Needle-thin: reconstructing on-edge microblade production and contextual integrity through lithic refitting in the Magdalenian of Cova Gran de Santa Linya (SE Pyrenees)

The study of human behaviour in prehistoric societies is a primary objective of archaeological and anthropological research. One way to investigate past behaviour is through the analysis of technological organisation. The resolution at which archaeologists can examine the past is highly dependent on the sedimentary dynamics and site-formation processes that play a key role in the preservation of the archaeological record. To mitigate the limitations inherent in the archaeological record, lithic refitting has emerged as a valuable method to enhance the contextual resolution of Palaeolithic sites. However, this method has not been uniformly applied to assess the impact of syn -postdepositional processes in archaeology. Cova Gran de Santa Linya (NE Iberia) preserves evidence of long-term sedimentary and erosive cycles that have shaped the differential preservation of archaeological evidence. This is exemplified by unit 7P (20.5 k −18 k cal BP), located in the Platform Sector, which has been partially affected by erosive processes within the site, resulting in complex vertical and horizontal stratigraphic relationships within the site’s Last Glacial Maximum sequence. To assess the impact of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on Level 7P, we conducted lithic refitting and technological analysis, combined with spatial data. Refittings indicated the lithic assemblage remained unaffected by erosive events at the site, reinforcing the in situ preservation of the occupation. The spatial distribution revealed a dense cluster of refitted artefacts in 2 m 2 . Refitting within this cluster revealed highly specialised and complex behaviours associated with microblade production. Archaeostratigraphic, spatial, technological and contextual data were combined to assess whether this accumulation is the result of anthropogenic or natural factors. We have also investigated what human activities underlying the formation of lithic clusters. The main cluster of 7P, in conjunction with other elements of the archaeological record facilitates the identification of spatial organisational patterns characterised by short-distance intra-site mobility. Overall, we highlight systematic refitting as valuable holistic approach for enhancing contextual resolution in archaeological assemblages, thereby refining our understanding of the natural and human factors involved in the formation of Palaeolithic sites.