Article
Anthropology
Maria-Dolores Garralda, Jose-Manuel Maillo-Fernandez, Bruno Maureille, Ana Neira, Federico Bernaldo de Quiros
Summary: Three deciduous tooth crowns resembling those of Neanderthals were found in El Castillo Cave in Spain, suggesting the presence of Neanderthal children in the area.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Sarah Borgel, Bruce Latimer, Yvonne McDermott, Rachel Sarig, Ariel Pokhojaev, Talia Abulafia, Mae Goder-Goldberger, Omry Barzilai, Hila May
Summary: This study describes and examines foot bones recovered from the Early Upper Paleolithic period at Manot Cave, Israel, which belonged to a young adult. The foot bones exhibit a modern human morphology, but also display some Neanderthal-like patterns. The presence of a healed traumatic injury suggests a supportive environment within the Manot Cave community, with mutual responsibilities among its members.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Anthropology
Francesco d'Errico, Africa Pitarch Marti, Yi Wei, Xing Gao, Marian Vanhaeren, Luc Doyon
Summary: The study reevaluates personal ornaments from Zhoukoudian Upper Cave and other Late Paleolithic Northern Chinese sites, documenting changes in ornament practices and technology. Visitors to the Upper Cave preferred teeth of badger, fox, red deer, tiger, and other animals, along with bones and shells, as ornaments. Analysis of technological data reveals correspondence between cultural layers and perforation techniques, showing variations in ornament technology.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Lise Alonso, Thomas Pommier, Danis Abrouk, Mylene Hugoni, Van Tran Van, Guillaume Minard, Claire Valiente Moro, Yvan Moenne-Loccoz
Summary: The dark zones in Lascaux Cave have distinct microbial communities compared to the black stains, although they share some similarities. There is a possibility that insects play a role in promoting both types of microbial alterations on the cave walls.
Article
Anthropology
Omry Barzilai, Ofer Marder, Israel Hershkovitz
Summary: Manot Cave is a unique relic karst cave located in the western Galilee of north-western Israel. It was inhabited by humans from the Late Middle Paleolithic to the Early Upper Paleolithic periods until its main entrance collapsed around 30 thousand years ago. The cave consists of an elongated main hall and two side chambers, and nine field seasons of excavations have revealed dense accumulations of Early Upper Paleolithic deposits in various areas of the cave.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Rachel J. A. Hopkins, Lawrence Guy Straus, Manuel R. Gonzalez Morales
Summary: El Miron in Cantabria, Spain, is an important archaeological site with evidence from the late Middle Paleolithic to the Modern Period. Radiocarbon dating has been crucial in understanding the temporal framework for human activity at the site, with 93 dates obtained over more than two decades. This data helps to enhance the accuracy of the chronostratigraphy and advance archaeological comparisons.
Article
Anthropology
Ron Shimelmitz, Steven L. Kuhn, Michael Bisson, Mina Weinstein-Evron
Summary: Through analyzing Layer J72S of Unit X in Tabun Cave and other Acheulo-Yabrudian cultural remains, the study reveals the technological and cultural changes during the transition from the Lower to Middle Paleolithic. This suggests that the shift from Lower to Middle Paleolithic may involve a synthesis of old and new technological concepts, rather than a simple displacement process.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Atsushi Uemine, Takaaki Watanabe, Fagang Wang, Masako Yamane
Summary: This study analyzed three lithic assemblages from the Shuilian Cave Site in Hebei Province, and found that the majority of artifacts correspond to the traditional small flake-tool industry in northern China. By examining lithic assemblages and human behavior, the adaptability of quartz small flake-tool industry was discussed.
QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
David E. Friesem, Ron Shimelmitz, Mara L. Schumacher, Christopher E. Miller, Andrew W. Kandel
Summary: This study presents a micro-geoarchaeological investigation of the sedimentary sequence in Sefunim Cave, Israel, spanning from the Middle Paleolithic to the early Epipaleolithic periods. The study utilizes FTIR and micromorphological techniques to reconstruct site use patterns and archaeological formation processes. The findings reveal common formation processes and taphonomic disturbances in Paleolithic cave sites in the Southern Levant, as well as an inverse correlation between human and carnivore activity. The study concludes that human activity at the site was characterized by varying intensity episodes, while also highlighting the close interactions between humans and carnivores in Paleolithic caves.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
C. Fritz, G. Tosello, G. Fleury, E. Kasarherou, Ph Walter, F. Duranthon, P. Gaillard, J. Tardieu
Summary: The study demonstrates that the Magdalenian people transformed a large seashell into a wind instrument, shedding light on a previously unknown musical dimension in Upper Paleolithic societies.
