The Maisierian, at the Edge of the Gravettian

Abstract

The development of the Gravettian complex is still largely unknown. In this context, the lithic assemblage from Maisières-Canal, 14 C dated around 28,000 bp , is particularly interesting. We propose here a new study of this collection, based on technological, typological, and functional approaches, particularly focused on the tanged pieces and ‘Maisières points’, some of which are likely projectile points. This new study leads us to discussion of the position of this assemblage in the context of the western European Early Gravettian. The Maisierian appears to be a specific industry, different from the typical Early Gravettian, and studying it thus permits new light to be shed on the complexity of the first phases of the Gravettian, a complex that is perhaps less consistent than it would seem.