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zenodo48/100

The Open Aurignacian Project. Volume 2: Grotta di Castelcivita in southern Italy

<h2>Overview</h2> The repository contains an extensive dataset (n = 538) comprising 3D meshes representing various classes of lithic artifacts such as cores, blades, bladelets, flakes, and retouched tools. These artifacts originate from the Protoaurignacian (rsa') and Early Aurignacian (gic, ars) layers of Grotta di Castelcivita (40.49563600N, 015.20922177E) in southern Italy (Gambassini, 1997). The layers date back to approximately 41,000 to 39,800 years ago (Douka et al., 2014). A new technological assessment of the rsa’–ars sequence has been conducted utilizing the models included in this repository (Falcucci et al., 2024). Grotta di Castelcivita holds significant importance for the study of Early Upper Paleolithic cultural dynamics due to its substantial archaeological content and the presence of the Campanian Ignimbrite geochronological marker, which seals the archaeological sequence of the site (Giaccio et al., 2008). The 3D scanning of artifacts was performed using the first models of the Artec Space Spider and Artec Micro scanners from Artec Inc., Luxembourg. The scanning process adhered to best practices for lithic digitization (Göldner et al., 2022), ensuring accurate capture of artifact details. 3D scanning with the Artec Spider follows the third version of the Styrostone protocol outlined by Göldner et al. (2023). For detailed information, please refer to Part 8 (Artec scanning of larger artifacts) of the protocol: <a href="dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.4r3l24d9qg1y/v3" rel="noopener">dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.4r3l24d9qg1y/v3</a>. 3D scanning with the Artec Micro follows the Microstone protocol by Falcucci (2022): <a href="dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.81wgb6781lpk/v1" rel="noopener">dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.81wgb6781lpk/v1</a>. The use of the Artec Micro was particularly valuable for digitizing extremely small lithics, such as retouched bladelets with lengths around 1 cm. The creation of this open-access repository is intended to encourage archaeologists to participate in collaborative initiatives, thereby contributing to the advancement of research in the field of lithic technology and facilitating broader access to the prehistoric record. This initiative aligns with the promotion of Open Science practices in archaeological sciences, as advocated by Marwick et al. (2017). This dataset is part of the <a href="https://www.armandofalcucci.com/project/open_aurignacian/">Open Aurignacian Project</a>. <h2>Author contact</h2> Dr. Armando Falcucci armando.falcucci@uni-tuebingen.de; falcucciarmando@gmail.com <h2>Description of the dataset</h2> This repository includes the following components: <ol> <li><code>CTC_3D_Meshes.zip</code>: Compressed folder containing 3D models in PLY format for the lithic artifacts.</li> <li><code>Readme_Castelcivita_3D.txt</code>:  This README file provides detailed information about the 3D models and metadata associated with this repository. It includes descriptions of the dataset's structure, the scanning and postprocessing protocols, and detailed metadata variables for the lithic artifacts, including scanning technology, resolution, and file formats. The file serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the dataset and how to properly use and cite the data for research purposes.</li> <li><code>Castelcivita_3D_metadata.csv</code>: CSV file containing information, characteristics, and metadata of the lithic artifacts.</li> </ol>   The <code>Castelcivita_3D_metadata.csv</code> file includes the following metadata attributes: <ul> <li>ID: Each artifact has been assigned a unique identifier in the format "CTC" followed by a sequential number, allowing for cross-referencing with techno-typological data presented in related publications.</li> <li>Site: The archaeological site where the lithic was excavated.</li> <li>Layer: The stratigraphic origin of the lithic.</li> <li>Raw_material: Categorization by the type of raw material (e.g., Chert, Radiolarite).</li> <li>Class: Broad artifact sorting (e.g., Blank, Core, Core-Tool, Tool), following common classifications in lithic analysis. Cores are pieces of any size that lack a dorsal/ventral surface but have two or more blade/bladelet/flake scars. Tools are pieces of any size that exhibit retouch along the margins. Core-tools are pieces that have produced bladelets but can also be classified as tools (e.g., carinated endscrapers and burin cores) following a typological classification. Blanks are flaked pieces with both a dorsal and ventral face.</li> <li>Blank: Classification of the blank into flake, blade, and bladelet categories. A blade is defined as a flaked blank whose length is at least twice its width, regardless of shape. Bladelets are defined as blades whose maximum width is less than 12 mm.</li> <li>Technology: Technological classification of the blanks into categories such as initialization, maintenance, optimal, semi-cortical, and others, following Falcucci et al. (2020) and Falcucci et al. (2024).</li> <li>Core_classification: Technological categories for cores and core-tools (e.g., Carinated, Multi-platform, Narrow-sided, Semicircumferential) following Falcucci & Peresani (2018).</li> <li>Cortex: Percentage of cortex coverage (0%, 1–33%, 33–66%, 66–99%, 100%), estimated visually.