Einleitung

Adaptive capacity and flexibility of the Neanderthals at Heidenschmiede (Swabian Jura) with regard to core reduction strategies

“…The branched reduction sequence described here combines three core concepts that are traced by refits of three pieces ( Fig 5 ). We thus conducted a working stage analysis ( Fig 6 ) on these three refitted pieces (find numbers HS 23, HS 234 and HS 1587) according to Bataille’s method [ 127 , 128 ]. These three fragments reveal the unique adaptability and branching of blade and flake production in the Middle Paleolithic of the Swabian Jura.…”

“…In order to trace and represent the process of the technological concept available at Heidenschmiede, different methods of analysis were combined. The central object of this study was investigated by means of a working stage analysis in order to examine the successive stages and the branching—this was carried out using Bataille’s method [ 127 , 128 ], which is based on Pastoors [ 129 – 132 ]. Here, neighboring negatives are collected within on reduction step with a code.…”

“…Additionally, other raw material units were added where refits were possible (supporting objects). “ These refits also make it possible to determine the range of different techno-functional production strategies that are evident in different workpieces ” [ 128 ]. The combination of these two approaches allows the reconstruction of a cognitive process and a hypothetical reduction sequence, using only the few objects presented here.…”