New and old approaches to understand lithic raw materials: The case of Galería de las Estatuas site (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain)

Abstract

This study examines the raw materials identified in the Mousterian lithic assemblage from Galería de las Estatuas site (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain) through various methodological approaches, aiming to understand the relationship between Neanderthals who inhabited the site and their environment. Natural samples of the identified raw materials (primarily sandstone, quartzite, and chert) were collected from the surroundings of the Sierra de Atapuerca for comparison with archaeological artifacts. A traditional petrographic analysis was performed on all samples, enabling mineralogical interpretation and an assessment of their provenance. Additionally, the samples were analyzed through Computed Tomography (CT) as an innovative approach for characterizing raw materials. CT scanning provided detailed information about the internal structure of the rocks including fractures, metamorphism, porosity or irregular fabric. This non-destructive technique facilitates the study of rock composition while preserving cultural artifacts, allowing the analysis of items of significant heritage value without causing damage or alteration.