</li> <li>Preservation: Breakage classification for blanks (e.g., Complete, Distal, Mesial, Proximal, Undetermined). For cores and most core-tools, preservation is marked as "Other".</li> <li>Volume: The volume of the artifact in cubic millimeters.</li> <li>Surface: The surface area of the artifact in square millimeters.</li> <li>Length: Maximum length in millimeters based on technological orientation, recorded with a digital caliper.</li> <li>Width: Maximum width in millimeters based on technological orientation, recorded with a digital caliper.</li> <li>Thickness: Maximum thickness in millimeters based on technological orientation, recorded with a digital caliper.</li> <li>File_list: The list of files in the dataset that correspond to this specific ID.</li> <li>Model_unit: The unit of measurement used for the 3D model. When viewing the artifact in a 3D viewer that supports real-world units, this is the unit you enter into your program to ensure proper scaling. Note that this is not related to the object's resolution; it's simply the value needed for accurate scaling when importing the model into your 3D program.</li> <li>#_of_polygons: The number of polygons in the 3D model of the artifact.</li> <li>Avg_edge_length(mm)/Resolution: The average distance between points on the model, serving as an effective measure of the model's resolution.</li> <li>Resolution_score: A qualitative value assigned to each model, reflecting its resolution. Based on the entire set of scans from the Open Aurignacian Project, it classifies artifacts into four categories (i.e., ultra-detailed, detailed, moderate detail, low detail) based on their average edge length, providing an assessment of the model's resolution relative to others in the project.</li> <li>Scanner: The specific model of the scanner used to capture the 3D data of the lithic artifact.</li> <li>Scan_software: The version of the software used in conjunction with the scanner to capture the 3D data of the artifact.</li> <li>Postprocessing_software: The version of the software used to execute postprocessing algorithms and generate the final 3D mesh of the artifact.</li> <li>Coating: Yes/No entry speifying if coating was used for any scan.</li> </ul> <h2>Research and Usage Notes</h2> Users are encouraged to consult the <a href="https://github.com/ArmandoFalcucci/Castelcivita-Aur-Techno">GitHub</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10639552">Zenodo</a> repositories associated with the main publication on the Aurignacian sequence at Grotta di Castelcivita for further techno-typological data and analytical resources. This dataset is intended to foster open collaboration and reproducibility in lithic analysis, aligning with best practices in archaeological research. <h2>Licensing and Citation</h2> Please cite this repository and related publications when using this dataset in your research. Licensing details and citation formats are provided in the repository documentation. <h2>References</h2> Douka K., Higham T., Wood R. et al. (2014) On the chronology of the Uluzzian. Journal of Human Evolution, 68: 1-13. doi:10.1016/j.jhevol.2013.12.007 Falcucci A. (2022) MicroStone: Exploring the capabilities of the Artec Micro in scanning stone tools. protocols.io. doi:<a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.81wgb6781lpk/v1">https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.81wgb6781lpk/v1</a> Falcucci A. & Peresani M. (2018) Protoaurignacian Core Reduction Procedures: Blade and Bladelet Technologies at Fumane Cave. Lithic Technology 43: 125-140. doi:10.1080/01977261.2018.1439681 Falcucci A., Conard N.J. & Peresani M. (2020) Breaking through the Aquitaine frame: A re-evaluation on the significance of regional variants during the Aurignacian as seen from a key record in southern Europe. Journal of Anthropological Sciences, 98: 99-140. doi:https://doi.org/10.4436/JASS.98021 Falcucci A., Arrighi S., Spagnolo V., Rossini M., Higgins O.A., Muttillo B., Martini I., Crezzini J., Boschin F., Ronchitelli A. & Moroni A. (2024) A pre-Campanian Ignimbrite techno-cultural shift in the Aurignacian sequence of Grotta di Castelcivita, southern Italy. Scientific Reports, 14: 12783. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-59896-6 Gambassini P. (1997) Il Paleolitico di Castelcivita: Culture e Ambiente. Electa, Naples Giaccio B., Isaia R., Fedele F.G. et al. (2008) The Campanian Ignimbrite and Codola tephra layers: Two temporal/stratigraphic markers for the Early Upper Palaeolithic in southern Italy and eastern Europe. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 177: 208-226. doi:<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2007.10.007">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2007.10.007</a> Göldner D., Karakostis F.A. & Falcucci A. (2022) Practical and technical aspects for the 3D scanning of lithic artefacts using micro-computed tomography techniques and laser light scanners for subsequent geometric morphometric analysis. Introducing the StyroStone protocol. PLoS One, 17: e0267163. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0267163 Göldner D., Karakostis F.A. & Falcucci A. (2023) StyroStone: A protocol for scanning and extracting three-dimensional meshes of stone artefacts using Micro-CT scanners V.3. protocols.io. <a href="dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.4r3l24d9qg1y/v3">dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.4r3l24d9qg1y/v3</a> Marwick B., d’Alpoim Guedes J., Barton C.M. et al. (2017) Open science in archaeology. SAA Archaeological Record, 17: 8-14. doi:10.17605/OSF.IO/3D6XX

