Early Epigravettian backed pieces from layer O of Grotta della Cala (Southern Italy). A techno-typological and use-wear integrated approach

• Integrated techno-typological and use-wear analyses of Epigravettian backed pieces. • Occurrence of lithic projectiles in the form of backed and shouldered points. • Backed pieces potentially associated with piercing and cutting activities. • Manufacture of backed pieces locally documented. • Introduction of armatures made of allochthonous raw materials into the site. Although hunting was the main subsistence activity of Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers, the analytical data available in the literature on the function and characteristics of Early Epigravettian armatures are still scarce and incomplete. In this paper we present the study of backed pieces from an Early Epigravettian assemblage found in layer O at Grotta della Cala (Campania), carried out by combining techno-typological and use-wear analyses with a low-power approach. This integrated methodology allows us to understand the variability inherent in backed tools, as well as to identify damage/traces due to taphonomic actions and knapping accidents. The Upper Palaeolithic backed pieces are generally considered to be projectiles for mechanically delivered weapons. Our study has made it possible to identify shouldered and backed points that can be associated with this function. However, preliminary macroscopic observations, to be confirmed by future microwear analysis, indicate that some of the backed pieces could be associated with piercing and cutting activity.