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Survey excavation at the Braña-Arintero cave, Cantabria, Spain, has yielded two ochred skeletons attributed to the Mesolithic and directly dated to 6980±50 BP (Braña-1, Beta-226472) and 7030±50 BP (Braña-2, Beta-226473), the first of which lying on a bed made of broken stalagmites (Prada et al. 2007 ; Vidal et al. 2008). Both are adult males. Twenty-four perforated red deer canines were associated with the Braña-2 individual. Zooarchaeological analysis of these personal ornaments reveals the exclusive use of male canines, the preference for adult individuals, and, with a single exception, the used of unpaired teeth. Over-representation of unpaired teeth is interpreted as reflecting acquisition over a long time span through an exchange network. The technological analysis of perforations indicates that all the teeth were perforated with the same technique, i.e. by thinning the root by scraping and subsequently piercing it by the rotation of a lithic point. Recorded variations in the motions applied during the work suggest different craftsmen were involved in the process. Wear pattern indicates the canines were originally embroidered on a cloth and worn for a long period of time. Few crowns were modified by abrasion, perhaps to increase morphological homogeneity. Others bear traces indicating a possible use as crutch for pressure retouch. Study of recorded occurrences of perforated red deer canines at European Mesolithic sites identifies a northern region in which this ornament is widely used. Braña-Arintero cave is located at the very southern limit of this distribution area. Since red deer is attested all over Europe during the Atlantic period (Sommer et al. 2008) the preference for the use of canines of this species in the North of Europe is the likely expression of a cultural choice.