opencc-by-4.0Feb 2024View details →

zenodo48/100

The Open Aurignacian Project. Volume 1: Grotta di Fumane in northeastern Italy

<h2>Overview</h2> This repository contains a large dataset (n = 948) of 3D meshes of different classes of lithic artifacts (blade and bladelet cores, blades, bladelets, flakes, and retouched tools) from the Aurignacian (A2, A1, D6, D3+D6, D3l, D3d base, D3d, D3b alpha, D3b, and D1c) and Gravettian (D1d, D1e, and D1f) units at Fumane Cave in northeastern Italy (see Bartolomei et al., 1992). The Upper Paleolithic sequence spans from about 41 to 33 ky cal BP (Higham et al., 2009) and several studies have focused on the lithic technology (Bertola et al., 2013; Broglio et al., 2005; Falcucci et al., 2017; Falcucci, 2018; Falcucci & Peresani, 2018; Falcucci et al., 2018; Falcucci et al., 2020). The importance of the site for understanding the earliest phases of the Upper Paleolithic in Mediterranean Europe is well acknowledged (Conard & Bolus, 2015). Recently, all complete blades and bladelets from the best-preserved area of the cave (i.e., the external area of the excavation) were 3D-scanned using a protocol that relies on both Micro-CT and Artec Spider scanners (Göldner et al., 2022). Our main goal was to conduct a geometric morphometric assessment of the laminar products and test hypotheses related to stone tool production and, more broadly, past human behavior (Falcucci et al., 2022; Falcucci & Peresani, 2022). Furthermore, all core types have been scanned throughout the years of research at the site with an Artec Spider (Falcucci et al., 2024a; Lombao et al., 2023). The 3D scanning of artifacts was performed using the first model of the Artec Space Spider and a micro-CT scanner. The scanning process adhered to best practices for lithic digitization (Göldner et al., 2022), ensuring accurate capture of artifact details. 3D scanning and postprocessing for both micro-CT and Artec Spider follow the third version of the Styrostone protocol outlined by Göldner et al. (2023): <a href="dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.4r3l24d9qg1y/v3" rel="noopener">dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.4r3l24d9qg1y/v3</a>. The creation of this open-access repository is intended to encourage archaeologists to participate in collaborative initiatives, thereby contributing to the advancement of research in the field of lithic technology and facilitating broader access to the prehistoric record. This initiative aligns with the promotion of Open Science practices in archaeological sciences, as advocated by Marwick et al. (2017). This dataset is part of the <a href="https://www.armandofalcucci.com/project/open_aurignacian/">Open Aurignacian Project</a>. <h2>Author contact</h2> Dr. Armando Falcucci armando.falcucci@uni-tuebingen.de; falcucciarmando@gmail.com <h2>Description of the dataset</h2> This repository includes the following components: <ol> <li><code>RF_3D_Meshes.zip</code>: Compressed folder containing 3D models in PLY format for the lithic artifacts.</li> <li><code>Readme_Fumane_3D.txt</code>:  This README file provides detailed information about the 3D models and metadata associated with this repository. It includes descriptions of the dataset's structure, the scanning and postprocessing protocols, and detailed metadata variables for the lithic artifacts, including scanning technology, resolution, and file formats. The file serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the dataset and how to properly use and cite the data for research purposes.</li> <li><code>Fumane_3D_metadata.csv</code>: CSV file containing information, characteristics, and metadata of the lithic artifacts.</li> </ol> Each artifact has been assigned a unique identifier in the format "RF.b" (for blanks and tools) and "RF.c" (for cores) followed by a sequential number, allowing for cross-referencing with the techno-typological data presented in related publications. The <code>Fumane_3D_metadata.csv</code> file includes the following metadata attributes: <ul> <li>ID: Each artifact has been assigned a unique identifier in the format "RF.b" (for blanks and tools) and "RF.c" (for cores) followed by a sequential number, allowing for cross-referencing with the techno-typological data presented in related publications.</li> <li>Site: The archaeological site where the lithic was excavated.</li> <li>Layer: The stratigraphic origin of the lithic.</li> <li>Raw_material: Categorization by the type of raw material (e.g., Maiolica, Scaglia Variegata, Scaglia Rossa).