A new Palaeolithic assemblage from the Obłazowa Cave in the Polish Western Carpathians

Abstract

The new cultural layer of the Obłazowa Cave in southern Poland was considered sterile until the excavation in 2012. The stratum is situated between the layers connected with the Taubachian series. Recent excavations not only revealed evidence for human occupation but also ascertain the existence of a new culture at the site. The unearthed area, although relatively small, has yielded series of stone artefacts. The assemblage of this new layer (XVIIIb) seems to bear some unique technological and stylistic traits, and can be attributed, according to our classification of some of the finds, to the Keilmessergruppen. The presented discovery helps to document the dynamics of Micoquian-Prądnikian groups in the southern zone of their activity, with special attention to the local radiolarites’ exploitation.