A New Chronological and Technological Synthesis for Late Middle Paleolithic of the Eastern Cantabrian Region

Quaternary International 433 (2017) 50e63

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A new chronological and technological synthesis for Late Middle Paleolithic of the Eastern Cantabrian Region

Joseba Rios-Garaizar

Centro Nacional de Investigacion sobre la Evolucion Humana (CENIEH), 09002 Burgos, Spain article info abstract

Article history: This paper explores the nature of the variability noted in the Late Middle Paleolithic lithic technology Available online 10 March 2016 of the Eastern Cantabrian Region. The sequence at Axlor exemplifies this variability revealing important changes in technology from ca. 55e45 ka BP. A major shift from stable occupations with a Keywords: Levallois-based technology to shorter occupations with a Quina-based technology is observed. The Neanderthal critical analysis of the available information for the Middle Paleolithic assemblages in the region re- Lithic technology veals six major phases: an Early Middle Paleolithic (170e100 ka BP), an undefined Middle Paleolithic Middle Paleolithic (90e60 ka BP), a Vasconian (Discoid technology with cleavers e 60e50 ka BP), a Levallois Mousterian Iberian Peninsula e e e Levallois (55 50 ka BP), a Quina Mousterian (50 45 ka BP) and a Late Mousterian (45 40 ka BP). Although the Quina Levallois and Quina Mousterian phases seem to be adaptations to the rapid environmental changes happening during the first phases of MIS3 (between DO16e17 and DO12), there are other factors that also influenced the configuration of these different technological systems, such as the modification of settlement systems or changes in Neanderthal group organization, and the resulting transformation of social needs. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction data (e.g. dates published in Higham et al. 2014) push us towards a reassessment of the regional LMP. Unfortunately, we are still Over the past several decades, the Late Middle Paleolithic (LMP) lacking all the information necessary for a comprehensive syn- of the Cantabrian Region has been thoroughly studied from a thesis. Important sites with key sequences, such Axlor or Arrillor, technological viewpoint, resulting in a significant increase in the are still under study, and, at the same time, new sites are under number of synthetic approaches and the amount of information excavation, mostly open-air sites (Rios-Garaizar, 2014; Colonge derived from them (among others: Baena et al. 2012; Carrion et al. et al. 2015). Also, only a few dates are available for the LMP, 2008; Cuartero et al. 2015; García Garriga et al. 2012; Maillo- with Arrillor representing the only well-dated sequence (Higham Fernandez, 2007; Sanchez-Fern andez and Bernaldo de Quiros, et al. 2014). Finally, the analysis of faunal and lithic assemblages 2008; Rios-Garaizar, 2008). One of the major features of this has not been systematically approached and the available infor- period in this region is the high degree of variability observed in mation is quite uneven. settlement strategies, raw material procurement, lithic tool pro- In a broader perspective, the notion of variability in the Middle duction and use. Paleolithic and its significance is a question that is still under dis- The variability in lithic production for the Eastern Cantabrian cussion (Kuhn, 2013; de la Torre et al. 2013). In a recent publication, Region LMP was already discussed back in 2008 (Rios-Garaizar, we analyzed the relationship between the plausible distribution of 2008), but this topic is far from exhausted. The advances that big game and the actual composition of faunal assemblages for four have been made in the understanding of the regional Early Middle LMP sites (Rios-Garaizar and García-Moreno, 2015). We proposed Paleolithic (EMP) (e.g. Alvarez-Alonso and Arrizabalaga, 2012; then that, to explain the variability in faunal assemblages, it is more Rios-Garaizar et al. 2015a), the rebirth of old debates such as important to focus on the socially- and culturally-mediated selec- that on the ‘Vasconian’ (Deschamps, 2014), and recently obtained tion than on the natural availability of faunal resources. Given these findings, we are going to explore, through an integral analysis of lithic technology (Rios-Garaizar, 2007), similar relationships between the variability in lithic technology and environmental E-mail addresses: [email protected], [email protected]. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2016.02.020 1040-6182/© 2016 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA. All rights reserved. J. Rios-Garaizar / Quaternary International 433 (2017) 50e63 51

Table 1 Assemblage composition of Amalda and Axlor LMP levels.

Amalda VII Axlor A Axlor B Axlor C Axlor D Axlor N Axlor III Axlor IV Axlor V Axlor VI Axlor VII Axlor VIII

Core 29 2 3 3 1 11 15 40 12 22 7 Flake 601 16 41 22 61 487 157 1248 378 535 104 139 Resharpening ﬂake 135 11 190 59 344 26 409 5684 1023 255 8 2 Fragments and debris <10 mm 159 16 236 111 907 na 147 3123 622 36 12 8 Used/Flaked pebble 1 1 1 8 1 Retouched tools 156 5 305 17 49 89 325 2557 776 485 74 99 Bifacial tools 3 Total 1084 50 775 212 1363 613 1054 12,660 2812 1333 198 255 % Flint 74.9% 70.5% 81.3% 64.3% 80.9 42.6% 87% 85.2% 803% 61.6% 49% 56.2

features, cultural traditions or the socio-economic organization of France, and a chronological organization of the different Middle Neanderthal populations. Paleolithic technocomplexes has been recently proposed (Jaubert, Taking into account that the available information is quite un- 2012). even, we have chosen to use the directly analyzed sequence at Besides the direct analysis of the published data, we have also Axlor (Rios-Garaizar, 2012a) and the information obtained from the directly analyzed, and following the same methodology, many of only Mousterian level at Amalda (Rios-Garaizar, 2010) to describe the lithic assemblages included in this study (see Rios-Garaizar, the major characteristics of regional LMP lithic technology 2005, 2010, 2012a, 2016; Rios-Garaizar and Mozota, 2012; Rios- (Table 1). We will then use the available archaeological information Garaizar et al. 2010, 2013, 2015). The collections from Koskobilo, to discuss the directly obtained results in order to present a Mugarduia N and Arrillor have been quickly observed in order to comprehensive description of the LMP lithic technology in this gain a better insight of Middle Paleolithic technological variability region. in the region.

