Cuentas de madera magdalenienses de la cueva de Santa Catalina (Lekeitio, Bizkaia, España)

Abstract

The site of Santa Catalina is located in the coastal area of the Bay of Biscay, in Northern Spain, 35 m above present sea level. Archaeological diggings performed in the site have shown a late glacial stratigraphical sequence that extends from the final Magdalenian to the Azilian period. In level III, final Magdalenian (15.000 – 12.000 cal BP), we have been able to confirm a densely populated settlement, devoted to the exploitation of both sea and land resources. Within the collection of portable art recovered, there are two wooden beads, which are the subject of the present study. These wooden beads are round pieces, of about 5 mm in diameter and with a central hole drilling. Both pieces are burnt, a fact which has contributed to their preservation. The beads have been macro and microscopically analyzed, what has enabled us to determine its raw material, though the specific taxon has not been established. What we confirm is that both come from a tangential split of the wood. Through an experimental survey, we were able to determine how these beads were manufactured and how they were used. We have also resorted to other experimental studies which deal with the manufacturing of similar pieces from different materials. From very small wooden bead blanks, of a size slightly larger than the beads and through the use of very fine micro drills, most likely hefted, the perforation must have resulted. The final polish could have been produced by rubbing with some sandstone of fine grain. The small grooves observed in the holes suggest that these objects were hung, being part of a necklace or a pendant.

Keywords

• Objetos de adorno. Cuentas de madera. Paleolítico Superior. Experimentación.
• Objetos de adorno
• Cuentas de madera
• Paleolítico Superior
• Experimentación