Beyond the Problem of Bone Surface Preservation in Taphonomic Studies of Early and Middle Pleistocene Open-Air Sites

Abstract A commonly identified problem in open-air sites is the poor preservation of bone surfaces because multiple agents and processes that act on them. In these assemblages, surface modifications anthropic origin can be scarce or null, its activity mainly inferred through stone tools evidence anthropogenic breakage. Carnivore also frequent. La Mina El Forn (Barranc de la Boella), Isernia Pineta, Torralba are assemblages from Early Middle Pleistocene have contributed to our knowledge activities Lower Paleolithic hominins developed open spaces. These show poorly preserved surfaces, carnivore activity, few indications human use faunal remains, although recovered unequivocal sign a hominin presence at those sites. Here, we present synthesis taphonomic conducted with aim describing how this kind work using several different proxies, considering limitations surfaces. The absence scarcity cut marks could related remains. However, it impossible affirm any such were originally present, as may performed not linked animal carcasses. Anatomical profiles been presented useful tool for reconstructing paleoecological environments allowing inferences made about levels competition among large predators. reflect similarities deposition type remains spaces by times during Paleolithic.