2. Materials and methods 3. Results

The main results from the analysis of the Axlor and Amalda 3.1. Axlor assemblages will be summarized. This techno-functional analysis was designed to provide insights into the economic organization Situated at the head of Arratia Valley, close to the mountain and social structure of Neanderthal groups. To do so, lithic assem- passes of Dima and Barazar (<600 m.a.s.l), the caves of Balzola blages will be discussed from an integral viewpoint. This will (Regalado et al. 2012) and Axlor have Middle Paleolithic levels. The evaluate the raw material procurement strategies, production Axlor rock shelter was discovered in 1932 by J. M. Barandiaran, and systems, and management and use of lithic implements using this was the last site he excavated between 1967 and 1974 available contextual information. The analysis assumes that each of (Barandiaran, 1980). These excavations dug through a long strati- the steps in the decision-making process involved in lithic pro- graphic sequence (levels III to VIII) containing Middle Paleolithic duction and use are interdependent, and production itself depends assemblages (Fig. 2). More recently, starting in 1999 a team led by J. on the needs, objectives and limits of a given Paleolithic society E. Gonzalez-Urquijo, J. J. Ibanez,~ and J. Rios-Garaizar (Rios-Garaizar (Dobres and Hoffman, 1994; Stout, 2002; Rios-Garaizar, 2007, et al., 2003; Gonzalez-Urquijo et al., 2014), re-excavated the entire 2012a). The indirectly-obtained data have also been processed and sequence (levels A to N), adding some previously-unknown levels interpreted following the same approach. to the sequence (PeR) (Fig. 2). The lithic assemblage recovered Information on other Middle Paleolithic sites in the region during the 1967e74 excavations was originally studied by Baldeon (Fig. 1) was systematically recovered from the available publica- (1999) and later by Rios-Garaizar (2012a). The material recovered tions. One of the main problems faced when compiling this review during the new excavations has only been partially studied, but is the inconsistency in the kind of information available. Most of the relevant data are available for the LMP levels at the site (Gonzalez- sites have never been published in detail and the type and quality of Urquijo et al., 2006, 2005; Rios-Garaizar, 2004, 2005). Detailed in- information available on excavation procedures, stratigraphy, formation on the faunal assemblages and human remains is also faunal, and lithic assemblages is quite variable. Additionally, all this available (Basabe, 1973; Altuna, 1989; Castanos,~ 2005). The levels information has been approached using different methodologies, noted ﬁrst during Barandiaran's and later during Gonzalez/Ibanez/~ making it difﬁcult to synthesize it. Another major drawback is the Rios-Garaizar's excavations do not entirely correspond. The basal absence of radiometric dates, which are only available for a few levels from Barandiaran's sequence (VI to VIII) can be linked to the levels. Moreover, the only long sequence covering the Late Middle more-recently excavated levels N and M, and the Upper levels (III to Paleolithic to have been published in some detail is that from the V) to levels B to F. Axlor rock shelter excavated by J.M. Barandiaran (Barandiaran, The long sequence at Axlor reveals the nature of technological 1980), while others such as Arrillor (Saenz de Buruaga, 2014)or and cultural changes brought about by Neanderthal groups in this Abri Olha 2 (Lapace and Saenz de Buruaga, 2000; Deschamps, 2010) region. One of the levels below the original sequence excavated by have only been partially published or are pending a more detailed Barandiaran, level R, was recently studied (Lazuen and Gonzalez- publication of their archaeological assemblages. Some review Urquijo, 2015). This level has been attributed to MIS5e4 and the works have been published in the last 30 years, with those industry recovered from a very small surface is described as EMP. Its by Baldeon (1990a),Saenz de Buruaga (2000) and Arrizabalaga position below the undated level N-VIII has been used as sup- (2005) being the most thorough. We also undertook this review porting evidence for this attribution, but the reality is that there are task in 2007 (Rios-Garaizar, 2012a), but important developments no dates or environmental data to support such a claim. Moreover, have taken place since then. Similar problems and efforts have been the lithic assemblage is very different to those noted at key EMP already developed for neighboring regions, particularly for SW regional sequences (Lezetxiki VI and VII, Arlanpe SQ1e3, Castillo 52 J. Rios-Garaizar / Quaternary International 433 (2017) 50e63

Fig. 1. Map of the Eastern Cantabrian Region with the main sites mentioned in the text.

