Lithic refitting and the analysis of Middle Palaeolithic settlement dynamics: a high-temporal resolution example from El Pastor rock shelter (Eastern Iberia)

Archaeostratigraphic study of the Stratigraphic Unit IV from the Middle Palaeolithic site of El Pastor (Eastern Iberia) has resulted on the definition of high-resolution analytical units mostly corresponding to micro-palimpsests formed during more than a single human occupation. Analysis of these anthropogenic assemblages has suggested their interpretation as remains from several short-term occupations performed by MIS 3-4 Neanderthals. In this paper, we present an evaluation of this interpretative proposal, focusing on the technical and spatial study of lithic refits. Our aim is to present an empirical work that also contributes to the methodological discussion about refitting studies and behavioural interpretation related to Palaeolithic settlement dynamics.