Use-wear analysis of retouched lithic tools from the Abric Romaní Middle Palaeolithic site (Barcelona, Spain)

Abstract

The Abric Romaní is one of the most important Upper Pleistocene sequences in the Iberian Peninsula. Its dates between 40 and 70 Ka BP by U/Th and AMS dates place the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition at 36 Ka BP. All archaeological levels show the same knapping method and tool types, even though dates and pollen analyses show they are chronologically and environmentally differentiated. Microwear analysis has been performed on retouched artefacts from the whole sequence. Flint is the main raw material used for these objects and denticulates and notches are the main tool types; in the lower levels, these artefacts represent over 90% of the retouched tools. In the upper levels, the percentage of side-scrapers may be as high as 20% of the total. Discoid method was used for knapping sequences and blanks detached from these cores were selected for retouching. Blanks and retouched artefacts (denticulates, notches and side-scrapers) show an ergonomic handle morphology; they are characterized by thin edges (retouched or not) opposite to a thicker one, coinciding with a natural back or a débordant flake. In this technical, chronological, and environmental context, micro-wear analysis examines how denticulate edges were used, and determines if they were a tool type linked to woodworking as it is normally believed. Denticulates from the Abric Romaní were used for butchery activities and to work fresh and dry hides. None of the objects show use-wear associated with woodworking. From this evidence, denticulates must be considered polyvalent tools since their edges were used for longitudinal and transversal motions and processed materials of different densities. Moreover, discoid technology was suitable for meeting human needs, since it was produced in the Abric Romaní for millennia in different environmental contexts. We do not think this technology may be considered “expedient” or ad hoc; it was perfectly organised and tools show an ergonomic design deliberately devised to participate in subsistence activities and the tanning process.