Lapa do Picareiro and the Gravettian-Solutrean Transition: Refining the Chronology of the Solutrean Techno-complex in Western Iberia.

Summary

The Solutrean techno-complex, traditionally divided into three broad temporal phases, has been an area of great interest for those studying human adaptations during the Upper Paleolithic, specifically the Last Glacial Maximum. Distinguishing more discrete phases of the Solutrean period is hampered by the lack of adequate radiocarbon dates from secured contexts. Currently, Solutrean stratigraphic information relies mostly on older excavations that produced lower resolution data. This paper presents new radiocarbon dates associated with Terminal Gravettian and Lower Solutrean archaeological contexts at the site of Lapa do Picareiro, in central Portugal. Using fine spatial recording methods and a complete series of carbon dates for lithic-bearing stratigraphy spanning the entire Solutrean sequence, new information is presented for the discussion on phases outside of the three-part chronology currently used to divided the Solutrean techno-complex. This Gravettian-Solutrean transitional phase, or what may be referred to as the Proto-Solutrean, is a main focus of this ongoing project. This paper will consider the broader implications of these new datasets on improving our understanding of Human adaption during the LGM and long distance contact between Iberian populations, helping archaeologists to better define the Solutrean in terms of its temporal and archaeological contexts.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)   •
• Upper Paleolithic Transitional "Moments" on the Iberian Peninsula

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 17569