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Chapter 4: The Mousterian at Pech

At Pech IV, there are three different types of Mousterian stone tool assemblages. These are the Typical Mousterian, the Mousterian of Acheulian Tradition (both subtypes A and B), and the Asinipodian. The Asinipodian was recognized by François Bordes when he excavated at Pech IV in the 1970s and he designated it as a sixth type of Mousterian industry. (Show Me the Asinipodian) Unfortunately, his untimely death in the early 1980s meant that the recognition of this type of industry at other Middle Paleolithic sites and the use of this new term took many years to become established.

The occupation of Pech IV The sequence of Neandertal occupation at Pech IV has Typical Mousterian in several of the layers near the base of the deposits. Overlying this is a layer with the Asinipodian, and above that, more Typical Mousterian. Near the top of the deposits is the Mousterian of Acheulian Tradition. There are also intervening layers between the various Mousterian occupations, as well as the top several layers at the site, that either have very few cultural materials or that are lacking these indications of occupation of the cave. This is not surprising because we know that, for the most part, Paleolithic groups did not occupy caves year-round, nor did they necessarily return to the same site from year to year.

Our excavations at Pech IV are designed to explore several aspects of the site. We have focused on site formation processes, chronology, accurate spatial information for stone artifacts and animal bones The total station at work, and a better understanding of the thick deposit with numerous hearths near the base of the sequence of occupation at the site. In addition, we will be able to describe the Asinipodian Tradition in far greater detail than has been the case from other excavations, including Bordes' work at Pech IV between 1970 and 1977.


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