Sample name: Chez-Pinaud Jonzac (Layer 22)

Reference: L. Niven, T. E. Steele, W. Rendu, J. B. Mallye, S. P. McPherron, M. Soressi, J. Jaubert, and J. J. Hublin. 2012. Neandertal mobility and large-game hunting: The exploitation of reindeer during the Quina Mousterian at Chez-Pinaud Jonzac (Charente-Maritime, France). Journal of Human Evolution 63(4):624-635 [ER 3714]

Lithology: sandstone

Taphonomic context: cave, human accumulation

Archaeology: stone tools

Habitat comments: "The archaeological sequence is contained in deposits that have been divided into five geological units. The lowest most layers are located in a deposit of yellow–brown, clayey sands with no evidence of soil formation and with little evidence of stratification except for some more sandy lenses localized against the cliff face".
"The Middle Paleolithic sequence starts just above bedrock at the base with a nearly 1.5 m thick bonebed deposit (Layer 22) that is extremely rich in well-preserved faunal remains associated with a Quina Mousterian lithic industry, also in a relatively high density".
"Reindeer are by far the most dominant species. Zooarchaeological analyses indicate these were hunted when they were seasonally abundant in the local area and were butchered on-site, with abundant evidence of meat filleting and marrow exploitation".

Life forms: carnivores, rodents, ungulates, other small mammals

Sampling methods: quarry, screenwash

Sample size: 2325 specimens

Years: 2004 - 2007

Net or trap nights: 0

Basal area status: not applicable

Sampling comments: "An initial campaign of excavations was undertaken between 1998 and 2003, and was followed by a new program conducted from 2004 to 2007. During the 2004–2007 excavations, the initial ∼2 m2 test unit was expanded to a surface of ∼5.5 m2. Every archaeological find (bone and stone) > 2.5 cm was piece-plotted in three dimensions using a total station. If the bone specimen was < 2.5 cm but diagnostic (e.g. tooth, tarsal, sesamoid), it was also recorded separately".
"All sediment was water-screened through fine mesh (2 and 5 mm)". Due to the high densities of lithics and bone, a "décapage approach was used in which sediments were removed using fine utensils to expose a surface of bones. All specimens were then mapped in place before they were removed".

Sample no: 3936

Contributor no: Benjamin Carter

Enterer: Benjamin Carter

Created: 2022-03-29 16:06:22

Modified: 2022-04-06 01:11:09