Applying new technologies to the taphonomic study of La Lluera (Asturias, Spain). Geometric morphometrics and the study of bone surface modifications (BSM)

Abstract

Taphonomic analyses at Palaeolithic sites contribute to explain the processes through which bone assemblages formed and accumulated, with a particular emphasis on the role played by humans. At most sites, the focus is generally on what agents were responsible for the formation of the assemblage. In this paper, in addition to discussing the zooarchaeological evidence and the taphonomy of La Lluera Cave (Asturias), we put forward a new analytical approach that aims to identify the most frequently used raw materials for the butchery of the animal carcasses found at the site. We analysed the cut-marks by means of three-dimensional reconstruction techniques, showing how they were made with both flint and quartzite. This interpretation is in line with the lithic assemblage found at the site, with both materials amply represented. Our results indicate that butchery practices were not significantly conditioned by, nor did they condition, raw material selection, in contrast with the patterns observed at other Palaeolithic sites.