A Diachronic Evaluation of Neanderthal Cervid Exploitation and Site Use at Pech de l’Azé IV, France

Pech de l’Aze IV has long been known for its extensive sequence of Mousterian deposits that span from MIS 5c to the later parts of MIS 3 and incorporate roughly 60,000 years of Neanderthal occupation. Rich stone tool and faunal assemblages were recovered from Bordes’ original excavations of the site as well as a recent campaign of excavations from 2000 to 2003. Presented here are results from a zooarchaeological analysis of faunal remains from the recent excavations, which provide insight on the exploitation of large cervids (red deer and reindeer) by Neanderthals over time. The zooarchaeological results are considered in conjunction with other archaeological data from the site in order to better understand changes in site use and Neanderthal mobility.