A level prior to the Upper Capsian at Medjez II (Algeria): Archaeozoological and taphonomical evidence combined with archaeological data

The paper summarizes the archaeozoological analysis of faunal remains from Medjez II, excavated by H. Camps-Fabrer. Identification and quantification of the animal remains are combined with an investigation of the aspect of the finds and the traces observed on them. The archaeozoological and taphonomical data are then compared with those concerning the lithic and bone artefacts. The lowest part of the site, consisting of layers 13 and 14, pertains to an Epipalaeolithic occupation with Iberomaurusian similarities. This chrono-stratigraphical phase I (layers 11–14) has been attributed to such an occupation, prior to the Upper Capsian.