Hunting Strategies in Central Europe During the Last Glacial Maximum

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This study explores the roles of hunting and animal processing during the Last Glacial Maximum in the long-term evolutionary development of prehistoric societies. The database is derived primarily from the open-air campsite Grubgraben, Lower Austria. Current methods of zooarchaeology are used to reconstruct the socioeconomics of Epigravettian hunting. An ecological/behavioral model for prey species adaptation to the glacial environment of Central Europe is developed; and Epigravettian decisions, reflected by the types, parts, and quantities of prey carcasses transported, processed, and discarded, are defined. The behavior of extant ungulates and furbearers is used to reconstruct that of their ancient counterparts, identification and quantification of animal bones documents the economic importance of animal species from each site, and various other data indicating the methods and patterns of animal exploitation are analysed for the insight they can give into hunter-gatherer life and society at this period.