Epipalaeolithic pebbles from caves of Santa Maira site (Alicante): a functional study from the use-wear and the experimentation

Abstract

In the Iberian Mediterranean region it is difficult to find studies dedicated to the percutors-touchers used in the lithic production of the Epipalaeolithic. This work presents the study of 11 small pebbles located in caves of Santa Maira (Castell de Castells, Alicante), which were recovered in the Epipaleolithic levels, dated between 13445 and 10195 years bp. These are rounded, flattened and elongated pebbles, in which various marks have been identified. They are associated with a numerous lithic industry, dominated by blades and little bladelets, which allows us to relate the hammerstones and the production systems. Parallel to the study of the use marks, an experimental programme has been carried out with the aim of identifying the different gestures used during the carving and configuration of retouched tools. The comparison between the archaeological and experimental pebbles shows coincidences in the marks, in their position and association. These results suggest that the most likely hypothesis of use was its use in different phases of lithic production: from carving to retouching. The parallels found in other peninsular and western Mediterranean sites indicate that they could also have been involved in other tasks, and could even have been used in combined activities.

Keywords

• epipaleolítico
• región mediterránea ibérica
• percutores
• retocadores
• talla lítica