The Uluzzian in the north of Italy: insights around the new evidence at Riparo Broion

Abstract

In attempt to enlighten the debate on the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition, this work contributes new data from a yet unpublished site, Riparo Broion in the northeast of Italy. Studies confirm the presence of the Uluzzian technocomplex embedded in an archaeological sequence which includes Mousterian, Gravettian and Epigravettian. These layers have yielded finds of bone and lithic technology, shell beads, engraved portable art and the use of red mineral pigments, which make this archive a unique case for evaluating the implications of cultural dynamics in Northern Italy 44.0-42.4 ky BP. The diversity of the faunal assemblage recovered in layers 1f and 1g is representative of the different environments surrounding the site, with ungulates being targeted for hunting and consumption. The lithic assemblage records a high fragmentation rate due to the extensive use of the bipolar knapping technique, responsible for a large variety of splintered pieces and associated chips which also affected the backed pieces, lunates and end-scrapers. The features of the bone tools, as well as those of the marine and freshwater beads echo the technique used in the Uluzzian in the south of Italy, confirming the geographic spread of this technocomplex in the North-Adriatic region, as previously envisaged at Grotta Fumane. However, comparisons between these two sites stimulate a discussion around the possible driving forces responsible for the differences observed in technological, typological and structural lithic assemblages. A definitive scenario for the MP-UP transition in this region of Southern Europe is ongoing and Riparo Broion is adding key contributions.

Bone tools, ornaments and other unusual objects during the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition in Italy

“…Riparo Broion (layer 1g) (16)(17)(18)(19). Grotta di Fumane (layer A3) (20-21) (Modified after d 'Errico et al, 2012b;Peresani et al, 2016, Villa et al, 2018Peresani et al, 2019a). Fig.…”

“…The other tools, obtained from unidentified skeletal portions, were shaped by longitudinal scraping. Polished areas were identified on 3 pointed tools, but a dedicate functional study was not carried out (Peresani et al, 2019a). The Uluzzian bone kit from Fumane (layer A3) includes an awl (Fig.…”

“…At Fumane the use of bone retouchers is documented also during the Uluzzian (Jéquier et al, 2012). 'Errico et al, 2012b;Peresani et al, 2016;Villa et al, 2018;Peresani et al, 2019a)…”

“…G. insubrica) and non-perforated marine molluscs of this site includes 78 items (Fiocchi, 1998;Ronchitelli et al, 2009). Several marine shells (gastropods and bivalves) are also documented in the Uluzzian layers of Castelcivita, but none of them show any kind of perforation (Gambassini, 1997 Fiocchi, 1998;Ronchitelli et al, 2009, Peresani et al, 2019a. Classification and nomenclature used for molluscs is based on the systematics index of S.I.M.…”

“…). Riparo Broion yielded five worn tusk beads and a pierced freshwater gastropod (Theodoxus danubialis)(Peresani et al, 2019a). Colouring materials (lumps of ochre and limonite) were recovered at Grotta delCavallo and Grotta Mario Bernardini (Palma di Cesnola, 1989).…”