24e26) (Alvarez-Alonso and Arrizabalaga, 2012; Alvarez-Alonso, material used (sandstone pebble), albeit rarely used for tool mak- 2014; Rios-Garaizar et al., 2015). These differences are revealed in ing, was very common in the surroundings and, thus, is not the high use of imported flint, in the relevance of ramified pro- extraordinary in the Axlor sequence. ductions, in the near absence of Levallois technology and in the The lithic assemblages from these levels reveal a complex pro- absence of bifacial macro-tools. visioning strategy based on the transport of ready-made flint The lower part of the sequence (levels VI, VII, VIII, MeN) has not blanks and tools; the maintenance of these tools; the re-use of been directly dated, but there is some indication, based on the some of them to generate an in situ secondary production through abundance of red deer, that these occupations took place during a aramified Levallois system; and the use of local raw materials temperate MIS3 event. The most characteristic feature of these (mudstone and quartz) as substitutes for the exhausted flint tools levels is the presence of repeatedly-used fireplaces, more so in (Gonzalez-Urquijo et al. 2006; Rios-Garaizar et al. 2015b)(Fig. 3: levels N-VIII (Rios-Garaizar et al. 2003; Gonzalez-Urquijo et al., 12e13). Flint in this level was mostly obtained from northern 2008). The faunal assemblage is mainly composed of red deer sources (Flysch flint) although southern sources (Trevino~ and (Altuna, 1989). Some bone tools have been identified, among them Urbasa), and even more distant ones, were also used (Gonzalez- bone retouchers, a chisel, some retouched bone fragments and a Urquijo et al. 2006). The predominant technological features are possible bone fragment decorated with parallel incisions (Mozota, those of recurrent centripetal Levallois exploitation systems (Fig. 3: 2012). In level VIII Barandiaran recovered a pebble with anthro- 1e9, 11), with a prevalent micro-levallois production (Fig. 3:1e2, pogenic modifications interpreted by Barandiaran and Apellaniz as 6e7). The toolkit primarily comprises flat side-scrapers (Fig. 3: representing a decoration. A recent re-analysis of the piece vali- 10e11) and denticulates. Points are quite abundant, with some very dates the hypothesis of intentional modification with symbolic light points showing a number of impact traces found amongst meaning (García-Diez et al. 2013), but, in our opinion, no conclusive them (Rios-Garaizar, 2007, 2012b)(Fig. 3:8e9). All these features technological argument has been given to support such an inter- indicate residential occupations entailing complex subsistence and pretation. This opinion is based on the poor conservation of the flat tool provisioning systems. surface of the pebble; on the irregularity of the putative grooves; on Axlor's Upper Sequence (levels FeB, VeIII) has been dated to the the fact that the more plausible technological or use related origins end of the Middle Paleolithic. Level D has two radiocarbon dates: of the traces has not been ruled out; and in the fact that the 42,010 ± 1280 uncalBP (AMS on bone, Beta-144262, Gonzalez- J. Rios-Garaizar / Quaternary International 433 (2017) 50e63 53

Fig. 2. Synthetic plan and section of Axlor's 1967e1974 and 1999e2008 excavations. The excavation plan has been adapted from the original by L. Teira published in Rios-Garaizar et al. (2003). The 1967e1974 section has been adapted from the original by J. M. Barandiaran 1980.

Urquijo and Ibanez,~ 2002) and >43,000 uncalBP (AMS on bone, and D) are thick palimpsests that reveal repeated occupations at the Beta-225486, Rios-Garaizar, 2012a). Level F, at the base of the Upper site. On the other hand, levels E and C, although they have an Sequence, has yielded two radiocarbon dates, >47,500 uncalBP and anthropogenic origin, are significantly less dense in findings, sug- 33,310 ± 360 uncalBP (Beta-225487 and Beta-225485, both AMS on gesting that they represent more ephemeral occupations bone, Rios-Garaizar, 2012a). These dates are quite problematic, (Gonzalez-Urquijo et al., 2014). Moreover for level C several refit- especially the latter one, which situates the base of level F around tings have been obtained, suggesting that it represents an almost 33 kyr BP. Different interpretations are possible given this scenario, synchronic occupation (Rios-Garaizar, 2004). Level B represents a but there probably are contamination problems, similar to those slightly more intense occupation where some form of space orga- detected at other sites (e.g. Arrillor e Higham et al. 2014). Never- nization has been observed. During the excavation made in 2000 a theless, mounting evidence suggests that the level D palimpsest particular semi-circular concentration of limestone blocks, with an formed around 45 kyr BP so the level C and level B occupations empty space inside from previous excavations made by must be slightly younger. Inside this Upper Sequence some levels (F Barandiaran, was recorded. It was also documented a gradual 54 J. Rios-Garaizar / Quaternary International 433 (2017) 50e63

