Jean-Baptiste Mallye

In this paper we present all the AMS radiocarbon dates obtained for the 19 sites of the MAGDATIS project (69 results, including 4 human remains) and the approach we took to do this. This large-scale project involved a substantial multidisciplinary re-assessment of the Middle and Upper Magdalenian of the western Aquitaine/Pyrenean region of France. Our principal questions in this project regarding this period and region related to the renewal (i.e. expansion and disappearance) of the ungulate community and the timing of major techno-economical innovations. Dating sites was a key aspect of this project. Many of these sites were excavated a long time ago, often without the benefit of taphonomic assessment at the time. As a result, careful selection of artifacts for dating was key to obtaining accurate and reliable results and thus our methodology is emphasized in this paper. Among specific results obtained through this project are that (1) based on a re-analysis of the techno-typology of the lithic and osseous industries, in conjunction with the new dates done, the Magdatis project is proposing a new finer subdivision of the Middle and Upper Magdalenian into 4 phases (early and late sub-phases in each) using Bayesian modelling to determine boundaries; (2) that the Middle Magdalenian began earlier than previously suspected (ca 18 800 vs 18 300 cal BP); (3) that there is a hiatus in occupation in the northern Aquitaine during the Late Middle Magdalenian whereas occupation is continuous closer to the Pyrenees. (4) We will also be presenting briefly in this paper the theory behind, approach to, and results of, the dating of Magdalenian human remains done in this project.

In this paper we present all the AMS radiocarbon dates obtained for the 19 sites of the MAGDATIS project (69 results, including 4 human remains) and the approach we took to do this. This large-scale project involved a substantial multidisciplinary re-assessment of the Middle and Upper Magdalenian of the western Aquitaine/Pyrenean region of France. Our principal questions in this project regarding this period and region related to the renewal (i.e. expansion and disappearance) of the ungulate community and the timing of major techno-economical innovations. Dating sites was a key aspect of this project. Many of these sites were excavated a long time ago, often without the benefit of taphonomic assessment at the time. As a result, careful selection of artifacts for dating was key to obtaining accurate and reliable results and thus our methodology is emphasized in this paper. Among specific results obtained through this project are that (1) based on a re-analysis of the techno-typology of the lithic and osseous industries, in conjunction with the new dates done, the Magdatis project is proposing a new finer subdivision of the Middle and Upper Magdalenian into 4 phases (early and late sub-phases in each) using Bayesian modelling to determine boundaries; (2) that the Middle Magdalenian began earlier than previously suspected (ca 18 800 vs 18 300 cal BP); (3) that there is a hiatus in occupation in the northern Aquitaine during the Late Middle Magdalenian whereas occupation is continuous closer to the Pyrenees. (4) We will also be presenting briefly in this paper the theory behind, approach to, and results of, the dating of Magdalenian human remains done in this project.

