Living in the edge? Cova Gran and human presence in the Southern Pyrenees in the LGM

Abstract

Human presence in the southern Pyrenees during the Late Glacial Maximum (LGM) was poorly known until recent years, however this situation is changing rapidly. New sites excavated in the core and periphery of the Pyrenees are opening news perspectives to analyze human adaptations in this area along this critical climatic period. Cova Gran de Santa Linya (Southeastern Prepyrenees) contains large but fragmentary LGM sequence. Detailed analysis of contextual, techno-typological and radiometric data contributes to characterize hunter-gatherer lifestyle in the Southeastern Pyrenees. We analyze the stratigraphy and LGM archaeological resolution in Cova Gran. The contextual attributes lead us to discuss the role of syn/post-depositional processes and their impact on the archaeological record. We also present technological and radiometric trends in the excavated areas. Human presence in Cova Gran during MIS2 is documented in all excavated areas. Cova Gran confirms the presence of hunter-gatherers post-date the Maximum Late Glacial, but recent discoveries suggest previous human settlement during the LGM. Syn/post depositional processes played an important role affecting the configuration of the archaeological record. These observations can help to understand the apparent scarce human presence during the LGM in the Southeastern Pyrenees. Contextual discussion and their comparison of the archaeological data from other sites in the Southeastern Pyrenees, suggest that Cova Gran was repeatedly visited along the LGM. The identification of different technocomplexes in the site implies diverse cultural traditions over a long time scale in a landscape usually considered inhospitable, or with scarce human presence. These new data increase our knowledge of this process, opening interesting perspectives for analyzing the human presence at the southern Pyrenees in the LGM.