Études de taphonomie archéologique en milieu périglaciaire actuel : le Projet Gavarnie Archaeological Taphonomy in periglacial Environment: the Gavarnie Project

A set of long-term experiments have been initiated in an active periglacial environment. Th e experimental site is located on the south slope of the Taillon Mountain, near Gavarnie, Spain. Experiments address the following points: 1) the rate of displacement of archaeological particles and the disturbance of archaeological features on solifl uction sheets and by creep on rockfall screes; 2) the fragmentation of bones and their surface alteration, with emphasis on cutmark disappearance; 3) the rate of linear fabric acquisition of knapped fl int displaced by solifl uction or creep. After one year, disturbances are observed. Considering bones, factors responsible for the changes noted are 1) green versus dry nature of items with regard to displacements 2) burnt versus unburnt status in respect of alteration. For lithic assemblage, we observe that initial artifact distribution - in regimented intervals or replicating knapping spot - controls the rate of displacement. Th is last point is crucial to the application of experimental data to archaeological sites. Previous expe- riments can be discussed in light of these preliminary results. Mots cles : Processus de formation des sites, Archeologie experimentale, Fragmentation, Taphonomie, Environnement periglaciaire, Paleolith ique.