New insights into the diffusion of the Gravettian in Italy: the earliest Noaillian evidence at Riparo Mochi (Balzi Rossi)

The Noaillian techno-complex characterises the Middle Gravettian of the northern Mediterranean rim, from northeastern Spain to Tyrrhenian Italy; its presence is mainly documented by the occurrence of the eponymous Noailles burin and is dated in the literature between about 33 ka and 26 ka cal BP. According to the chronologies available so far, the earliest Noaillian evidence is located between Vasco-Cantabrian region and Pyrenees, followed by the French evidence, whereas Italian sites have yielded younger radiocarbon dates, suggesting a progressive dispersal from west to east. Within the Italian framework, the earliest Noaillian radiocarbon dates fall between about 31 and 30 ka cal BP at Grotta della Cala, in southern Italy. This is peculiar, given that the Noaillian at Riparo Mochi (Balzi Rossi), located in the middle of the Liguro-Provencal arc along the preferential route between France and Italy, starts around 28 ka cal BP. In view of this scenario, a new sector has been excavated at Riparo Mochi in order to collect fresh stratigraphic and archaeological evidence. Here we present the results of the new fieldwork and the first technological and functional assessment of the lithic assemblage found around a hearth discovered at the base of the Noaillian sequence. In addition, we obtained a new radiocarbon date from the same area, which allows the arrival of the Noaillian techno-complex at the site to be reconsidered and a broader dispersal timescale for Noaillian hunter-gatherer groups to be proposed.