engleski

Occupational episodes and space use by Neandertals in Mujina pećina

The spatial analysis of finds from Mujina pećina has given new insights into the behavior of Neandertal populations visiting the site. The horizontal distribution of archaeological material clearly shows where activities such as in situ tool production and butchering of animal meat took place. In almost every stratigraphic unit, like in level D2 with two hearths, the most intensely used area of the cave was the niche, which could provide a good shelter from bad weather. The finds from level E1 follow an entirely different distribution pattern, since most of the material was concentrated along the southern edge of the excavation area (central part of the cave). Such shift of daily activities from the central area (level E1) to the niche (level D2) may suggest a change in the behavior of the Neandertals occupying the site, possibly caused by different weather conditions during the occupational episodes. The area in front of the cave was also used in all levels with higher or lower intensity. The abundance of finds in the lower strata refers to more frequent or long-term Neandertal visits or a greater intensity of production and processing activities in Mujina pećina. The lower frequency of finds in the upper levels suggests that the site was used as an occasional camp during the accumulation of these layers.

spatial analysis ; Neandertals ; Mujina pećina

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