GIS analysis of the spatial distribution of Middle Palaeolithic artefacts in Kulna Cave (Czech Republic)

The archaeological materials from Kulna Cave have undergone various types of analyses as part of many different studies. Some of these have indicated the need to carry out a reconstruction of the spatial distribution of finds in order to focus on the ways in which the cave was divided. Having such knowledge, we could also explain more precisely the function of individual settlement horizons. The system of documentation, employed during the excavation of the cave, has made it difficult to analyse the spatial distributions using conventional methods. It is proposed using of GIS software spatial analysis simulations brought relevant and evident visualization. The results show that the utilisation of the cave changed with time. Along with simple structures attributed to the Taubachian, we also describe evidence of complex use of the interior of Kulna Cave during the Micoquian phase of settlement (around 50 ka calBP). Results of spatial distribution analyses indicate that the same functional division of the cave was maintained over time (e.g. layer 7a or 6a) and it consequently assumes a transmission of social knowledge within the organisation of the Kulna Cave space. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA. All rights reserved.