Taphonomie des grands mammifères et palethnologie à la grotte du Lazaret (Nice, France)

Many large mammal bones have been discovered in Lazaret cave. The faunal association, composed of 22 species, is characteristic of the Upper Middle Pleistocene. A taphonomic analysis of the remains found in the different archaeological levels indicates that humans and carnivores alternatively visited the cave. Nonetheless, the bone accumulation has an essentially anthropic origin. Selective hunting of red deer and ibex was carried out ail year round by Lazaret man, with the whole carcass being brought back to the camp before being cut up. Other herbivores testify to a sporadic hunt. From the patterns of fracturing of the long bones and butchery marks the principal steps in the preparation of game for nourishment can be followed. The presence of simple bone tools is also shown.