This PhD offers a study of technical systems, subsistence-settlement strategies and symbolic practices in the Gravettian (34,000-25,000 years before present). The first part presents a technological study of the gravettian lithic projectile elements from caves of Brassempouy (Landes) and Isturitz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) located about forty kilometers from each other. The second part develops a regional approach of Gravettian in relation to the territory of the Pyrenees. The archaeological sites surveyed are located in France and Spain, between the Garonne and the Ebro. Their comparative study is based on bibliographical synthesis and technological analysis of the lithic industry from the sites of Tercis (Landes) and Mugarduia Sur (Navarra). The hypothesis of the existence of semi-sedentary occupation in the Gravettian is thus advanced. The third and final part broadens the comparisons to the whole French and European territory using the technical, artistic and symbolic fields. With the recognition of the particular value conferred on certain lithic points of the “grotte du Pape” of Brassempouy, this academic work provides new clues in favour of a unitary and European reading of the gravettian phenomenon already illustrated by female figurines.
The gravettians of Pyrenees. From Weapons to societies