Bois Laiterie revisited: functional, morphological and technological analysis of a Late Glacial hunting camp in north-western Europe

Previous exhaustive analysis of the remains at Bois Laiterie Cave resulted in the classification of this site as a Magdalenian hunting camp. However, during recent analysis of usewear-traces on selected artefacts, one of the authors [KS] noticed in the collection numerous backed points which are rather untypical for the classical Magdalenian. In light of this, a typological and technological reinvestigation of the Bois Laiterie assemblage was undertaken. Here, we present the results of this investigation and the traceological analysis. Further, implications of these results for the interpretation of the chronological, archaeo-cultural and functional position of the Bois Laiterie site within the context of the north-western European Late Glacial are discussed.

► We re-investigate lithic assemblage from Bois Laiterie cave previously reported as a Magdalenian short-term occupation site. ► Typological and technological analysis reveals features of both the Late Magdalenian and subsequent industries. ► Functional analysis shows evidence for hunting, but less traces of other activities. ► Bois Laiterie represents a transitional site of Late Glacial in north-western Europe and indicates that the cave was used for hunting activity.