores, abundant weapon elements and a high rate of destruction of these objects. These elements are characteristic of short occupations and debitage activities responding to immediate needs, mostly devoted to the repairing of hunting or war weapons. An anthracological analysis shows that the nearby vegetal environment was composed mainly of acidophilus oak groves with holly, which is typical of the western Armorican massif. This logistical station attests to the presence of human groups specialized in the use of weapons and engaged in actions with the intention to kill. The need to camp and to repair their weapons indicates that they circulated well beyond their usual procurement zone.
To cite this article
Marchand G., Le Goffic M., Marcoux N., 2011 – Elusive Mesolithic Occupations in the Pont-Glas Rock Shelter: an Analysis of the Spatial Segmentation of Production Sequences in Relation to the Mobility of Prehistoric Groups in Brittany, in Bon F., Costamagno S., Valdeyron N. (eds.), Hunting Camps in Prehistory. Current Archaeological Approaches, Proceedings of the International Symposium, May 13-15 2009, University Toulouse II – Le Mirail, P@lethnology, 3, 309-329.
Archéologie et Sciences humaines