The Magdalenian site of Saint-Germain la Rivière (Gironde, France) has often figured in debates and discussions about the Late Upper Palaeolithic of western Europe. Most of the discussions are based on the material excavated by R. Blanchard - in particular the now well-known burial - as well as the more rigorous excavations by G. Trécolle in the slope deposits. After the detailed study of all this material by M. Lenoir, which allowed the material from the slope and terrace deposits to be attributed to the Lower and Middle Magdalenian, many other studies were done by various researchers on specific aspects of the collections (lithics, personal ornaments, fauna). It became clear, however, that the stratigraphic framework and chronology of the site needed to be reexamined. In order to understand the rise of the classic Magdalenian in Gironde, members of the ANR Magdatis project reexamined many early Middle Magdalenian sites and collections of that area. The thorough work of Trécolle at Saint-Germain-la-Rivière was pivotal to this reassessment. Initially, this involved the analysis of his fieldnotes which led to an archaeostratigraphic reattribution of most artefacts into two principal units, with a potentially problematic interface between these. Once these new archaeostratigraphic divisions had been determined, the analysis of the artefacts could proceed. The comparison of the lithic and bone/antler industries to those of other sites have afforded us new insights into the nature of technical and economic behaviours of this initial Magdalenian of western Europe. In terms of lithic and osseous raw material, we have found a good degree of continuity between the units. The differing treatment of domestic versus hunting flint tools is also an important aspect to consider in the discussion of the changes that took place in hunter-gatherer societies at this time. The bone/antler industry shows some continuity between units (for example the use of the groove and splinter technique), but also some differences (in the upper unit: less diversity in tools; higher frequency of decorated objects). The systemization of a standardized blade production in the upper unit is accompanied by an increase in size of antler points. The production of different lithic projectile morphotypes (backed microbladelets versus scalene bladelets), in parallel with a change in base types within antler points, in addition to the presence or absence of grooves, demonstrate that changes occurred in the toolkits used. A reassessment of the faunal remains also helped to clarify the practices having occurred in each of the two principal stratigraphic units; combined with a taphonomic analysis, the specific subsistence practices in each could be identified. Different hunting strategies were noticed regarding saiga antelope (hunting within female groups versus mixed herds) as well as differing carcass treatment (degree of intensity of marrow extraction, carcass processing techniques). Our analysis also revealed that small-game hunting had been practised (birds and small mammals) already in the earliest Magdalenian phases at the site, thus providing a more complete picture of these reindeer and saiga antelope hunters. Taking into account all of these data and practices allows us to be more specific about the type and pace of technical and subsistence changes having occurred during this period. New 14C dates done directly on bones of identified species or on characteristic organic artefacts also aids us in shedding new light on the two main phases of the Magdalenian. Thea Trécolle excavation and its contents can thus be placed within the overall Saint-Germain-la-Rivière site sequence and compared to other contemporaneous sites in western Europe which have also benefited from a renewed stratigraphic, archaeological and chronological assessment and framework.

This article synthesises recent zooarchaeological studies and techno-typological analyses of Azilian assemblages from southwestern
France. This data, occasionally complemented by information from bone tools and mobiliary art, allows the variability of the
various Azilian industries to be discussed and sheds new light on the diachronic evolution of Lateglacial societies in the region. Situated
chronologically between the Early Azilian and the Laborian, faunal assemblages from the Late Azilian and its regional manifestations on
both sides of the Garonne Plain are investigated in order to better understand questions concerning the exploitation of the environment.
 

 
  




  
 






  -
lying Magdalenian in regards both the lithic industry (bipoints and backed points interpreted as hunting weapons, and small, regular
blades with scalariform retouch) and the faunal spectrum (reindeer replaced by horse). Overlying this Early Azilian occupation, the
less dense Late Azilian occupation is represented by less well-prepared, backed points on blades associated with a faunal assemblage
dominated by rabbit and red deer.
The long stratigraphic sequence of Pont d’Ambon includes several layers attributed to the Magdalenian, Early Azilian, Late Azilian
and Laborian. Differences in knapping techniques suggests that the Late Azilian can be divided into two assemblages representing
 




 






 


!


" 

 


 
"
 
#



 
  

$
"%
!









  




 

"
 
$
"
  


debitage modes differ between the two assemblage types. The Laborian is characterised by several particular artefacts – backed points
with truncated bases on small, very regular blades and tools on fairly regular blades – demonstrating a higher technical investment than
is evident with the Late Azilian assemblage.
More general aspects of the Early, Late Azilian and Laborian lithic industries are also discussed by taking into account others sites of
the northern Aquitaine region such as Rochereil, Roc d’Abeilles, Pégourié, Pagès, Le Morin and Le Cuzoul de Gramat. Compared to
the Early Azilian, Late Azilian assemblages show simpler production modes, although some technical traditions persist (blade production
and châine opératoires). In terms of faunal exploitation, the combination of ungulates such as red deer and smaller game such as






 
 
 & 
+  
   


#
 ;



#

 




 


&
!




 


 




<==
>







 




 


 $
"

$
">

 
 
 
-

$
">
 
$
" !

" 

"
 

?



 

K
!#

$
"#
 
!
 
& 
<==
>








 
 
!  !



! 





!


