Results of field study at the Chez-Pinaud site (Jonzac, France) in 2019

This article presents the results of a new excavation stage by the French-Russian expedition at the Chez-Pinaud site (Jonzak, France). Layer 22 from the stratigraphic sequence of the site contains the Quina Mousterian complexes, dated to 70 kyr BP. The importance of research at that site results from unique preservation of the complex, where archaeological and paleontological assemblages have been found in undisturbed context. In 2019, one of the main research objectives was to conduct a detailed study of the spatial structure in the excavation area for reconstructing organization of space by the Neanderthals. For doing that, the protocol of field documentation involving the use of photogrammetry combined with tacheometry survey was followed. This protocol has proven to be effective, since a number of spatial observations concerning the location of archaeological artifacts and bone remains have been made during the study of 3D models. The second important area of research was attributive study of lithic assemblage using technological and typological patterns of the Quina Mousterian. It has been established that the lithic assemblage contained all typical elements of the Quina variant. The study of the proximal areas of technical spalls associated with the Quina side-scraper reduction sequence has revealed technological links between shaping side-scrapers and bone retouchers. The remains of reindeer (approximately 80%) were predominant in the paleontological complex; horse and bison bones have also been found. Continued research at the site will make it possible to reconstruct the behaviors and subsistence strategies of the Neanderthals in the harsh conditions of the MIS 4.