Small things matter: Microlaminar tools in the Magdalenian sequence of Cova de les Cendres (Alicante, Spain)

Abstract

The archaeological works conducted in Sector A in Cova de les Cendres from 2006 to 2016 documented different Magdalenian levels that increase the available information about Middle and Upper/Final Magdalenian in the Iberian Mediterranean basin. The microlaminar assemblages from levels XI and XII include scalene bladelets, truncated backed bladelets, backed bladelets and marginal backed bladelets, and bladelets with fine direct or inverse retouches. Their thorough analysis and quantification allow us to discriminate two phases in level XII, ascribed to Middle Magdalenian. The set of available datings and the characteristics of the lithic industry in these two units show the importance of this Magdalenian phase in this region. Prior to the Upper Magdalenian level XI, which is characterised by the presence of harpoons and a microlaminar assemblage composed of particularly small pieces, level XII of Cova de les Cendres shows a microlaminar succession defined by the unequal role of scalene bladelets and truncated backed bladelets. This evolution is compared with that of other Magdalenian sites in the Iberian Mediterranean region, Cantabrian region and South of France.