Archaic aurignacian in El Castillo cave (Spain): technology and typology composition

In this paper, we present the techno-typological study of level 16 of El Castillo cave (Archaic Aurignacian). In this level, we can identify an important bladelet production from schemas operatoires of unipolar prismatic cores, carinated endscraper and carinated burins types. In addition, we find a specific production of Discoid conception. The retouched blanks, though scanty, are dominated by the Dufour bladelets. Level 16 is in relation to the Archaic Aurignacian at the Cantabrian Iberia, which is present in sites like Cueva Morin, Labeko Koba, Gatzarria, or Isturitz and it also is in relation to the Mediterranean Archaic Aurignacian. Finally, we analyse the different hypotheses about the Initial Upper Paleolithic origin in Europe. The mosaic hypothesis is acceptable for us. All rights reserved, Elsevier