Fig. 3. Lithic materials from Axlor's Levallois levels: 1e2: Levallois cores on flake; 3e7 Levallois flakes; 8e9: Elongated Mousterian points; 10e11: Side-scrapers; 12: Mudstone unipolar flake; 13: Mudstone simple side-scraper; 14: Mudstone Levallois flake. J. Rios-Garaizar / Quaternary International 433 (2017) 50e63 55 decrease of material density from this space towards the exterior of different knapping techniques were used (direct hard hammer the limestone block accumulation, suggesting some sort of dwell- percussion for type IV, soft hammer-bone retouchers-tangential ing, but more analysis are needed to assess the nature of this percussion for types II and III). As we have shown in previous probable structure (Rios-Garaizar, 2004). The faunal assemblage in works, this process enables the maintenance of side-scrapers and the Upper Sequence (levels FeB, VeIII) is dominated by red deer, the production of fresh flakes (Rios-Garaizar, 2004, 2005, 2012a; Bos/Bison, horses and goats (Altuna, 1989; Castanos,~ 2005), with Rios-Garaizar et al. 2015b). Side-scrapers were intensively evidence of intense carcass processing and almost no carnivore reduced until many of them were totally exhausted (see for remains. Bone tools are abundant with retouchers representing the example Fig. 4: 5). Resharpening flakes are very variable in size and predominant type (Mozota, 2012). There are also other bone tools morphology. A careful selection of bigger flakes (basically types III such as chisels (Mozota, 2008) or polishers (Mozota, 2009). and IV) to make new retouched tools, mostly side-scrapers (Fig. 4: The lithic assemblage from the Barandiaran excavations was 6e7), denticulates and slightly retouched flakes was observed in originally published by Baldeon (1999), and later reviewed by Rios- level B (Fig. 4:8e12). Usually these flakes are thinner and have Garaizar (2012a). The lithic materials recovered until 2003 from the edges that are significantly more acute than those from parent side- excavations undertaken by Gonzalez/Ibanez/Rios-Garaizar~ were scrapers. Retouched tools made on resharpening flakes represent initially studied by J. Rios-Garaizar (Rios-Garaizar et al. 2003; Rios- 38.7% of the total in level D and 32.8% in level B, which is indicative Garaizar, 2004, 2005, 2012a; Gonzalez-Urquijo et al., 2005, 2006). of the importance of this process. The abundance of bone re- Later on, the 2004e2008 materials were again partially studied by touchers found in these levels further strengthens this idea J. Rios-Garaizar (unpublished). There is also a contribution to the (Mozota, 2012). knowledge of level D made by Frías (2013), but some of the data The use of raw materials such as mudstone or quartz is presented there contradict our own observations of level D, which completely different. In mudstone two unipolar cores that pro- prevents the use of this information. An example of this contra- duced elongated flakes (laminar flakes) were recovered in level B diction is the proportion of resharpening flakes observed by Frías and C, and several refitting sequences have been obtained in this (~5%), which, if we compare it to our own data from levels D and IV material. The blanks obtained this way are long, thin and with acute (>50%), seems far too small. Most of the materials from recent edges (Fig. 4:13e14), traits almost impossible to obtain with the excavations (1999e2008) were never deposited in the Arkeologi ramified Quina production made on flint at the site. Besides, a type Museoa of Bilbao and therefore remain inaccessible. 3 cleaver made on ophite flake (109 Â 96 Â 24 mm) was recovered The technological analysis of the lithic assemblages from Axlor's in level C (Fig. 4: 15), and a chopper made on sandstone in level D. Upper Sequence reveals a complex provisioning strategy, which is In levels III to V from Barandiaran's excavations four more big flakes based on the transport of ready-made flint blanks and tools; the with transversal edges made on mudstone were found. Addition- maintenance and reuse of these tools, with evidence of a ramified ally, 10 choppers and chopping tools made on mudstone, tobaceous Quina system; and the occasional use of other materials (Mudstone, mudstone, sandstone and quartzite were identified. Tobaceous Mudstone-aka Vulcanite-, Quartz) to obtain different The characteristics of these levels suggest that they are the tools that made up the available toolkit. result of successive occupations of the rock shelter, in which the The proportion of flint use is very high, comprising more than intensive curation, production and use of lithic tools can be noted. 80% of the total assemblage in levels B, D, IIIeV. The ratio of Additionally, the abundance of intensively-processed faunal re- northern (Flysch) to southern (Urbasa and Trevino)~ flint sources is mains (Castanos,~ 2005), many of them selected to be used in variable ranging from ca. 2:1 in levels B and C to ca. 1:1 in level D. different activities (flint knapping, chiseling, polishing), and the Flint assemblages are characterized by the production of big-sized absence of visible structures such as fireplaces, point to repeated, flakes using a Quina system. Major features supporting this claim intense and short occupations. Moreover, the fact that the tech- include the asymmetrical section of the flakes, the frequent capture nological provisioning system relies on the import of tools and on a of cortical backs, the existence of negatives that indicate the exis- ramified production, while local raw-materials are used only to tence of previous changes in flaking surfaces, and the presence of make large-sized tools, or tools with long cutting edges, reveals typical platforms (broad flat, flat a pan, asymmetrical dihedral). important differences with the more long-duration occupations Almost no cores were found in these levels, but the presence of a identified in Axlor's Lower Sequence. Therefore, the Upper typical Quina core in level B is noteworthy (Fig. 4: 3). This pro- Sequence can be interpreted as a palimpsest of ephemeral occu- duction took place away from the site, probably near the major flint pations dedicated to processing carcasses and animal by-products outcrops where, at several sites around the Kurtzia Flysch outcrop, such as bone, marrow or hide. typical Quina cores and flakes have been identified. These flakes, Above level B, the rock shelter was only occupied sporadically. transformed into Quina side-scrapers, were transported to the site. The lithic assemblage from level A is small (34 remains), plus 8 Few flakes in these assemblages can be linked to centripetal pro- more pieces recovered by Barandiaran in level II. Between 2006 and duction systems (Levallois or Discoid). There are also few examples 2008 levels I and II from Barandiaran's excavations were excavated of what could possibly be bladelet cores, similar to those described in less than 1 m2 and some materials from level A were also from Morin, Covalejos or Esquilleu (Maillo-Fernandez, 2005; recovered. Above it, in level I, some Upper Paleolithic materials Martín et al. 2006; Cuartero et al., 2007). Having said this, no real were also found (Gonzalez-Urquijo, 2009). Level II-A is probably the bladelets have been recovered in these levels. result of the last Middle Paleolithic occupations at the site, and Once at the site, the Quina side-scrapers were curated and used curiously, even though material is scarce, the Quina features are not as second generation cores, following a typical ramified Quina so evident and there is less use of imported flint than in levels B or production system which has been identified at several sites in D(Rios-Garaizar, 2004). France and northern Spain (Bourguignon, 1997; Bourguignon et al. 2004; Costamagno et al., 2006; Cuartero et al. 2015; Soressi, 2004) 3.2. Amalda (Fig. 4:1e2, 4e5). This process was continuously reproduced at the site, such that most of the artifacts in all these levels are typical Further east, in the Urola valley, one can find the cave of Amalda, resharpening flakes (Rios-Garaizar, 2012a). Among them hinged, an important site excavated in the 1980s by Altuna et al. (1990). The overshot and Clactonian flakes (types II, III and IV sensu Middle Paleolithic level (VII) is found at the base of the archaeo- Bourguignon, 1997) are the most common types, implying that logical deposit (Fig. 5). This level was originally assigned to MIS4 56 J. Rios-Garaizar / Quaternary International 433 (2017) 50e63

