Microwear analysis of Mousterian quartz tools from the Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

The study of wear marks on Palaeolithic quartz tools allows an understanding of how they were used. The present work reports a functional study of a sample of Mousterian quartz industry from Level F of the Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid, Spain). This level, a palimpsest, preserves the remains of a Neanderthal occupation. Traceological inspection revealed the tools made at the site were very versatile.