>


Margineda (Early Azilian, an Azilian with harpoons, Final Azilian). A major difference with Troubat lies in the preferential use of local

#



$
  
[
 
[
 

 %$
 
#






 

phases of Rhodes II (level ‘Foyer 5’: Early Azilian, level ‘Foyer 6’ intermediate, ‘Foyer 7’: Late Azilian with harpoons), but remains
consistent at Balma Margineda (level 10 and 9: Early Azilian, level 8: Typical Azilian, level 7: Final Azilian). Although the Azilian is
easily distinguishable from other regional industries, its internal variability remains to be documented and its early and late phases are



  

Laborian sites in the central Pyrenees are less typical than those from the northern Aquitaine with the best-preserved assemblages being
those from Gouërris, Manirac and Buholoup. Laborian material is present on other regional sites such as Troubat, Mas d’Azil or La
Tourasse; however, no clear occupation layers have been documented. As in the northern Aquitaine, red deer remains the major prey




]


 


" #% 

 
 


-
larly at Troubat, were rarely captured and consumed. The presence of other game in the faunal spectrum such as the ibex, indicative of
more mountainous terrains, demonstrates the exploitation of a variety of different biotopes.

In Southwestern France, between 18 500 and 14 000 cal. BP, socio-economic changes are evident in several spheres of Magdalenian hunter-gatherer activity. The array of bone and stone tools undergo a transformation. Targeted prey species, although still dominated by ungulates, also show an evolution. This period was marked by significant climatic and environmental changes that can be correlated with cultural developments based on a calibrated chronology. Around 18 500 cal. BP, the advent of the Middle Magdalenian coincides with the Heinrich 1 climatic event. This period is marked by a strong development of reindeer antler industry, in particular the production of a variety of projectile points, which are often decorated. Lithic procurement is more standardized with the couple Blade-Bladelet used to fabricate domestic tools and a variety of composite elements integrated into projectile weapons. While certain elements are found across a large geographic area, others are more regionally restricted. The establishment of a veritable network of social interactions is underpinned by an increase in the biomass of prey species, which allowed for demographic expansion. Subsequently, the Upper Magdalenian developed during a period of relative climatic amelioration after Heinrich Event 1 and continued until a rupture in the equilibrium of ecological communities around 14 000 cal. BP. This change is expressed through different elements. One can recognize new patterns in bone and lithic hunting weaponry and a simplification of domestic production. These changes in procurement are accompanied by the maintenance of social networks across large regions, while at the same time there appears to be a geographic contraction of groups within regional procurement networks. Ungulates remain the primary prey species but are supplemented by small game. While it is important to evaluate driving forces behind technological and socioeconomic processes through time, one must also take in account cultural evolution within each technocomplex. In order to evaluate these internal developments, it is necessary to establish a more precise and well-reasoned radiometric framework and also to integrate studies of bone and lithic technology with those of archaeozoology. This contribution presents the first results of such an undertaking based on a higher-resolution seriation of technological innovations and their implications in hunting activities. The rhythm of change appears to be complex and nonlinear, and it highlights the innovative nature of Magdalenian weaponry. These rapid changes, with respect to the Upper Paleolithic as a whole, provide insight into the impact of social interactions as cultural stimulation, as well as how resource availability and human demography functioned as factors of change.

The Mesolithic of the extreme southwest of France is still poorly understood because there are few sites that provide reliable data between the region of the southern Landes and the Spanish border. Bourrouilla cave at Arancou (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) has revealed some interesting information, following the discovery of occupation levels with evidence of Mesolithic lithic artefacts and fauna (mammal, fish, and bird).
Three locations, producing material in differing states of preservation, have provided data about a late, early Mesolithic occupation, a later Mesolithic with trapezoid microliths and an early Neolithic with segments of Betey.
The archaeozoological studies allow us to assess the exploitation of two biotopes: the forest and the rivers. The spectrum of hunted fauna is dominated by red deer, roe deer and wild boar, in association with badger, marten and common buzzard, while the fish remains are mainly cyprinids. The data on the seasonal occupation of the site converges on a time at the beginning or middle of the good season. In addition, there are two radiocarbon dates relevant to a discussion about the transition between the early and later Mesolithic occupations

