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The paper presents the results of the lithic analysis of chipped stone artefacts from a Starcevo culture site at Zadubravlje. Blanks for tool production (fl akes, blades and bladelets) were produced at the site itself, mostly on the surface, although pit 19 probably functioned as a working area. It was established that the blades were produced by indirect percussion. Predominant tools are pieces with partial retouch and those with one retouched edge. Geometric forms are also present, although in small percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the results obtained from the analysis of Upper Paleolithic occupation levels in Vindija Cave, northwestern Croatia. Topological analyses of stone and bone tools; Evidences for the transition from the Middle Paleolithic to the Upper Paleolithic; Differences between the Upper Paleolithic at Vindija and Paleolithic sites in the Adriatic-Mediterranean region.

The 1998/1999 direct dating of two Neandertal specimens from level G1 of Vindija Cave in Croatia to ≈28,000 and ≈29,000 radiocarbon (14C) years ago has led to interpretations concerning the late survival of Neandertals in south-central Europe, patterns of interaction between Neandertals and in-dispersing early modern humans in Europe, and complex biocultural scenarios for the earlier phases of the Upper Paleolithic. Given improvements, particularly in sample pretreatment techniques for bone radiocarbon samples, especially ultrafiltration of collagen samples, these Vindija G1 Neandertal fossils are redated to ≈32,000-33,000 14C years ago and possibly earlier. These results and the recent redating of a number of purportedly old modern human skeletal remains in Europe to younger time periods highlight the importance of fine chronological control when studying this biocultural time period and the tenuous nature of monolithic scenarios for the establishment of modern humans and earlier phases of the Upper Paleolithic in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]