Occupational patterns and subsistence strategies in level J of Abric Romaní

Abstract

The faunal analysis of level J has been carried out using a zooarcheological method with some contributions from the field of Taphonomy. The data were obtained from the anatomical and taxonomical analysis and from the structural modifications of the bones. Red deer (Cervus elaphus) and horses (Equus ferus) are the most abundant animals, although they are accompanied by other herbivores like Bos primigenius, Stephanorhinus hemitoechus and Rupicapra pyrenaica. The data indicate that level J is an anthropic accumulation with a minimal incidence of carnivores. Carcasses were selectively transported into the site, where they were processed and consumed. The temporal dimension and the possibility that the faunal assemblage may be the result of different occupational events have been also considered.