</li> <li>Class: Broad artifact sorting (e.g., Blank, Core, Core-Tool, Tool), following common classifications in lithic analysis. Cores are pieces of any size that lack a dorsal/ventral surface but have two or more blade/bladelet/flake scars. Tools are pieces of any size that exhibit retouch along the margins. Core-tools are pieces that have produced bladelets but can also be classified as tools (e.g., carinated endscrapers and burin cores) following a typological classification. Blanks are flaked pieces with both a dorsal and ventral face.</li> <li>Blank: Classification of the blank into flake, blade, and bladelet categories. A blade is defined as a flaked blank whose length is at least twice its width, regardless of shape. Bladelets are defined as blades whose maximum width is less than 12 mm.</li> <li>Technology: Technological classification of the blanks into categories such as initialization, maintenance, optimal, semi-cortical, and others, following Falcucci et al. (2020) and Falcucci et al. (2024b).</li> <li>Core_classification: Technological categories for cores and core-tools (e.g., Carinated, Multi-platform, Narrow-sided, Semicircumferential) following Falcucci & Peresani (2018).</li> <li>Cortex: Percentage of cortex coverage (0%, 1–33%, 33–66%, 66–99%, 100%), estimated visually.</li> <li>Preservation: Breakage classification for blanks (e.g., Complete, Distal, Mesial, Proximal, Undetermined). For cores and most core-tools, preservation is marked as "Other".</li> <li>Volume: The volume of the artifact in cubic millimeters.</li> <li>Surface: The surface area of the artifact in square millimeters.</li> <li>Length: Maximum length in millimeters based on technological orientation, recorded with a digital caliper.</li> <li>Width: Maximum width in millimeters based on technological orientation, recorded with a digital caliper.</li> <li>Thickness: Maximum thickness in millimeters based on technological orientation, recorded with a digital caliper.</li> <li>File_list: The list of files in the dataset that correspond to this specific ID.</li> <li>Model_unit: The unit of measurement used for the 3D model. When viewing the artifact in a 3D viewer that supports real-world units, this is the unit you enter into your program to ensure proper scaling. Note that this is not related to the object's resolution; it's simply the value needed for accurate scaling when importing the model into your 3D program.</li> <li>#_of_polygons: The number of polygons in the 3D model of the artifact.</li> <li>Avg_edge_length(mm)/Resolution: The average distance between points on the model, serving as an effective measure of the model's resolution.</li> <li>Resolution_score: A qualitative value assigned to each model, reflecting its resolution. Based on the entire set of scans from the Open Aurignacian Project, it classifies artifacts into four categories (i.e., ultra-detailed, detailed, moderate detail, low detail) based on their average edge length, providing an assessment of the model's resolution relative to others in the project.</li> <li>Scanner: The specific model of the scanner used to capture the 3D data of the lithic artifact.</li> <li>Scan_software: The version of the software used in conjunction with the scanner to capture the 3D data of the artifact.</li> <li>Postprocessing_software: The version of the software used to execute postprocessing algorithms and generate the final 3D mesh of the artifact.</li> <li>Coating: Yes/No entry speifying if coating was used for any scan.</li> </ul> <h2>What's new in this release (Version 3.0.1)</h2> In this new version, we have reworked all 3D models of cores and core-tools to enhance their overall quality and improve analysis. This was accomplished using Artec Studio Professional software by adjusting the settings for Global Registration and, in particular, Sharp Fusion (i.e., using 0.1 instead of 0.3 in 3D Resolution, mm) . These changes mainly affect models with IDs starting with "RF.c". This change was applied only to the PLY files, while the WRL files were not included in this release. The WRL files can be downloaded from previous versions of this repository. <h2>Research and Usage Notes</h2> Users are encouraged to consult the <a href="https://github.com/ArmandoFalcucci/Refitting-The-Context">GitHub</a> and <a href="https://zenodo.org/doi/10.5281/zenodo.10965413">Zenodo</a> repositories associated with the main publication on the Aurignacian sequence