The Pleistocene–Holocene Transition in Cantabrian Spain: current reflections on culture change. (9th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Straus, Lawrence Guy
• Other Names: Cascalheira João guestEditor.; Bicho Nuno guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of quaternary science. Volume 33:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 346
• Page End: 352
• Publication Date: 2017-06-09
• Subjects: Azilian -- Cantabrian Spain -- lithic and osseous technologies -- Mesolithic -- Pleistocene–Holocene Transition -- upper Magdalenian; Geology, Stratigraphic -- Quaternary -- Periodicals; Paleontology -- Quaternary -- Periodicals; 551.79
• DOI: 10.1002/jqs.2943
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0267-8179

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This contribution reviews the evidence for technological continuity and change (both gradual and abrupt) among the classic Magdalenian, Azilian, Asturian and non‐coastal Mesolithic culture‐adaptive traditions against the backdrop of environmental change across the Pleistocene–Holocene (i.e. Bølling–Boreal) transition in Cantabrian Spain. It explores the interacting, non‐exclusive roles of environment, demography, subsistence and 'tradition' or historical contingency in explaining both inertia and change in the cultural records (including settlement, mobility, artistic activity and even world‐view or ideology) observed by archeologists in this long‐occupied, southerly wing of the classic Franco‐Cantabrian culture area.