The Castelnovian of Emilia. An overview on technical systems

This poster focuses on the reconstruction of Castelnovian lithic technical systems based on a detailed analysis of the 16 main lithic assemblages discovered in Emilia (Northern Italy). The main objective of reduction sequences is represented by the production of regular and standardized bladelets, generally obtained with unidirectional exploitation of small sized pebbles and blocks. Raw materials are represented by different silicified rocks (chert, radiolarite and silicified siltstone) which were collected near the sites through embedded procurement strategies. Core preparation and maintenance are usually simple, in connection to the regular morphology of exploited raw material blanks, and cores appear generally very exploited. A strict connection between raw materials and knapping objectives has been detected: the more homogeneous and vitreous types (Calabrian pebbles, other cherts types, some varieties of radiolarites) were used to produce regular bladelets and microliths, namely trapezes, while the ones of poorer quality or bigger size (silicified siltstone, radiolarite) to obtain flakes and common tools. The use of pressure technique has been recognized for bladelets extraction.