at Grotta di Fumane for further techno-typological data and analytical resources. This dataset is intended to foster open collaboration and reproducibility in lithic analysis, aligning with best practices in archaeological research. <h2>Licensing and Citation</h2> Please ensure that this dataset is properly cited in any research or publication that utilizes it. Detailed licensing and citation information is provided within the dataset documentation. <h2>References</h2> Bartolomei G., Broglio A., Cassoli P. et al. (1992) La Grotte de Fumane. Un site aurignacien au pied des Alpes. Preistoria Alpina, 28: 131-179 Bertola S., Broglio A., Cristiani E. et al. (2013) La diffusione del primo Aurignaziano a sud dell'arco alpino. Preistoria Alpina, 47: 17-30 Broglio A., Bertola S., De Stefani M. et al. (2005) La production lamellaire et les armatures lamellaires de l’Aurignacien ancien de la grotte de Fumane (Monts Lessini, Vénétie). In F. Le Brun-Ricalens (ed.): Productions lamellaires attribuées à l’Aurignacien, pp. 415-436. MNHA, Luxembourg. Conard N.J. & Bolus M. (2015) Chronicling modern human’s arrival in Europe. Science. doi:10.1126/science.aab0234 Falcucci A., Conard N.J. & Peresani M. (2017) A critical assessment of the Protoaurignacian lithic technology at Fumane Cave and its implications for the definition of the earliest Aurignacian. PLoS One, 12: e0189241. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0189241 Falcucci A. & Peresani M. (2018) Protoaurignacian Core Reduction Procedures: Blade and Bladelet Technologies at Fumane Cave. Lithic Technology 43: 125-140. doi:10.1080/01977261.2018.1439681 Falcucci A. (2018) Towards a renewed definition of the Protoaurignacian. Mitteilungen der Gesellschaft für Urgeschichte, 27: 87-130 Falcucci A., Peresani M., Roussel M. et al. (2018) What’s the point? Retouched bladelet variability in the Protoaurignacian. Results from Fumane, Isturitz, and Les Cottés. Archaeol. Anthropol. Sci., 10: 539-554. doi:10.1007/s12520-016-0365-5 Falcucci A., Conard N.J. & Peresani M. (2020) Breaking through the Aquitaine frame: A re-evaluation on the significance of regional variants during the Aurignacian as seen from a key record in southern Europe. J. Anthropol. Sci., 98: 99-140. doi:10.4436/JASS.98021 Falcucci A., Karakostis F.A., Göldner D. et al. (2022) Bringing shape into focus: Assessing differences between blades and bladelets and their technological significance in 3D form. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 43: 103490. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2022.103490 Falcucci A. & Peresani M. (2022) The contribution of integrated 3D model analysis to Protoaurignacian stone tool design. PLoS One, 17: e0268539. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0268539 Falcucci A., Giusti D., Zangrossi F., De Lorenzi M., Ceregatti L. & Peresani M. (2024a) Refitting the Context: A Reconsideration of Cultural Change among Early Homo sapiens at Fumane Cave through Blade Break Connections, Spatial Taphonomy, and Lithic Technology. Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology, 8: 2. doi:10.1007/s41982-024-00203-0 Falcucci A., Arrighi S., Spagnolo V., Rossini M., Higgins O.A., Muttillo B., Martini I., Crezzini J., Boschin F., Ronchitelli A. & Moroni A. (2024b) A pre-Campanian Ignimbrite techno-cultural shift in the Aurignacian sequence of Grotta di Castelcivita, southern Italy. Scientific Reports, 14: 12783. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-59896-6 Göldner D., Karakostis F.A. & Falcucci A. (2022) Practical and technical aspects for the 3D scanning of lithic artefacts using micro-computed tomography techniques and laser light scanners for subsequent geometric morphometric analysis. Introducing the StyroStone protocol. PLoS One, 17: e0267163. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0267163 Göldner D., Karakostis F.A. & Falcucci A. (2023) StyroStone: A protocol for scanning and extracting three-dimensional meshes of stone artefacts using Micro-CT scanners V.3. protocols.io. <a href="dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.4r3l24d9qg1y/v3">dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.4r3l24d9qg1y/v3</a> Lombao D., Falcucci A., Moos E. & Peresani M. (2023) Unravelling technological behaviors through core reduction intensity. The case of the early Protoaurignacian assemblage from Fumane Cave. Journal of Archaeological Science, 160: 105889. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2023.105889

