The Uluzzian and Châtelperronian: No Technological Affinity in a Shared Chronological Framework

Area of Science:

• Archaeology
• Palaeolithic studies
• Lithic technology analysis

Background:

• The Châtelperronian and Uluzzian techno-complexes co-exist stratigraphically in Western Europe.
• Both are considered transitional industries between the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic periods.
• Previous assumptions suggested potential shared origins or interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a detailed technological comparison of Châtelperronian and Uluzzian lithic assemblages.
• To investigate the technological affinities and divergences between these two techno-complexes.
• To reassess their relationship during the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition.

Main Methods:

• Collaborative, first-hand examination of four lithic assemblages (two Châtelperronian, two Uluzzian).
• Qualitative technological analysis focusing on manufacturing techniques and artifact typology.
• Comparative study of percussion methods (freehand direct percussion, bipolar percussion) and resulting artifact forms.

Main Results:

• Significant technological divergences were identified between the Châtelperronian and Uluzzian industries.
• Châtelperronian is characterized as a blade industry with limited bladelets made by freehand direct percussion.
• Uluzzian is identified as a flake-bladelet industry heavily utilizing bipolar percussion with some freehand direct percussion.

Conclusions:

• There are minimal to no technological affinities between the Châtelperronian and Uluzzian techno-complexes.
• This suggests little to no direct contact or relationship between the groups producing these industries.
• Technological behaviors were highly diverse in Western Europe between 45-40 ka, rendering broad 'transitional industries' labels inadequate.