Fig. 4. Lithic materials from Axlor's Quina levels. 1e2: Transverse Quina side-scrapers; 3 Quina core; 4e5: Convergent Quina exhausted side-scrapers; 6: Transverse side-scraper made on type IV resharpening flake;: Lateral simple side-scraper made on type IV resharpening flake; 8e12: Resharpening flakes with use-related retouch or small retouch modifications; 13e14: Elongated flakes made on mudstone; 15: Simple cleaver made on ophite from level C. due to its stratigraphic position above Eemian sediments (MIS5e), occupation pattern has been observed (Rios-Garaizar, 2012a). The but there are doubts regarding this chronology as it is likely more faunal assemblage was interpreted as representing the intensive recent (Rios-Garaizar, 2012a). The archaeological occupations hunting of Rupricapra rupicapra (Altuna et al., 1990). A recent extend over a large surface (around 60 m2) where a structured revision of the faunal assemblage undertaken by J. Yravedra has J. Rios-Garaizar / Quaternary International 433 (2017) 50e63 57

Fig. 5. Plan and section of Amalda's excavation. Originals adapted from J. Altuna et al., 1990. questioned the anthropic origin of the Rupricapra remains' accu- and Kombewa-like exploitation, which probably took place during mulation, and, in turn, suggesting a carnivore origin to it (Yravedra, the first stages of flake Levallois productions (Fig. 6: 1). The pres- 2006, 2007). This interpretation, however, has also been ques- ence of a Quina ramified production has been identified, and lastly tioned by some authors (Rios-Garaizar, 2012a) and even rejected by some elongated flakes were obtained from a burin-like kind of others (Altuna and Mariezkurrena, 2010). production (Rios-Garaizar, 2010; Rios-Garaizar et al. 2015b). The lithic assemblages were originally studied by Baldeon The tobaceous mudstone was managed in a specific way: the (1990b) and then reviewed by us (Rios-Garaizar, 2010, 2012a). initial reduction stages were carried out away from the site, but Flint is the most used material, with the Upper Cretaceous Flysch probably in a nearby locality. Then, ready-prepared Discoid cores (15e60 km) the most used variety. Occasionally other flint sources and big cortical flakes were brought to the cave. The cores were located in the south (45e75 km), namely Urbasa and Trevino,~ were exploited to obtain big-sized, triangular and asymmetrical flakes also used. The second most important raw material is tobaceous (pseudolevallois points) (Fig. 6:4e5), while cortical flakes were mudstone, whose primary source is located close to the site and transformed into retouched tools. A number of pebbles were also whose pebbles can be easily found on the Urola riverbanks near the transformed into simple handaxes. Lastly, the rest of the raw ma- site (Arrizabalaga and Tarrino,~ 2010; Kortabitarte, 2011). Other terials, namely ophite, sandstone and mudstone, were specifically rocks, such as ophite, limestone, sandstone, mudstone or limonite, used to produce big-sized tools, some of them big flakes with which are present in the surroundings, were used less intensively transversal edges classifiable as Type 7 Hachereau (sensu. Benito del (Rios-Garaizar, 2010). Rey, 1973)(Fig. 6: 9), some of them more typical cleavers on flake These different rocks were transported back to the site under and on pebble (Fig. 6:11). different formats. Flysch flint was introduced as raw flakes or Use-wear analyses have provided insights into the different conformed tools; there are only two low quality nodules that activities carried out at the site and the relationship between suggest direct catchment. Other flint types were transported back technology, typology and function (Rios-Garaizar, 2010). The ac- as retouched tools produced away from the site, mostly side- tivities identified are butchery, wood and hideworking, for which scrapers. Flint blanks and retouched tools were intensively tobaceous mudstone, mudstone and ophite flakes and tools, curated and exploited at the site (Fig. 6: 10). Different second including hand-axes and cleavers, were used in their initial phases, generation flake production strategies have been documented at when weight and massive edges were needed. On the other hand, the site. Among them the most important are the ramified Levallois imported flint tools were used during the intermediate phases of and Discoid productions used to obtain small flakes (Fig. 6:2,6e8); the hide and woodworking activities, shaping the rough-outs into 58 J. Rios-Garaizar / Quaternary International 433 (2017) 50e63