Noisetier Cave (French Pyrenees) has yielded Mousterian artefacts associated with numerous faunal remains. The faunal spectrum is dominated by chamois and ibex followed by red deer and bovids. A previous taphonomic analysis underlined the occurrence of two distinct types of bone accumulations. The red deer, bovid and a part of the ibex remains have been accumulated by Neanderthal. We suspected that the bearded vultures were responsible for the chamois and some of the ibex remains. The study of the carnivore remains illustrated the abundance of teeth and to a lesser extent bones attributed to both young and adult Cuon alpinus individuals. The identification of shed milk teeth demonstrates that this carnivore used the cave as a nursery den. According to several authors dholes never bring back carcasses to their dens in order to protect their offspring from other carnivores. However they tend to select an area inside their den to defecate. We analysed modern scats of wolf in order to constitute a taphonomic referential. Our results strongly suggest that most of the digested remains from the Noisetier Cave come from dhole scats. This carnivore can be considered, as Binford previously suggested, as a bone accumulator and consequently as a new taphonomic agent. Given the numerous sites where the fossil remains of this carnivore were identified we argue that the dholes could have biased the composition of faunal spectrums and maybe our understanding on human subsistence.

Magdalenian Dog remains from Le Morin rock shelter (Gironde, France). Socio-economical implications of a zootechnical innovation.

"We present in this paper new remains and direct radiocarbon dates of small canids from Le Morin rock shelter (Gironde, France) which constitute a major discovery with respect to the question of wolf domestication during the European Palaeolithic.
In this study a multi-proxy approach has been employed, including species identification and a consideration of the archaeological and chronological context. The canids’ remains have all been studied regarding their morphology, biometry and surface attributes. All dental and postcranial remains of canids were attributed to a species by using a thorough biometric database built from fossil and modern data from Europe. The morphometry of seven remains is outside the size range variability of wolves and therefore can be securely attributed to dog (Canis lupus familiaris). Nineteen are attributed to wolf (Canis lupus) and six could not not be securely attributed to one species or the other (Canis sp.). More than 50% of these Canis remains bear anthropogenic marks that demonstrate the utilization of both wolves and dogs by late glacial human groups. Two of the dog remains from Le Morin rock shelter were directly dated and indicate that Magdalenian groups lived with dogs. A discussion is therefore developed in this article regarding the development of this domestication through time and space.
"

Neandertals were effective hunters of large ungulates throughout their geographic and temporal ranges. Equipped with this knowledge, researchers in paleoanthropology continue to seek insight on the rela- tionships between hunting and subsistence strategies with other components of the Neandertals’ niche, such as mobility, site use, and lithic technology. The Quina Mousterian deposits from the rockshelter site of Chez Pinaud Jonzac (Charente-Maritime, France; hereafter Jonzac) offer an excellent opportunity to pursue these issues. This paper focuses on the extensive and well-preserved skeletal remains of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) recovered from recent excavations of the site, representing at least 18 individuals that were hunted by Neandertals during the fall through winter. Our zooarchaeological results indicate that all ages of reindeer were hunted but adult individuals predominate. No bias is evident in the comparable frequencies of males and females. These prey were butchered on-site, with abundant evidence of meat filleting and marrow exploitation. In the excavated sample, the absence of hearths and the almost complete lack of burned bones or stones suggest that Neandertals were not using fire to assist with processing the reindeer carcasses. The zooarchaeological results presented here indicate that reindeer were hunted during a restricted window of time when they were seasonally abundant in the local area near Jonzac. Taken together with the lithic industry based on bifacial elements, the evidence is consistent with a pattern of site use by highly mobile hunter-gatherers making frequent, short-term visits. Ongoing research at Jonzac and other Quina Mousterian localities will contribute to a better understanding of Neandertal behavior during cold climate phases.

"In south-western France, between 18,000 and 14,000 calBP, socio-economic changes are evident in several spheres of Magdalenian hunter-gatherer activities which brought with them an array of transformations in osseous and lithic tools. Targeted prey species, although still dominated by ungulates, also show an evolution during a period that was marked by significant climatic and environmental changes that can be correlated with cultural developments. Changes in procurement strategies and new patterns in osseous and lithic weaponry are accompanied by the maintenance of social networks across large regions, while at the same time there appears to be a geographic contraction of groups within regional procurement networks. Ungulates remain the primary prey species but are supplemented by small game. While it is important to evaluate the forces driving behind technological and socio-economic processes through time, cultural evolution within each techno-complex ought to be accounted for as well. In order to evaluate these internal developments, a more precise radiometric framework is necessary, which integrates studies of osseous and lithic technology with available archaeozoological data. This contribution presents the first results of such an undertaking based on a higher-resolution seriation of technological innovations and their implications in hunting activities. The rhythm of change appears to be complex and nonlinear, and it highlights the innovative nature of Magdalenian weaponry. These rapidchanges, with respect to the Upper Paleolithic as a whole, provide insight into the impact of social
interactions as cultural stimulation, as well as how resource availability and human demography functioned as factors of changes."