opencc-by-4.0Mar 2022View details →

zenodo44/100

Research compendium for 'A pre-Campanian Ignimbrite techno-cultural shift in the Aurignacian sequence of Grotta di Castelcivita, southern Italy'

<h2>Research compendium for 'A pre-Campanian Ignimbrite techno-cultural shift in the Aurignacian sequence of Grotta di Castelcivita, southern Italy' </h2> Compendium DOI:  <a href="https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10639553">https://doi.org/</a><a href="../doi/10.5281/zenodo.10639552">10.5281/zenodo.10639552</a> The content available at the above provided URL will reproduce the results as documented in the first paper's submission. Instead, the files hosted at <a href="https://github.com/ArmandoFalcucci/Castelcivita-Aur-Techno">https://github.com/ArmandoFalcucci/Castelcivita-Aur-Techno</a> represent the developmental versions and might have undergone modifications since the paper's publication. Maintainer of this repository: Armando Falcucci (<a href="mailto:armando.falcucci@uni-tuebingen.de">armando.falcucci@uni-tuebingen.de</a>; <a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3255-1005">https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3255-1005</a>)  Published paper: Armando Falcucci, Simona Arrighi, Vincenzo Spagnolo, Matteo Rossini, Owen Higgins, Brunella Muttillo, Ivan Martini, Jacopo Crezzini, Francesco Boschin, Annamaria Ronchitelli, Adriana Moroni. A pre-Campanian Ignimbrite techno-cultural shift in the Aurignacian sequence of Grotta di Castelcivita, southern Italy. Scientific Reports, 14: 12783. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-59896-6 (2024) Abstract: The Aurignacian is the first European technocomplex assigned to Homo sapiens recognized across a wide geographic extent. Although archaeologists have identified marked chrono-cultural shifts within the Aurignacian mostly by examining the techno-typological variations of stone and osseous tools, unraveling the underlying processes driving these changes remains a significant scientific challenge. Scholars have, for instance, hypothesized that the Campanian Ignimbrite (CI) super-eruption and the climatic deterioration associated with the onset of Heinrich Event 4 had a substantial impact on European foraging groups. The technological shift from the Protoaurignacian to the Early Aurignacian is regarded as an archaeological manifestation of adaptation to changing environments. However, some of the most crucial regions and stratigraphic sequences for testing these scenarios have been overlooked. In this study, we delve into the high-resolution stratigraphic sequence of Grotta di Castelcivita in southern Italy. Here, the Uluzzian is followed by three Aurignacian layers, sealed by the eruptive units of the CI. Employing a comprehensive range of quantitative methods—encompassing attribute analysis, 3D model analysis, and geometric morphometrics—we demonstrate that the key technological feature commonly associated with the Early Aurignacian developed well before the deposition of the CI tephra. Our study provides thus the first direct evidence that the volcanic super-eruption played no role in this cultural process. Furthermore, we show that local paleo-environmental proxies do not correlate with the identified patterns of cultural continuity and discontinuity. Consequently, we propose alternative research paths to explore the role of demography and regional trajectories in the development of the Upper Paleolithic. Keywords: Early Upper Paleolithic; Italy; Aurignacian; lithic technology; geometric morphometrics; 3D model analysis; cultural evolution; human-environment interaction; open science. Overview of contents and how to reproduce: Within this repository, various folders house data (<code>data</code>), code (<code>script</code>), and output files (<code>output</code>) pertinent to the paper. The data folder encompasses the complete dataset, the core dataset, and 2D outline coordinates utilized for the geometric morphometrics study. To replicate the results, download the entire repository and employ <code>Castelcivita-Aur-Techno.Rproj</code> and open the folder <code>script</code>, following the numbered folder structure. For ensuring reproducibility, the <code>renv</code> package (v. 1.0.3) was utilized, following the procedures detailed in its vignette. All analyses and visualizations in the paper were conducted using R 4.3.1 on Microsoft Windows 10.0.19045 (64-bit). As the necessary packages are available in the <code>renv</code> folder, they are not explicitly listed here. Licenses: Code: MIT (<a href="http://opensource.org/licenses/MIT">http://opensource.org/licenses/MIT),</a> copyright holder: Armando Falcucci (2024). Data and intellectual work: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>), copyright holder: the authors (2024).