Fig. 6. Lithic materials from Amalda's level VII. 1e2: Levallois cores on flake; 3: Mousterian point; 4e5: Tobaceous mudstone pseudolevallois points; 6e8: Small Levallois flakes; 9: Big ophite flake with transversal edge; 10: Quina side-scraper; 11: Mudstone Type 0 cleaver (2/3 actual size). J. Rios-Garaizar / Quaternary International 433 (2017) 50e63 59 almost finished tools. Lastly, small flakes and tools were used for found at the base of the sequence (Laplace and Saenz de Buruaga, precision butchery, and for the finalization or repairing of the 2000), could also correspond with this phase. Few technological wooden tools, hide garments, ligatures, etc. data are available for this assemblage, but the presence of Quina The site of Amalda III, close to Amalda, yielded a lithic collection and Levallois technologies, the use of resharpening flakes and the very similar to that of Amalda's level VII, with Discoid exploitation presence of mousterian points have been attested. of tobaceous mudstone and the presence of typical Mousterian The next phase corresponds with the Vasconian Mousterian tools such as side-scrapers and Mousterian points. comprising Cleavers and Discoid technology (Deschamps, 2010, 2014). The Late Mousterian horizon found at the sites around 4. Discussion and conclusions Bayonne (Le Prisse and Jupiter), dated between 34 ± 3 and 50 ± 5 ka, have yielded lithic assemblages with Discoid technology, Defining the temporal limits of the LMP in the Eastern Canta- Type 0 cleavers and typical Mousterian hand-axes (Colonge et al. brian Region is quite a complex endeavor given our limited 2015). Similar assemblages have been excavated at Gatzarria's knowledge of its chronology at many sites and sequences. Also, the level Cjr, which yielded a >47.4 ka date (Barshay-Szmidt et al. 2012), lack of information on the material culture associated to the last and in Abauntz's level H which has been dated by AMS to >45 ka phases of the Middle Paleolithic in comparison to the earlier phases and by AAR to 47 ± 7ka(Utrilla et al. 2015). The levels from Olha 2's (EMP) hampers its definition. Medium Complex have a Discoid-based technology, with evidence Using the Axlor sequence as an example, and comparing it with of secondary productions and a number of cleavers and Mousterian the available archaeological record, we can put forward a hypoth- hand-axes (Deschamps, 2010), although the chronological position esis on the chrono-cultural articulation of the Middle Paleolithic in of this level remains uncertain. Some of these characteristics are the Eastern Cantabrian Region. This of course needs to be tested also found in Amalda's level VII, but in this occasion with a greater against more precise datings, environmental data and additional presence of Levallois and ramified productions (Rios-Garaizar, technological analyses. Despite this, we propose the existence of 2010), this raises some questions about whether we should different phases from ca. 170 to 40 ka BP. These phases are strati- include this assemblage in the Vasconian technocomplex, or indi- graphically and chronologically defined, but are also strongly linked cate that the presence of cleavers is not enough for such attribution. to particular technocomplexes and are, in our opinion, true Moreover, for Amalda's level VII there are serious chronological behavioral trends that define the historical evolution of Neander- uncertainties, an initial Würm chronology was initially assigned to thal populations in this region. Amalda level VII's Middle Paleolithic occupations (Altuna et al. The first phase corresponds with the regional EMP, and is still 1990), but in our opinion (see Rios-Garaizar, 2012a for a more under evaluation. Data obtained at Arlanpe and Lezetxiki provide detailed discussion), and given the nature of its lithic assemblage, it some insights into Late Middle Pleistocene human occupations is probably related to the later phases of LMP. Nevertheless, this (MIS7e5e). We can note the existence of an early phase of this EMP matter will be only solved through direct dating. characterized by a lack of bifacial tools (hand-axes and cleavers), Given all this information the stratigraphic position and the which is represented at Lezetxiki in its levels VII and VI (Alvarez- chronology of the Vasconian is still unclear. The chronology of these Alonso and Arrizabalaga, 2012); at Arlanpe in SQ1 and SQ2 (Rios- levels is difficult to establish. Most of the Vasconian levels seem to Garaizar et al. 2015a): and probably at Ventalaperra's level III have a chronology around 50 ka BP. At the Jupiter open-air site, the (Rios-Garaizar, 2016) and at Atxagakoa (Lopez-Quintana et al. Vasconian occupation layer is found over a sedimentary unit dated 2005). In these assemblages lithic raw-material provisioning re- by OSL to 50 ± 5 ka, which would be coherent with the >50 ka lies on local rocks, but moderate amounts of imported tools and hypothesis. Some other levels from the Cantabrian Region have also flakes made on distant flint are also present. For flint and mudstone been linked to the Vasconian (Deschamps, 2014). For example, level production the use of Levallois and Discoid methods is noted, and 20e at El Castillo (Sanchez-Fern andez and Maillo-Fernandez, 2007) these are sometimes combined with other systems such as SSDA has a Discoid-based technology with cleavers. All the dates asso- (Systeme par surface de debitage alterne) or even blade pro- ciated with level 20 were obtained from Mousterian a from Ober- ductions. The presence of ramified productions does not constitute maier's excavations and these range between 42.1 ± 1.5 ka and an important part of the lithic assemblage. A later phase of this EMP >47.3 (Bernaldo de Quiros et al. 2006). Also La Vina's~ level XIII, is exemplified in the SQ3 assemblage from Arlanpe, which shares which was originally dated to 48.1 ± 1.6 ka, was defined as a Quina many characteristics with the so-called Late Acheulean or Southern Mousterian with cleavers (Fortea, 1999). Recent dates obtained Acheulean defined for SW France (Turq et al. 2010). The Complex III from this level push back its chronology to >55 ka (Higham et al. of Jupiter too (Colonge et al. 2015) and perhaps also Lezetxiki's level 2014). Lastly, the date from Harregi is not associated with a clear V(Baldeon, 1993) or some of the basal levels at Zerratu (Saenz de stratigraphic context (Saenz de Buruaga and Ebrad, 2004) and the Buruaga and Mujika Alustiza, 2003, 2004) can be linked to this dates from Noisetier's couche 1 (Mourre et al. 2008) seem too technocomplex. The main features of these assemblages are the use recent (between 31.5 and 42 ka BP) to be considered representative of local raw materials, and the presence of bifacial shaping using of the chronology of the Vasconian. It seems so that there are thick hand-axes and simple cleavers. Flake production is charac- serious problems not only to define the chronological position of terized by the use of more simple reduction systems, such as SSDA the Vasconian, but to find a common nexus between these in- in the case of Arlanpe, which are accompanied by some Discoid and dustries other than the mere presence of cleavers, because they Levallois products. occur in Quina, Levallois and Discoid assemblages. Following the Eemian interglacial few human occupations have Slightly after this phase of Discoid technology with cleavers, it is been documented between the late part of MIS5 and MIS4 worth noting the presence of a Levallois-based technology in (~60e95 ka). Nevertheless there are levels situated at the base of Axlor's levels MeN (VIeVIII), in Arrillor's Medium Complex (Amk some sequences (Axlor's level R, and Arrillor's Lower Complex) that and Smkl), and in Gatzarria's level Cj (Laplace and Saenz de could be placed within this timeframe. The Middle Paleolithic levels Buruaga, 2003; Ready, 2013). These levels are characterized by at Askondo (11e13) have been dated back to ca. 68 ka (Rios- the presence of structured and repeated fireplaces, which evidence Garaizar and Garate, 2012; Torres and Ortiz, 2012); the Patinated an increased residentiality, and by a subsistence strategy based on Series found around Bayonne, which has also been dated to ca. 68 ka selected prey, red deer in the case of Axlor's level N-VIII (Colonge et al. 2015), and the Olha 2's levels SieSm, which are (Rios-Garaizar and García Moreno, 2015) and Gatzarria's Cj (Ready, 60 J. Rios-Garaizar / Quaternary International 433 (2017) 50e63

