Lithic technological choices of late Neandertals in a mountain environment south of the Ebro Valley, Iberian Peninsula (Peña Miel level e)

Abstract

In this paper, we present an updated technological analysis of the lithic collection excavated in the 1980s in a high-altitude site in the Ebro Basin, Peña Miel level e. This level represents one of the latest occurrences of Middle Palaeolithic technology in the Iberian Peninsula, so it is of special interest for understanding the trajectories of late Neandertals in this region. The results show the use of local lithic resources combined with few quantities of medium–long distance–transported raw materials. The technological choices in level e include a majority discoid production in quartzite and limestone, less abundant Levallois production in quartzite, limestone, lydite and flint, all of this combined with the production of macro-tools in limestone and quartzite. The objective of these productions is to obtain functional blanks, fundamentally outrepassing or pseudolevallois flakes, ready for direct use or for use after light edge configuration. These technological features are consistent with a short occupation in a remote and high-altitude area by groups that occasionally, and probably seasonally, roamed through the mountainous region where the site is located. Also, the technological features show links with the late Middle Palaeolithic of the Franco-Cantabrian region.