Analysis of lithic assemblages from the Asinipodian layers 6a and 6b of the site of Pech de lAz IV D

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Analysis of lithic assemblages from the
Asinipodian layers 6a and 6b of the site of Pech
de lAzé IV (Dordogne, France)

• Alexandre Steenhuyse
• University of Pennsylvania
• Brad Gravina
• University of Cambridge

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Goals

• TechnologicalAnalysis

Data from small fraction
Taphonomic integrity of Layers 6a 6b
Refitting
Relationship between 6a 6b
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Bordes Excavation

• Bordes Excavation
• 3 arbitrary layers J3a, J3b and J3c
• Dibble McPherrons Excavation
• 2 layers 6a and 6b
• 1 single layer and multiple small occupations?

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Asinipodian layers
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First re-evaluation of Bordes data

• Asinipodian cores
• 10 of Levallois cores under 3cm
• Average length of dorsal negatives at 2 cm
• Minimum of 1.4cm

Data and drawings from Dibble McPherron 2001
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Small disc-cores from Bordes J3a Layer
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Small disc-cores from Bordes J3b Layer
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Small disc-core from Bordes J3c Layer Arrows
showing centripetal removals
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Small disc-core from Layer 6a
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Raw Material Representation (weight) in layers
6a Artifacts under 2.5 cm in max. dimension only
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Raw Material Representation (weight) in layers
6b Artifacts under 2.5 cm in max. dimension only
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Technological Categories Representation in layers
6a Artifacts under 2.5 cm in max. dimension only
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Technological Categories Representation in layers
6b Artifacts under 2.5 cm in max. dimension only
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Blocks with rounded irregularities
Rounded block from Level 6a
Block of Senonian Chert collected around Pech IV
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Raw Material Representation in certain Techno.
Categories in layer 6a Artifacts under 2.5 cm in
max. dimension only
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Refits in Layer 6a
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Refits Conjoins combined - Layers 6a 6b -
Side View
Layer 6a
Layer 6b
1 M
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Refits - Layer 6a
Refit X
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Refits - Layer 6a
Refit 2
Refit 3
Refit 4
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Conjoins in Layer 6a
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Conjoins in Layer 6a
Conjoin 1
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Conjoins in Layer 6a
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Refits Conjoins combined - Layer 6a - Plan View
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Refits Conjoins combined - Layers 6a 6b -
Side View
Layer 6a
Layer 6b
1 M
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Refits Conjoins combined - Layers 6a 6b -
Side View
Layer 6a
Layer 6b
1 M
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Conclusion

• Technology Layer 6a similar to 6b
• Refitting no clear connections between Levels 6a
  and 6b
• Refitting good taphonomic integrity of Layer 6a
• Refitting small repeated occupations

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Acknowledgements
Harold Dibble University of Pennsylvania Shannon
McPherron George Washington University Paul
Goldberg Boston University Alain Turq National
Museum of Prehisory Andre Morala Musee National
de Prehistoire