Contribution to the study of Sauveterrian technical systems. Technological analysis of the lithic industry from layers AF-AC1 of Romagnano Loc III rockshelter (Trento)

This technological study is aimed at analyzing the lithic assemblages from the Sauveterrian layers AF, AE, AC9-1 of Romagnano Loc III rockshelter located on the right side of the Adige Valley (Trento, North-eastern Italy). In the first part of the paper the Authors discuss raw material procurement strategies which indicate provisioning in the regolith and slope deposits of the right side of the Adige Valley with a substantial continuity during the whole period. A detailed technological and typometrical analysis is then aimed at identifying the objectives of débitage and the patterns of blanks selection along with cores reduction schemes. An intentional production of both lamellar blanks and flakes with three and two classes of blanks respectively has thus been identified. These objectives were achieved by the application of two main reduction sequences, the second of which was applied by three different reduction methods. Specific criteria of selection of blanks for tools and microliths have also been recognized. Only a quantitative pattern of evolution of reduction sequences was recognized with a decrease of bidirectional schemes and an increase of peripheral reduction along time. The adoption of an essentially unidirectional débitage dominates along the sequence with the frequent use of reorientation over new surfaces.