Roc-de-Combe is a well-known Palaeolithic site which has yielded deposits spanning the Middle-to- Upper Palaeolithic transition. While the faunal remains were recently studied by Grayson and Delpech, this paper presents a new analysis of the Châtelperronian and Early Aurignacian faunal assemblages based on both published and previously unpublished material in order to clarify the manner in which ungulates were exploited and discuss the status of carnivores and small game at the site. Despite similarities between Châtelperronian and Early Aurignacian assemblages, several differences exist in seasonality and prey selection, butchering practices and small-game exploitation. These results differ from earlier studies that tend to demonstrate no significant differences in species exploitation between Châtelperronian and Early Aurignacian. It appears that hunting choices were closely linked to the physical conditions of the ungulates. At Roc-de-Combe, hunters adapted their butchering practices according to the season often resulting in the intense exploitation of carcasses. Furthermore, the status of some small prey changes between the Châtelperronian and the Early Aurignacian. These changes can be linked to particular objectives such as the exploitation of pelts or the fabrication of personal ornaments. Finally, the results suggest that the two humans groups occupied and exploited the same territory in different ways.

Retouchers are fragments of bone used during the Paleolithic to strike stone flakes in order to transform them into retouched tools. Our experiments show that the mark produced on retouchers differs depending on whether they were used to strike flint or quartzite. Our results suggest that numerous pits, most often with an ovoid form, characterize the retouching of quartzite flakes. Most of the scores produced with this material have a sinuous morphology with rough interior faces. The areas with superposed traces have a pitted appearance. On the other hand, the retouching of flint flakes, produces pits that are most often triangular in form. Most of the scores have a rectilinear morphology with smooth interior faces and their superposition results in the formation of hatch marks. There is also a relationship between the characteristics of the mark and the relative state of freshness of the retouchers. The validity of the criteria identified was confirmed by a blind test. These diagnostic criteria were applied to archaeological retouchers from the Mousterian site of Noisetier Cave. The results obtained improve our knowledge of the technical behaviors of Neanderthals and allow us to address questions concerning their techno-economic implications.

We report here on the isotopic analysis (carbon and nitrogen) of collagen extracted from a Neanderthal tooth and animal bone from the late Mousterian site of Jonzac (Charente-Maritime, France). This study was undertaken to test whether the isotopic evidence indicates that animal protein was the main source of dietary protein for this relatively late Neanderthal, as suggested by previous studies. This was of particular interest here because this is the first isotopic study of a relatively late Neanderthal associated with Mousterian of Acheulian Tradition (MTA, dating to approximately 55,000 to 40,000 BP) technology. We found that the Jonzac Neanderthal had isotopic values consistent with a diet in which the main protein sources were large herbivores, particularly bovids and horses. We also found evidence of different dietary niches between the Neanderthal and a hyena at the site, with the hyena consuming mainly reindeer.

In this paper, we try to document butchery practices from the past. We attempt to characterize through experimental data the marks produced when dismembering using overextension of the elbow of Sheep and several bird species. For birds, the experimentation was realized with uncooked carcasses. In many cases, overextension produced break down of the olecranon fossa of the humerus, with medial wrench of the distal part. Moreover, the proximal joints of the radius and ulna are broken. Bony and uncooked forelimb Sheep bones have been dismembered by overextension. Observations were noticed only on the radio-ulnar. The ulnas had a negative wear scar up to the anconeus process. Sometimes, these marks are associated with lateral crushing of the bone. In the second part of the article, we compare our experimental data with archaeological material. Although we found many cases of dismembering by overextension on bird bones, no data were found on small ungulates material.

Le site de Payre est un gisement de la moyenne vallée du Rhône, daté de la fin du Pléistocène moyen et début du Pléistocène supérieur (fin du MIS 8 au début du 5) selon les analyses radiométriques et paléoenvironnementales. Lors de fouilles qui se sont déroulées de 1990 à 2002, ce gisement a livré une séquence de plusieurs niveaux archéologiques riches en matériel lithique, faunique et en restes humains.