opencc-by-4.0Feb 2024View details →

dryad36/100

Data from: Rope making in the Aurignacian of Central Europe more than 35,000 years ago

Evidence for the manufacture and use of fiber technology such as rope and twine is rare in the Paleolithic, despite the widely held view that such artifacts were in regular use during the Pleistocene. Based on the discovery of a more than 35,000 year-old perforated baton made from mammoth ivory at Hohle Fels Cave in Ach Valley of southwestern Germany together with experimental studies, we are now able to demonstrate one way people of the early Upper Paleolithic manufactured rope. This work contributes to our understanding of the evolution of technology, cooperative work and Paleolithic social organization.

opencc-zeroJan 2024View details →

dryad36/100

Data from: Rope making in the Aurignacian of Central Europe more than 35,000 years ago

Open the record for dataset details and reuse information.

publicJan 2024View details →

zenodo28/100

Investigating species composition in the Early Aurignacian of Le Piage (France) through collagen fingerprinting (ZooMS) of screen-recovered small bone fragments

This link supplements the paper "Investigating species composition in the Early Aurignacian of Le Piage (France) through collagen fingerprinting (ZooMS) of screen-recovered small bone fragments" published in Paleoanthropology (https://paleoanthropology.org/ojs/index.php/paleo) We analysed with ZooMS (Zooarchaeology by mass Spectrometry) 1,050 bone fragments recovered through water sieving from an Early Aurignacian layer (37–34 ka cal. BP) in the site of Le Piage (Lot, France) to compare the taxonomic identifications of bone remains using traditional morphological attributes with remains identified using ZooMS, and discuss the implications of the taxonomic patterns that we uncovered.  This page contains mzXml files of the spectra obtained and analysed within the scope of the published paper. The files are classified by runs, and the excel sheet entitled "Sample location (spectrum n°) in MS analyses" stipulates which mzXML files correspond to which specimen. This page also contains the simplified database reporting the identifications obtained through peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) and a breakdown of deamidation values calculated with the Betacalc 3 published in Wilson et al. (2012). For any questions please contact Pauline Raymond (pauline.raymond@college-de-france.fr). Please use the DOI when citing this dataset.

opencc-by-4.0Jul 2024View details →

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Allen Brain Atlas

Allen Brain Atlas is an Allen Institute collection of brain map atlases, datasets, APIs, and analysis tools covering mouse, human, and non-human primate brain resources.

allen-brain-atlas

neuroscienceopenDocumentation, web resources, and API references are available online.

Last verified 2026-04-30Open record

Annotated Behaviour and Observability Dataset (ABODe)

ABODe is a University of Edinburgh DataShare dataset for behavior classification in group-housed mice using home-cage video, identities, bounding boxes, ground-plate positions, and annotator labels.

abode-home-cage

behavioral-neuroscienceopenThe DataShare record exposes download links for annotations, documentation, license text, and the zipped per-snippet data directory.

Last verified 2026-04-30Open record

DANDI Archive for NWB datasets

DANDI is a BRAIN Initiative archive for publishing and sharing neurophysiology data, including electrophysiology, optophysiology, and behavioral data packaged as NWB and related standards.

dandi-nwb

electrophysiologyopenPublished Dandiset metadata and archive endpoints are available through the production DANDI API.

Last verified 2026-04-30Open record

International Brain Laboratory public data

The International Brain Laboratory public data releases expose standardized mouse decision-making experiments, including Neuropixels recordings, widefield calcium imaging, behavior, and session metadata accessed through the ONE API.

ibl

behavioral-neuroscienceopenPublic sessions can be searched and loaded from the IBL public data server through ONE.

Last verified 2026-04-29Open record

OpenNeuro

OpenNeuro is a free, open platform for sharing neuroimaging datasets, with public search, dataset pages, and download paths for web, S3, DataLad, and the OpenNeuro CLI.

openneuro

neuroscienceopenPublished datasets are available on demand over the internet.

Last verified 2026-04-29Open record