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The Camel Site is in the north of Saudi Arabia in the province of al-Jawf. It is characterised by three decaying sandstone hillocks with life-sized 3D engravings (or reliefs) of camels and equids likely carved during later prehistory. A survey in the central area of the site identified clusters of flakes and other flintknapping remains in the lower areas between the sandstone spurs and larger silcrete tools directly underneath the animal depictions. Some of these tools presented abraded edges, possibly from prolonged contact with the soft and abrasive sandstone that constitutes the rock spurs where the animals were carved. Experiments were performed to test this hypothesis and have a reference collection for further traceological analysis. The chaine opératoire of the experimental engraving tools, from raw material procurement, tool manufacture and use, reuse and discard, was conducted with locally available materials comparable to the archaeological specimens. Specific experimental variables, including how the force was applied, in what direction the movement took place and the orientation of the stone tool during the experiment, were also recorded. Macro- and microscopic analyses of the experimental collection and a sample of archaeological artefacts seem to show that the ancient tools found on the surface were probably used to make the camelid and equid reliefs at the site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present the results of the analysis of the Cova del Sardo flaked stone assemblage, a rock shelter located at 1.790 m a.s.l. in the Central Pyrenees. An integrated analysis of the lithic record, from a petrological, technological, and functional point of view, has been realised. The daily life activities carried out at the site have been reconstructed and a diachronic reading of the data has been finalised. An interpretation in terms of territorial and economic organisation of the prehistoric group is advanced. A mixed farming economy is suggested, even if herding and pasture exploitation could have locally played an important role. The analysis of lithic raw materials indicates that the groups followed a south-north mobility, as most of exploited cherts are from southern sources (Ebro valley and pre-Pyrenean ranges). Finally, the Cova del Sardo is discussed within a broader framework, taking into account the Neolithisation process of the Southern Central Pyrenees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]