New experimental insights for the traceological study of Ambrona and Torralba archaeological sites

Abstract

During the last years, one of the most frequently debated issues focuses on the functionality Lower and Middle Paleolithic archaeological sites. The archaeological sites of Ambrona and Torralba are involved in these discussions, based on the data obtained from the lithic and faunal record of the lower and middle levels. From the study of the lithic industry, traceology is once again presented as a line of research that would contribute relevant information to this debate. The sources of the raw materials have not been located so far, which has made it difficult to make a comparative reference collection for the analysis of use-wear traces. Currently, it possible to carry out an experimental programme to generate a reference collection for the archaeological lithic material analysis. In response to these advances in research, from the traceological studies, it has been possible to organise an experimental programme adapted to the needs of the sites under study. Based on the raw materials identified in the archaeological record (three types of flint and quartzite), a series of activities have been planned in a sequential monitoring. In this poster we present the first results obtained from this experimental programme, configured on the requirements identified in both archaeological records (wood processing, grass, and animal carcasses). We expose the data concerning the formation and development of macro and microscopic usewear traces, documented by the binocular and the metallographic microscope. The approach and development of this experimentation includes a variety of individualised movements such as cutting, sawing and scraping, but also tools with dual use (sawingscraping, cuttingscraping). Based on these data, it is possible to discuss new flint types not yet included in the bibliography, as well as to continue generating interpretative markers through the introduction of new quartzite varieties.