Application of 2D shape analysis to study Epigravettian lithic assemblages: assessing its analytical potential

Rossini, Matteo; Falcucci, Armando; Dominici, Clarissa; Ronchitelli, Annamaria; Tomasso, Antonin; Boschin, Francesco

doi:10.21014/actaimeko.v12i4.1539

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 25 publications

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“…To enhance the objectivity of this study, we chose to employ Elliptic Fourier Analysis (EFA) 161 on both unmodified and retouched bladelets. EFA has been widely used in the analysis of 2D shapes of lithic artifacts, both in dorsal view 155 , 157 , 158 , 162 , 163 and in cross-section 90 , 164 . To conduct this analysis, we took high-resolution photos of all complete bladelets using a digital camera.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A pre-Campanian Ignimbrite techno-cultural shift in the Aurignacian sequence of Grotta di Castelcivita, southern Italy

Falcucci,

Arrighi,

Spagnolo

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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The Aurignacian is the first European technocomplex assigned to Homo sapiens recognized across a wide geographic extent. Although archaeologists have identified marked chrono-cultural shifts within the Aurignacian mostly by examining the techno-typological variations of stone and osseous tools, unraveling the underlying processes driving these changes remains a significant scientific challenge. Scholars have, for instance, hypothesized that the Campanian Ignimbrite (CI) super-eruption and the climatic deterioration associated with the onset of Heinrich Event 4 had a substantial impact on European foraging groups. The technological shift from the Protoaurignacian to the Early Aurignacian is regarded as an archaeological manifestation of adaptation to changing environments. However, some of the most crucial regions and stratigraphic sequences for testing these scenarios have been overlooked. In this study, we delve into the high-resolution stratigraphic sequence of Grotta di Castelcivita in southern Italy. Here, the Uluzzian is followed by three Aurignacian layers, sealed by the eruptive units of the CI. Employing a comprehensive range of quantitative methods—encompassing attribute analysis, 3D model analysis, and geometric morphometrics—we demonstrate that the key technological feature commonly associated with the Early Aurignacian developed well before the deposition of the CI tephra. Our study provides thus the first direct evidence that the volcanic super-eruption played no role in this cultural process. Furthermore, we show that local paleo-environmental proxies do not correlate with the identified patterns of cultural continuity and discontinuity. Consequently, we propose alternative research paths to explore the role of demography and regional trajectories in the development of the Upper Paleolithic.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A pre-Campanian Ignimbrite techno-cultural shift in the Aurignacian sequence of Grotta di Castelcivita, southern Italy

Falcucci,

Arrighi,

Spagnolo

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

Self Cite

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New Methods for Old Questions: The Use of Elliptic Fourier Analysis for the Formal Study of Palaeolithic Art

García-Bustos,

García Bustos,

Rivero

2024

J Archaeol Method Theory

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One of the main objectives of Palaeolithic art researchers is to study and systematise the form of artistic representations. Some methodologies include the analysis of qualitative variables, linear measurements or the use of geometric morphometry with landmarks. However, these techniques depend to a large extent on the subjectivity of the researcher, which often leads to biased results. To overcome this issue, we present an application of geometric morphometry using Elliptic Fourier Analysis (EFA), together with multivariate statistics and hypothesis testing, for the first time to the study of form in prehistoric art. In order to explain its use, the “duck-bill” convention of pre-Magdalenian horses, often used as a chronological and geographical marker, has been used as a case study. This formalism is described disparately in the literature, so the main objective is to use EFA to determine whether it is possible to characterise this type of convention according to the definitions given by certain authors. The results indicate a possible classification of the heads of these animals. Through this taxonomic proposal, it has been possible to verify the great diversity of forms in which the authors classify the duck-bill horses and, therefore, to demonstrate that this peculiar form can be considered neither a conventionalism nor a chronological/regional marker. In conclusion, the methodology based on EFA combined with multivariate statistics for the objective study of form in prehistoric art is effective and opens a new avenue of analysis in the art of prehistoric societies.

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Application of 2D shape analysis to study Epigravettian lithic assemblages: assessing its analytical potential

Cited by 2 publications

References 25 publications

A pre-Campanian Ignimbrite techno-cultural shift in the Aurignacian sequence of Grotta di Castelcivita, southern Italy

A pre-Campanian Ignimbrite techno-cultural shift in the Aurignacian sequence of Grotta di Castelcivita, southern Italy

New Methods for Old Questions: The Use of Elliptic Fourier Analysis for the Formal Study of Palaeolithic Art

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