Article
Anthropology
Geoff M. Smith, Rosen Spasov, Naomi L. Martisius, Virginie Sinet-Mathiot, Vera Aldeias, Zeljko Rezek, Karen Ruebens, Sarah Pederzani, Shannon P. McPherron, Svoboda Sirakova, Nikolay Sirakov, Tsenka Tsanova, Jean-Jacques Hublin
Summary: The study at Bacho Kiro Cave in Bulgaria reveals a shift in site use and occupation intensity over time. There is an increased find density and human modifications in the Initial Upper Paleolithic layers, indicating more frequent or prolonged occupation. The dietary focus remains similar across layers, centered on the exploitation of species from various habitats.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Anthropology
Amos Frumkin, Omry Barzilai, Israel Hershkovitz, Micka Ullman, Ofer Marder
Summary: A karst survey in the western upper Galilee in Israel reveals karst as a dominant geomorphic factor, with Manot Cave being a relict chamber cave with unique characteristics. The cave may have been favored due to its small entrance and large inner chamber, suggesting preferences for different behavioral and cultural traits.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Diego Garate, Olivia Rivero, Joseba Rios-Garaizar, Ma Angeles Medina-Alcaide, Martin Arriolabengoa, Inaki Intxaurbe, Juan F. Ruiz-Lopez, Ana Belen Marin-Arroyo, Juan Rofes, Paula Garcia Bustos, Antonio Torres, Sergio Salazar
Summary: The Atxurra cave houses a collection of more than a hundred engraved animal depictions, located in deep parts of the cave and mostly hidden in raised areas. This archaeological record reveals the complexity of artistic production during the Upper Palaeolithic, with evidence of planning in terms of iconography, location, and lighting systems.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Henry Baills
Summary: This article discusses the shouldered objects found in the Santa Maria di Agnano cave in Puglia, Italy, exploring their relevance to the ancient Epigravettian period and their duration of existence. The status of these pieces as key fossils is also questioned.
Article
Anthropology
Diana Marcazzan, Christopher E. Miller, Bertrand Ligouis, Rossella Duches, Nicholas J. Conard, Marco Peresani
Summary: This study presents a detailed analysis of combustion features from Middle and Upper Paleolithic occupations at the Fumane cave site in Italy. The results show that only a few features are intact hearths, while others have been modified through anthropogenic activities. Additionally, the study reveals the presence of multi-layered features indicating various activities related to combustion and site maintenance. The analysis also indicates a decrease in the frequency of combustion features throughout the Mousterian period, with more well-defined and multi-layered features associated with the Protoaurignacian occupation.
JOURNAL OF ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Geography, Physical
Joao Cascalheira, Celia Goncalves, Daniela Maio
Summary: This paper provides an initial assessment of spatial patterning in human settlement during the Middle Palaeolithic of westernmost Iberia, revealing that site locations are biased toward lower elevations and riverine settings, with distance to rivers impacting the diversity and specific types of lithic raw materials used at each site. These results shed light on Neanderthal adaptations in a region considered a refugium during unfavourable climate periods in the Middle Palaeolithic.
JOURNAL OF QUATERNARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Milena Carvalho, Emily Lena Jones, M. Grace Ellis, Joao Cascalheira, Nuno Bicho, David Meiggs, Michael Benedetti, Lukas Friedl, Jonathan Haws
Summary: This study focuses on paleoenvironmental reconstruction using herbivore tooth enamel data, assessing whether central Portugal acted as a refugium for Neanderthals during unfavorable climate periods, and testing whether Neanderthals in Portuguese Estremadura reorganized their mobility strategies after severe climate events.
JOURNAL OF QUATERNARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Milena Carvalho, Nuno Bicho
Summary: Studies suggest that during the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition in the Balkan, Italian and Iberian peninsulas of southern Europe, late Neanderthal and early Anatomically Modern Human populations may have overlapped. Hypotheses and models propose that Neanderthals likely remained in, or migrated to, refugial zones while AMH populations colonized areas not suitable for, or abandoned by, Neanderthals.
