Microwear analysis and site function of Paglicci Cave, level 4A

Paglicci Cave, located on the southwestern face of the Gargano Promontory in Apuglia where it overlooks the Tavoliere plain, is a major Paleolithic site in Italy. A microwear analysis of the Final Epigravettian level 4a (11,950 ± 190 B.P.) was performed to study the relationship between the technical morphology and use of tools. The variety and distribution of technical types recovered from level 4a is typical of other lowland cave sites in Italy, yet the microwear analysis indicates an overwhelming predominance of butchering and substantial hide processing is represented by the assemblage. It is then proposed that the site function for level 4a was a hunting camp and observation post. The proposition is tested and in relation to the faunal assemblage supported. It is suggested that microwear analysis can be developed into an instrument, accompanying faunal analysis, for inferring site function.