Lithic and osseous artifacts from the Lower Magdalenian human burial deposit in El Mirón cave, Cantabria, Spain. (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fontes, Lisa M.; Straus, Lawrence Guy; González Morales, Manuel R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 60(2015:Aug.)
• Page Start: 99
• Page End: 111
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: El Mirón cave -- Vasco-Cantabrian Lower Magdalenian -- Upper Palaeolithic -- Human burial -- Lithic industry -- Bladelet production -- Osseous industry; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archéologie -- Périodiques; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2015.03.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-4403

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents a preliminary summary of lithic and osseous artifacts recovered from El Mirón Level 504, whose ochre-stained sediments were associated with a Lower Magdalenian human burial. The lithic artifacts were concentrated to the south of the human remains. Debris indicate that manufacture was focused on late-stage bladelet reduction, which followed preparatory flake or blade removals. The lithic industry is rich in bladelet tools and other Lower Magdalenian diagnostic artifacts that were made on very high-quality flints. Osseous artifacts—principally antler sagaies —are highly fragmented, but their attributes are consistent with others known from El Mirón. Lithic and osseous artifacts are typical of the Lower Magdalenian of Cantabria. These artifacts were recovered from a level with significant microstratigraphic variation associated with cultural and natural formation processes, leaving unknown how extensively these materials were spatially and/or temporally displaced from their primary discard locations as part of Level 504 deposition. Interpreted as a single unit and compared with those from the underlying Level 505, these burial area materials testify to spatial continuity with the similarly rich Lower Magdalenian occupations identified in the El Mirón mid- and outer-vestibule into the vestibule rear. The artifacts found in Level 504 provide additional evidence that confirm the site's importance as a major Lower Magdalenian residential site in the montane zone of the Cantabrian region. Highlights: The El Mirón burial deposit (Level 504) yielded 42 osseous artifacts, mainly sagaies and needles. Debris from Levels 504 and 505 indicate all stages of lithic manufacture. This context is rich in standardized bladelet tools, including geometrics. Lithic artifact variability is typical of the Lower Cantabrian Magdalenian period. Lithic and osseous artifacts found with the burial do not appear to be "offerings".