Iberomaurusian

Back tips, microliths, Mikrostichel, three-sided peaks

The Ibéromaurusien is a culture of Epipaläolithikums in North Africa, which is a successor of the Aterian culture. It took about 17000-8000 BC and is about the same time the European Magdalenian. The name goes back to the now outdated opinion that this culture was spread out in North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula.

Dissemination

The Atlas seems to form the southern boundary of the distribution of the African Cro -Magnons, who inhabited the southern Mediterranean coast and its hinterland. The findings point to an increasing spread from east to west along the Mediterranean to Morocco, which was only achieved at 14 000 BC. Also to translate into the Canary Islands seems proven. The most exact study sites are located in Morocco and Algeria. Named after the important discovery locations, there are also the names Mouillien and Orange.

Stone processing, weapons and tools

There is a strong trend towards miniaturization, especially small arrowheads were recovered from blades or fins. The technique of severed spine by steep retouching is widespread. Often back peaks were processed to Kompositgeräten. There were larger scraper, Mikrostichel and three-sided spikes. Millstones for grinding grass seed point to an already advanced use of plant resources. From bone awls, projectile points, knives and trowels were made ​​for leather processing. Jewelry made ​​from marine shells and fossils.

Culture

The people of the Ibéromaurusien were mainly hunters and gatherers. At habitations were found caves and rock shelters, suggesting at least on preforming a settled life in still largely nomadic lifestyle. In the rock shelter located spatial distributions found in the workshop, life and burial areas. An artistic activity has been found only very rarely - as in Morocco ( IFRI n'Ammar ) traces of a painting. Turtle shells were apparently used as a container for red chalk, red ocher, which was used for painting of man and machine. Also burials were found. The most important of the subsequent crops was the Capsien which, however, from another population or ethnic group ( Mediterranean type ) was born.