Using GIS and Geostatistical Techniques to Identify Neanderthal Campsites at archaeolevel Ob at Abric Romaní

Abstract

Although intra-site spatial approaches are considered a key factor when interpreting archaeological assemblages, these are often based on descriptive, qualitative, and subjective observations. Currently, within the framework of research into spatial taphonomy and palimpsest dissection, several studies have begun to employ more quantitative and objective techniques, implementing tools such as geostatistics and geographic information system (GIS) methods. This is precisely the approach that the Abric Romaní team is following. In this work, we present GIS and geostatistics methods applied to the faunal and lithic assemblages from archaeolevel Ob, including an analysis of the spatial structure, the identification of clusters and sectors, size and fabric analyses, the projection of vertical profiles, and the reconstruction of a digital elevation model of the paleosurface. The results obtained indicate a clustered distribution, primarily concentrated into four dense accumulations. The predominance of remains < 3 cm in length and the absence of preferential orientations make it possible to rule out a generalised postdepositional movement affecting most of the site, although some local movement has been identified. The horizontal and vertical spatial analyses allow us to identify accumulations of a single material (lithic or faunal) in addition to mixed accumulations (lithic and faunal). Integrating all this data with the results of previous studies (zooarchaeological, refits, combustion structures, and partial lithic technological analyses), we evaluate and combine the interpretations proposed previously using different approaches, thereby improving the overall interpretation of the archaeolevel Ob. Finally, we also develop a preliminary comparison between Ob and some other levels at the same site (in particular M and P).

Spatial patterning of Middle Palaeolithic lithic assemblages at the Abri du Maras, Southeast France: Combining GIS analysis and 3D palaeotopographic reconstructions

“…Palaeotopographic reconstruction is a valuable tool to help investigate the spatial distribution of archaeological remains (Bargalló et al, 2020a;Gabucio et al, 2023;Sánchez-Romero et al, 2020). Combined with high-resolution spatial analysis, it provides detailed behavioural and taphonomic information.…”

“…(2) Hotspot analysis. Recently, statistical methods have become widely used tools for conferring statistical significance on the cluster identification process (de la Torre et al, 2019;Gabucio et al, 2023;Giusti et al, 2018;Mora Torcal et al, 2020;Reeves et al, 2019;Romagnoli and Vaquero, 2016;Sánchez-Romero et al, 2021, 2020, 2016Spagnolo et al, 2020Spagnolo et al, , 2019Stavrova et al, 2019). Among the various methods, hotspot analysis, using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic (Getis and Ord, 1992;Ord and Getis, 1995), appears to be particularly effective.…”

“…Thus, the material is not located in the more depressed areas and is not organised following the slope, which would have been observed if levels had encountered spatial disturbances caused by water for example. In addition, water flows tend to sort archaeological remains by size (Dibble et al, 1997;Gabucio et al, 2023;Petraglia and Potts, 1994;Sánchez-Romero et al, 2020) with displacements of large pieces into hollows and the removal of smaller remains from the assemblage. Both archaeological levels comprise clusters of small items that are found in the northern part of the site, areas with gentle slopes.…”