Identifier: TDX:2797
Authors: Marciani, Giulia
Abstract:
This research aims to interpret the variations in the Neanderthal production and functionality of stone tools through analyses of lithic assemblages referable to the last Middle Palaeolithic of southern Italy. A key site for this purpose is the Oscurusciuto rock shelter, which is essential to the understanding of Neanderthal behaviour, as it offers a long, reliable deposit, about 6 m in depth, made up of several levels ranging between 42,724 ± 716 cal BP and 55 ± 2 kyrs (40Ar/39Ar). The explicit purpose of this research is to perform an integrated study of the lithic manufacture present in the lower section of the series so far investigated the Oscurusciuto rock shelter: SU 15, SU 14, SU 13 and SU 11. We want to individuate, from a diachronic point of view, the continuities and discontinuities of these lithic techno-complexes.
We intend to achieve this purpose through an integrated study of the lithic material, which in turn allows for a description of the economic behaviour involved in the exploitation of the sources of lithic raw material, followed by a detailed description of the phases in the reduction sequence, as well as a definition of concepts, methods, dynamics and objectives of the debitage. This fundamental technological analysis is applied to all four levels: SU 15, SU 14, SU 13, and SU 11 (48,382 items). Based on the characteristics of the collected material, further studies have been undertaken, such as Raw Material Units plus refitting studies for SU 13 and SU 14, in order to better understand the fragmentation of the operative chain. Moreover, a techno-functional protocol has been developed regarding a selected group of pieces from SU 13, in order to deepen our comprehension of productional vs. functional tools.
The results demonstrate that these stratigraphic units show specific peculiarities in terms of lithic production systems, structural elements, spatial management, and type of occupation.
Repositori URV