2013). Arrillor's Amk and Axlor's level N suggest they were formed 45 ka, evidence a worsening of climatic conditions. Bos/Bison and under temperate climatic conditions (Hoyos et al. 1999; Gonzalez- horses represent an important part of the diet, and species such as Urquijo et al. 2005; Iriarte-Chiapusso et al. 2014). Arrillor's level reindeer make an appearance (Gomez-Olivencia et al. 2014). There Amk and Gatzarria's level Cj have been dated to ca. 45e50 ka is no clear evidence of residentiality because the levels are inter- (Ready and Morin, 2013), which roughly coincides with the preted as representing palimpsests formed by repeated short and DO12e15 interval. In these levels the lithic raw material provi- intensive occupations. At Arrillor the levels situated in the Basal sioning system relied on the use of local raw materials (mudstone Complex (Smc and Smb) have been defined as being ‘Denticulate for Arrillor and Axlor, quartzite for Gatzarria). Flint-made side- Mousterian’ (Iriarte-Chiapusso et al. 2014). However, the available scrapers, Mousterian points and flakes were imported to these sites description of the industrial assemblages, with a lithic industry making up, in the case of Axlor N, less than 50% of the total number made on low quality local flint with denticulates, side-scrapers, of artifacts. It is worth noting the relative abundance of Mousterian some of them thick, associated to bone retouchers, suggest that points in Axlor's levels N-VIII, many of them elongated. The use- these assemblages could have a Quina component. Isturitz's level M wear analysis carried out on these points has revealed that they has been classified as being a Quina Mousterian, but problems with were used as hunting weapon tips (Rios-Garaizar, 2012b), probably this level are similar to those mentioned for level P (Delporte, 1974). in distance hunting. A recurrent Levallois knapping strategy was The faunal assemblage shows an increase in the types and number used at Axlor, both for mudstone and flint production. Isturitz's of cold-adapted fauna, such as reindeer, mammoth and woolly- level P has yielded a lithic assemblage with a clear Levallois rhino. The lithic industry is dominated by flint tools, many thick component, with flat side-scrapers and Mousterian points which Quina side-scrapers and no cleavers. The level has also yielded appear alongside some core-like bifaces and atypical cleavers some bone retouchers. Lastly, Lezetxiki's level III has some tech- (Delporte, 1974). In this level several fireplaces have also been nological characteristics, despite the admixture with Aurignacian recorded and the faunal assemblage is dominated by red deer and materials, which link it to these Quina assemblages (Baldeon, 1993). horse. Nevertheless, the fact that these level was excavated in the Lastly, there are few levels on top of the Mousterian sequences early 20th century, and that there are not detailed records about the at Axlor and Arrillor that display a number of particular charac- stratigraphy, taphonomic issues, etc., raises some questions about teristics, different to those of previous levels, which remain poorly its integrity and relevance. Lezetxiki's level IV, with fireplaces and a known. In Arrillor's upper levels (Lmc and Lamc) the faunal red deer-dominated faunal assemblage, has technological features assemblage is dominated by red deer, and the lithic assemblage is that link it to these ‘Levallois’ levels (Baldeon, 1993). Lastly, the characterized by the use of high quality flint, and a toolkit recently reviewed El Cuco sequence has shown to have some levels, composed by side-scrapers, denticulates, points and some Upper especially level VII, with a clear ramified Levallois (microlevallois) Paleolithic-like tools (Saenz de Buruaga, 2014). Level Lmc was production (Rasines et al. in preparation). originally dated to 37,100 ± 1000 (BP OxA-6106) (Hoyos et al. 1999), Above these ‘Levallois’ levels a remarkable change in lithic and recently to 44,900 ± 2100 (OxA 21986) for level Lmc, and technology can be observed at Axlor. The lithic assemblages from 45,600 ± 2300 (OxA 22654) and >46,800 (OxA 22654) for Lamc levels VeIII (FeB) show a flint-made Quina industry, also with an (Higham et al. 2014). abundance of bone retouchers and strong evidence of recycling and The articulation of the regional Middle Paleolithic in six separate secondary-flake production, as well as some big flakes with phases reveals a certain pattern of cultural change between ca. 170 transversal edges, even real cleavers. These levels, dated to ca. and 40 ka BP (Fig. 7). As we have noted in the case of Axlor these

