“Poor” archeological levels not to be forgotten: units of Middle and early Upper Magdalenian age in El Mirón Cave (Ramales de la Victoria, Cantabria, Spain)

This succinct contribution focuses on description and preliminary interpretation of “minor” occupations the large, strategically located El Mirón Cave edge Cantabrian Cordillera in eastern Cantabria (Spain) during Middle early Upper Magalenian that followed upon massive, culturally rich, faunally dense, functionally complex deposits Initial Lower Magdalenian. The ten levels analyzed here date to Late Glacial, c. 15.5-12.5 uncal kya BP. At a time when classic Magdalenian nearby French Pyrenees developed major residential sites with clear social links it (via key site Isturitz) were occupied lowland coastal zone Asturias (e.g. La Garma, Llonín, Viña), had reverted for most part role short-term, special-purpose, perhaps logistical campsite, rather than as long-term, large-scale hub base. It is tempting (and indeed traditional) focus large numbers lithic osseous artifacts, well works portable art personal ornaments, which are so characteristic famous occupations. However, hunter-gatherer subsistence systems, locations played significant human exploitation territories (especially ones such complex, high relief Spain). question include some can be interpreted hunting camps (suggested by percentages worked unworked bladelets antler points within small assemblages), partially reminiscent use cave may have been put pre-Initial times, notably Solutrean, was relatively rich stone points.