Le Roc de Marcamps (Prignac-et-Marcamps, Gironde) est un site du Magdalénien moyen connu notam-ment par la découverte de nombreuses navettes dans les fouilles anciennes du secteur 1. Les travaux menés par Michel Lenoir dans le secteur 2 durant les années 1980 n'ont pas livré ce type de marqueur osseux mais un ensemble de vestiges attribués également à cette période. Plusieurs dates radiocarbone raisonnées placent ce gisement autour de 18900-18600 cal. BP, soit lors des premiers temps du Magdalénien moyen. Cette phase de transition apparaît synchrone de l'événement climatique d'Heinrich 1 marquant une péjoration climatique avec des conditions froides et steppiques. Elle se caractérise en outre par d'importants changements techno-économiques ou symboliques. À l'interface des « faciès » à navettes, à pointes de Lussac-Angles ou à lamelles scalènes, le Roc de Marcamps 2, et plus largement la Gironde, occupe une place privilégiée pour la compréhension de la mosaïque géoculturelle structurant la genèse du Magdalénien moyen. Dans le cadre d'une révision collective du gisement par des membres du projet « Magdatis », cet article présente une approche croisée, détaillant les analyses taphonomiques et archéozoologiques des restes de faune (ongulés, méso-mammifères et avifaune) ainsi que les études typotechnologiques des industries lithique et osseuse et de la parure. La stratigraphie du Roc de Marcamps 2 comprend un ensemble supérieur mêlant dépôts récents, déblais de carrières, céra-miques et vestiges paléolithiques brassés par des animaux fouisseurs. L'ensemble inférieur apparaît mieux conservé et renferme les vestiges magdaléniens. Les restes fauniques documentent une chasse principalement axée sur les bisons, les antilopes saïga, les chevaux et les rennes durant la mauvaise saison et au début de la bonne saison. L'exploitation de ces ressources animales est intensive et orientée vers la récupération de la moelle en complément de la viande. L'étude des matières premières siliceuses, préférentiellement d'origine locale, atteste toutefois un apport de silex de Saintonge (silex « grain-de-mil »). La production lithique est principalement composée de débitages lamellaires voués à la confection d'éléments d'armatures de chasse. Le débitage laminaire fournit des supports normalisés pour la fabrication d'outils. L'industrie en matières dures d'origine animale est assez pauvre et comprend un équipement en os (aiguilles, lissoirs, retouchoirs) et en bois de renne (essentiellement des armatures de projectile) ainsi que des éléments de parure sur coquillages (en majorité des dentales) et sur dents (en majorité des incisives de renne sciées). L'étude typotechnologique des industries lithique et osseuse et de la parure suggère des rapprochements tant avec le « Magdalénien à navettes » qu'avec le « Magdalénien à pointes de Lussac-Angles », deux faciès dont le Roc de Marcamps 2 est contemporain. Ceci doit conduire à s'interroger sur la pertinence de l'utilisation de ces faciès pour définir des « cultures exclusives » qui finalement se recouvrent chronologiquement et géographiquement, notamment en Gironde.

Because of its rich record of Magdalenian sites, the Arudy Basin is a key case for the study of resettlement dynamics in the Pyrenean valleys after the Last Glacial Maximum. Interpretations are, however, hampered by the ancient age of many excavations. The recently acquired data from Laa 2 cave contribute to filling this gap, although the excavation of the Paleolithic layers was restricted to a very small surface. Layer C5 documents a very early – but still poorly defined – reoccupation of the cave (20000-19500 cal BP) that probably took place shortly after the deglaciation of the lower valley. Layers C4 to C2 (18500-15000 cal BP) document the evolution of the Middle and Upper Magdalenian in a cool, humid and open landscape, although evidence of reforestation appears in layer C2. The species hunted include a large proportion of mountain ungulates in the earlier layers, but horse and reindeer increase in proportion in the later layers. Birds and foxes are also exploited, and the question of the presence of dogs is raised, although not conclusively. Lithic sources seem to diversify in the Upper Magdalenian, along with an evolution in the dimensions of lithic armatures. The osseous industry also shows evidence of changes in the design of armatures (presence of forked implements) and includes a single evidence of portable art (an engraved scapula).