Another bone in the wall: towards a characterisation of the objects placed in wall fissures at Isturitz cave (Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France)

Abstract

Isturitz cave (Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France) is one of the reference sites for the study of the European Upper Palaeolithic, due to the richness of its archaeological record and its chronological amplitude. On this occasion, we focus on an aspect that is not often discussed in research that of the deposition of objects (preferably bone, flint or ochre) in holes, fissures or platforms of cave walls. In this case, we have documented a total of 280 elements whose specific characteristics have been analysed, so that patterns can be established that allow us to understand the purpose of this action. Based on the results obtained, a high degree of diversity is recognised in terms of the type of materials, containers and their disposition in them. Even so, it seems unlikely that the objects deposited in the walls of Isturitz cave would have a practical function related to domestic-type activities; thus, a more symbolic role would be a more reasonable interpretation.