Direct radiocarbon (AMS) dating of split-based points from the (Proto)Aurignacian of Trou de la Mere Clochette, Northeastern France. Implications for the characterization of the Aurignacian and the timing of technical innovations in Europe

Radiocarbon (AMS) dates on two split-based point wings and a hominin molar from the site of Trou de la Mere Clochette in the French Jura are presented in this paper. Dating split-based points has very rarely been undertaken. This is unfortunate given that these artefacts are critical to our definition and characterization of Early Upper Palaeolithic technocomplexes, as they are considered to be the type fossil of the Classic Aurignacian. Although the molar proved to be Neolithic in age (4341 +/- 33 C-14 BP), the split-based points date to the Aurignacian and are, in fact, the oldest dates so far on directly dated shaped Aurignacian organic points from Europe (33 750 +/- 350 C-14 BP and 35 460 +/- 250 C-14 BP). Furthermore, what is particularly interesting about this site is that its lithic industry has strong affinities with the Protoaurignacian, rather than with the Classic Aurignacian, the latter being the industry with which split-based points have usually been associated. Located in Northeastern France, at the intersection of the Danube and Rhone corridors and very close to the Swabian Jura, this site, its Protoaurignacian lithic industry and these new dates are particularly relevant to a number of current discussions. Among these are the timing of key technical innovations and the characterization of, and chronological relationship between, various Early Upper Palaeolithic industries. Our paper presents these new results and discusses their implications in this wider context. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.