Experimental use-wear on non-flint tools: Unraveling butchering processes at the Cueva Des-Cubierta site (Pinilla del Valle, Spain)

Abstract

The Cueva Des-Cubierta site (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid, Spain) contains a peculiar association of crania from large horned herbivores, which were deposited over generations by Neanderthals. To understand the anthropogenic modification of the crania, an experimental program has been carried out from multiple perspectives, with functionality being one of them. This paper presents the results obtained during the creation of a microwear reference collection using raw materials other than flint, such as quartzite, quartz, and porphyry. It has been possible to obtain a sample of experimental use traces that we consider characteristic of the complex butchering activity. Specifically, one type of striation seems particularly characteristic of this type of work on large herbivores. The performance of the different types of raw materials is also described, confirming that all the materials used in the experiment—and thus by Neanderthals—have sufficient durability to perform these tasks, regardless of size.