Uluzzian bone technology and its implications for the origin of behavioural modernity

Analysis was conducted of the fourteen bone tools found in the Uluzzian layers of Grotta della Cala, Grotta del Cavallo, and Grotta di Castelcivita, Italy. Technological and functional study of these objects identifies recurrent morphologies, manufacturing techniques, use-wear features and intensity demonstrating previously undocumented patterns in the production and use of bone tools assigned to the Uluzzian. Comparisons with bone tools from other Early Upper Palaeolithic technocomplexes highlight similarities suggesting that the production of formal bone tools was clearly in the realm of Uluzzian and Châtelperronian cognition. Implications of these results for the debate on the origin of behavioural modernity are discussed.