Towards modern human behavior. Socioeconomic and cultural strategies of the last Neanderthals of the Northern Plateau (Prado Vargas Cave (Cornejo, Burgos)

RESULTS

The excavation in extension of level N4 of Prado Vargas began in 2016. Despite this short journey, very relevant results have already begun to be obtained:

Spatial registry:
The construction of a spatial database is well consolidated.
Geological studies:
The stratigraphic definition of level 4 indicates that the unit is mostly composed of red clays, and in smaller proportion levels of fine clayey sands, gravels and also blocks of the roof and walls of the cavity
Studies of raw material capture and technology:
The best represented raw material from which the lithic tools are made is Cretaceous flint, which exceeds 90% of the total. Flakes exceed 80% of the total, and within the set there is scarce representation of retouched flakes. The cores are well documented with about 200 specimens. We can define the exploitation systems as predominantly discoidal and on flakes.
Faunal remains:
The faunal assemblage of this level is composed of very fragmented bones, teeth, antlers and horns.
Climate and landscape:
Pollen studies draw a vegetation cover around the cave dominated by pine, and accompanied by juniper and birch, along with grasses, in cold climatic conditions and with a certain degree of humidity.
Evidence of combustion activities:
The remains of a hearth have been recovered, which we are analyzing using different techniques, and burned archaeological remains are observed so we understand that there could be new hearths or combustion areas washed.
Human remains: During the campaign of 2019 a Neanderthal milk tooth appeared. It is a deciduous lower left first molar showing clear evidence of resorption indicating that the tooth was lost in life due to tooth replacement. This tooth, named Vera, is the oldest human remains documented in the Ojo Guareña karst system.