Fig. 7. Model proposed for the chronological organization of the different Middle Paleolithic technocomplexes from eastern Cantabrian and western Pyrenean regions. * The adscription of Amalda's level VII to any technocomplex is very difficult, and no precise chronology is available. ** Isturitz's levels P and M come from old excavations, this introduces some cautions about their integrity and significance. J. Rios-Garaizar / Quaternary International 433 (2017) 50e63 61 changes are related to major transformations in settlement dy- Javier Baena, Alvaro Arrizabalaga, Jose M. Maillo, Diego Garate, namics and landscape use, which could have also been influenced Alejandro García and Asier Gomez improved significantly this by environmental changes. The Levallois phase is probably related work. Three anonymous reviewers made comments on the original to the warm conditions taking place just after DO14 (54e50 ka BP), manuscript that helped significantly to improve it. which triggered the significant expansion of the Atlantic forest (Sanchez-Go ni~ et al. 2008). These temperate conditions coincide with more stable occupations, and the technological behavior References seems to be adapted to the needs arising from this stability. This can be seen in the use of local raw materials, which have enough quality Altuna, J., Baldeon, A., Mariezkurrena, K., 1990. La Cueva de Amalda (Zestoa, País Vasco). Ocupaciones Paleolíticas y Pospaleolíticas. Fundacion Jose Miguel to obtain Levallois products, and in the refining of ramified Levallois Barandiaran . production which helped in maximizing the life of imported raw Altuna, J., 1989. La subsistance d’origine animal pendant le Mousterien dans la region Cantabrique (Espagne). In: Pathou, M., Freeman, L.G. (Eds.), L'Homme de materials. The Quina phase, on the other hand, is related to the fi Neandertal. La Subsistance, Actes Du Colloque International de Liege, vol. 6. deterioration of climatic conditions, including a signi cant loss of ERAUL, Liege, pp. 41e43. woodland that took place during the H5 event (48e50 ka BP). In Altuna, J., Mariezkurrena, K., 2010. Tafocenosis en yacimientos del País Vasco con this case this coincides with less stable occupations and the tech- predominio de grandes carnívoros. Consideraciones sobre el yacimiento de Amalda. In: Baquedano, E., Rosell, J. (Eds.), Zona Arqueologica, No 13, Reunion nology was planned for being highly transportable and to satisfy de Científicos Sobre Cubiles de Hiena (y Otros Grandes Carnívoros) En Los the immediate need for tools that took place during these short and Yacimientos Arqueologicos de La Península Iberica (1. 2009. Alcala de Henares), intense occupation episodes. This succession of Levallois and Quina Vicepresidencia, Consejería de Cultura y Deporte y Portavocía del Gobierno. Museo Arqueologico Regional, Alcala de Henares, pp. 214e228. assemblages has also been noted at other Cantabrian sites such as Alvarez-Alonso, D., 2014. First Neanderthal settlements in northern Iberia: the Covalejos (Sanguino and Montes, 2005; Martín et al. 2006)orEl Acheulean and the emergence of Mousterian technology in the Cantabrian Esquilleu (Baena et al. 2012; Cuartero et al. 2015), giving the region. Quaternary International 326e327, 288e306. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/ j.quaint.2012.12.023. impression that this was a general phenomenon in this region. The Alvarez-Alonso, D., Arrizabalaga, A., 2012. La secuencia estratigrafica inferior de la existence of final Mousterian levels dated closer to 40 ka BP with cueva de Lezetxiki (Arrasate, País Vasco). Una reflexion necesaria. Zephyrus 69, different technologies (Levallois and Discoid) has also been in 15e29. Morin's level 11 (Maillo-Fernandez, 2007) and at El Esquilleu Arrizabalaga, A., 2005. Las primeras ocupaciones humanas en el Pirineo Occidental y Montes Vascos. Un estado de la cuestion en 2005. Munibe (Antropologia- (Baena et al. 2012). Arkeologia). Homen. al Prof. Jesús Altuna 57, 53e70. This correlation between environmental conditions and tech- Arrizabalaga, A., Tarrino,~ A., 2010. Caracterizacion de los recursos líticos utilizados en el yacimiento paleolítico de Irikaitz (Zestoa, Gipuzkoa). Un nuevo recurso nological choices probably means that human groups adapted to fl mineral: la vulcanita. In: Domínguez-Bella, S., Ramos, J., Gutierrez, J.M., uctuations in the environment by changing their technologies, as Perez, M. (Eds.), Minerales Y Rocas En Las Sociedades de La Prehistoria. Uni- has been suggested for SW and SE France, and for the Cantabrian versidad de Cadiz, Cadiz, pp. 91e97. 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Eusko Ikaskuntza, San Sebastian, same technological strategy was applied, as has been noted pp. 63e115. Baldeon, A., 1993. El yacimiento de Lezetxiki (Gipuzkoa, Pais Vasco). Los niveles amongst the Quina technology levels at Axlor (Rios-Garaizar, 2005), musterienses. Munibe 45, 3e97. revealing the existence of multiple levels of complexity that explain Baldeon, A., 1999. El abrigo de Axlor (Bizkaia, País Vasco). Las industrias líticas de the technological variability. We have certainly detected that fac- sus niveles musterienses. Munibe (Antropologia-Arkeologia) 51, 9e121. e tors not directly related to subsistence or environmental conditions Barandiaran, J.M., 1980. Excavaciones en Axlor. 1967 1974. In: Barandiaran, J.M. (Ed.), Obras Completas de Jose Miguel de Barandiaran, Tomo XVII. La Gran could have been operating in the selection and application of Enciclopedia Vasca, pp. 127e384. different technological solutions. 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The study of Barandiaran's collection from une speci cite du Mousterien? Paleo 16, 37 48. Carrion, E., Baena, J., Conde, C., Cuartero, F., Roca, M., 2008. Variabilidad tecnologica Axlor rock-shelter was funded by the Basque Government (Grant en el musteriense de Cantabria. Treballs d'Arqueologia 14, 279e318. number: BF107.67). This work was carried out at the Museo Vasco Castanos,~ P., 2005. Revision actualizada de las faunas de macromamíferos del Würm antiguo en la Region Cantabrica. In: Montes, R., Lasheras, J.A. (Eds.), Actas de La and the Arkeologi Museoa from Bilbao, at the IIIPC from Santander, fi Reunion Cientí ca: Neandertales Cantabricos. Estado de La Cuestion. Ministerio and at the Centro de Deposito de Materiales and Sociedad de de Cultura, Madrid, pp. 201e207. Ciencias Aranzadi from San Sebastian. The English version of this Colonge, D., Claud, E., Deschamps, M., Fourloubey, C., Hernandez, M., Sellami, F., manuscript was revised and corrected by Pía Spry-Marques. 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