Ochre use during the Upper Palaeolithic: a continuous record from Finca Doña Martina and Abrigo de la Boja rock-shelters, Mula, Murcia, Spain

The use of colour is a common feature in Upper Palaeolithic sites. However, the analysis of ochre assemblages recovered in residential contexts is rarely the object of systematic analyses. Here we analyse two ochre assemblages, recovered in the Upper Palaeolithic levels of two sites, Abrigo de la Boja and Finca Doña Martina, located in Mula, Spain: 407 and 35 ochre pieces respectively, spanning the entire Upper Palaeolithic. We combined a technological analysis with an elemental and mineralogical characterisation of the archaeological ochre and natural ochre pieces collected in nearby outcrops. Our findings suggest that the inhabitants of the sites collected ochre of different compositions, from different proveniences. They consistently processed ochre using the same techniques throughout, probably to produce large quantities of powder and for a variety of purposes of a symbolic or functional nature. • Ochre use in Upper Palaeolithic residential sites is rarely the object of systematic studies. • An ochre assemblage consisting of more than 400 pieces was recovered at Abrigo de la Boja and Finca Doña Martina. • Inhabitants of these sites did not collect ochre in the immediate vicinity of the cave, and likely sourced raw materials from different outcrops. • The assemblage is characterised by the presence of highly fractured ochre pieces, suggesting crushing to produce powder. • Ochre pieces feature different colours, textures and compositions and were probably used for different types of activities.