JOURNAL OF QUATERNARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Nuno Bicho, Milena Carvalho
Summary: Neanderthals faced environmental and climatic instability and southern Europe, particularly the peninsular region, is believed to have served as a refuge for them. This special issue presents relevant data on the peninsular region as a potential refuge during the Middle Palaeolithic and transition to Upper Palaeolithic.
JOURNAL OF QUATERNARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Patrick Leopold Ruther, Immanuel Mirnes Husic, Pernille Bangsgaard, Kristian Murphy Gregersen, Pernille Pantmann, Milena Carvalho, Ricardo Miguel Godinho, Lukas Friedl, Joao Cascalheira, Alberto John Taurozzi, Marie Louise Schjellerup Jorkov, Michael M. Benedetti, Jonathan Haws, Nuno Bicho, Frido Welker, Enrico Cappellini, Jesper Velgaard Olsen
Summary: The authors developed a workflow called Species by Proteome INvestigation (SPIN) for analyzing archaeological bone using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, which is capable of identifying over 150 mammalian species with automated sample preparation and faster data acquisition. The SPIN method was successfully validated in both known reference bones and blind tests of Iron-Age material from Scandinavia, demonstrating its reproducibility and high throughput capabilities. This new method has the potential to expand to other biological tissues and taxa in the future.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Diana L. Thatcher, A. D. Wanamaker, R. F. Denniston, C. C. Ummenhofer, Y. Asmerom, V. J. Polyak, N. Cresswell-Clay, F. Hasiuk, J. Haws, D. P. Gillikin
Summary: This study presents a stalagmite carbon isotopic record from western Portugal that reveals regional hydroclimate variability over the past millennium. The record shows the non-stationary behavior of the Azores High system, which has a significant impact on the dry and wet conditions in the region. The synthesis of model and proxy records provides new insights into the study of North Atlantic Oscillation.
News Item
Anthropology
Emily Hallinan, Omry Barzilai, Amir Beshkani, Joao Cascalheira, Yuri E. Demidenko, Mae Goder-Goldberger, Yamandu H. Hilbert, Erella Hovers, Anthony E. Marks, Andreas Nymark, Deborah I. Olszewski, Maya Oron, Jeffrey I. Rose, Matthew Shaw, Vitaly I. Usik
EVOLUTIONARY ANTHROPOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Archaeology
Telmo Pereira, Patricia Monteiro, Eduardo Paixao, David Nora, Marina Evora, Carlos Simoes, Cleia Detry, Sandra Assis, Vania Carvalho, Trenton Holliday
Summary: Throughout prehistory, human groups constantly adapted to the changing regional environments caused by global and localized climatic fluctuations. The western coast of Iberia provides an exceptional case study due to the proximity between oceanic cores and archaeological sites, which allows for a better understanding of the relationship between paleoenvironmental conditions and human behavior. This paper presents the findings from the study of Pogo Rock Shelter, a site located in a canyon, and discusses the human responses to climate change and the connection between its different occupation periods and specific activities.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE-REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Emily Lena Jones, Milena Carvalho
Summary: In this article, the archaeofaunal record of Iberia dating between 60 and 30 ka is analyzed to explore potential differences between Neanderthal and anatomically modern human interactions with the environment. The study finds no significant compositional difference between Neanderthal and anatomically modern mammalian faunal assemblages, but anatomically modern human-affiliated assemblages exhibit stronger bioclimatic regionalization, indicating a potential difference in site occupation duration or foraging mobility between the two groups.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Ana B. Marin-Arroyo, Jeanne Marie Geiling, Emily Lena Jones, Milena Carvalho, Manuel R. Gonzalez Morales, Lawrence Guy Straus
Summary: This study reevaluates the settlement-subsistence models proposed by K.W. Butzer and L.G. Straus in the 1980s for the coastal greater Cantabrian region of Spain, using seasonality data from El Miron Cave in Cantabria. The results suggest that the cave was used as a long-term residential base camp and a short-term hunting camp during different periods, with a shift towards mainly warm season use in the Middle and Upper Magdalenian and Azilian periods. This challenges the previous belief that major residential base camps were strictly located in or adjacent to the coastal zone.
JOURNAL OF PALEOLITHIC ARCHAEOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emily Hallinan, Omry Barzilai, Nuno Bicho, Joao Cascalheira, Yuri Demidenko, Mae Goder-Goldberger, Erella Hovers, Anthony Marks, Maya Oron, Jeffrey Rose
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)