The Lower Magdalenian osseous industry from level 17 in El Mirón Cave (Ramales de la Victoria, Cantabria): A preliminary overview

Abstract

Level 17 is the principal Cantabrian Lower Magdalenian horizon in the outer vestibule area of El Mirón Cave, dating by radiocarbon to c. 15,500 uncal bp. It has yielded very rich faunal and artifactual collections associated with numerous hearths and abundant fire-cracked rocks. Among the many osseous artifacts are a striation-engraved red deer scapula and a spearthrower reported on elsewhere. This article presents a description and preliminary typological and metric analyses of the antler points, bone needles and other artifacts, as well as of the supports for the production of osseous items, namely antlers and bones with evidence of extractions. The sagaies include many that are characteristic of this period in this region -quadrangular sections, single-bevel bases, geometric engraved designs, including tectiforms-. Production, use -hunting- and domestic-related-, reuse and discard of osseous artifacts were major activities during the long period of repeated human occupation of El Mirón during Oldest Dryas.