La gestión del utillaje de piedra tallada en el paleolítico medio de galicia. el nivel 3 de cova eirós (triacastela, lugo)

Abstract

The level 3 from Cova Eirós is the only well-stratified Middle Palaeolithic deposit in Galicia. It has an absolute dating that places it in the second half of OIS 5. The lithic assemblage has been analysed in several ways, combining the management, knapping and use of the stone tools. As for the first we have resorted to a technological approach and the use was inferred from microscopic examination, in both cases interpretations being endorsed by previous experimental work. As a result, we have found out a sophisticated system of raw material management (namely, quartz and quartzite), the coexistence of several knapping methods and working processes on wood and leather. Also, the use as projectiles of several Levallois points has been recorded. The available evidence suggests that the occupations at this level had a certain degree of stability. The technological behaviour recorded, in some cases rather complex, and the strong spatial structuring of the resource management underline the cognitive and organizational skills of these Neanderthal groups.