DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15383190
title: The Open Aurignacian Project. Volume 4: Riparo Bombrini in northwestern Italy

description: Overview

This repository contains a dataset of high-resolution 3D meshes of lithic artifacts (n = 110) from the Aurignacian sequence at Riparo Bombrini in Liguria, northwestern Italy (43°46′59.6″N, 07°32′7.6″E). The dataset includes 3D models of cores, tools, and blanks recovered from the Protoaurignacian (A2, A1) and Early Aurignacian (A0) layers. Riparo Bombrini, part of the Balzi Rossi complex (Ryan et al., 2024), is a key site for understanding the transition from the Middle to the Upper Paleolithic, which coincided with the demise of late Neanderthals and the spread of Homo sapiens across Europe (Negrino & Riel-Salvatore, 2018; Negrino et al., 2023; Riel-Salvatore & Negrino, 2018b, a). Recently, the Aurignacian sequence was analyzed by Falcucci et al. (in preparation) to better contextualize lithic technology and raw material procurement strategies, examining human mobility across the Liguro-Provençal Basin. Additionally, layer A0 has been assigned to the Early Aurignacian for the first time. With excavations completed in 2022, this dataset represents the most up-to-date collection of Protoaurignacian and Early Aurignacian lithics from Riparo Bombrini.

The 3D scanning of artifacts was performed using the first model of the Artec Space Spider scanner from Artec Inc., Luxembourg. The scanning process adhered to best practices for lithic digitization (Göldner et al., 2022), ensuring an 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: dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.4r3l24d9qg1y/v3

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 repository is part of the Open Aurignacian Project.

Author contact

Dr. Armando Falcucci

armando.falcucci@uni-tuebingen.de; falcucciarmando@gmail.com

Description of the dataset

This repository includes the following components:



RB_3D_Meshes.zip: Compressed folder containing 3D models in PLY format for the lithic artifacts.

Readme_Bombrini_3D.txt:  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.

Bombrini_3D_metadata.csv: CSV file containing information, characteristics, and metadata of the lithic artifacts.


 

The Bombrini_3D_metadata.csv file includes the following metadata attributes:



ID: Each artifact has been assigned a unique identifier in the format "RB" followed by a sequential number, allowing for cross-referencing with the techno-typological data presented in related publications.

Site: The archaeological site where the lithic was excavated.

Layer: The stratigraphic origin of the lithic.

Raw_material: Categorization by the type of raw material (e.g., Chert, Radiolarite).

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.

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.

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).

Core_classification: Technological categories for cores and core-tools (e.g., Carinated, Multi-platform, Narrow-sided, Semicircumferential) following Falcucci & Peresani (2018).

Cortex: Percentage of cortex coverage (0%, 1–33%, 33–66%, 66–99%, 100%), estimated visually.

Preservation: Breakage classification for blanks (i.e., Complete, Distal, Mesial, Proximal, and Undetermined). For cores and most core-tools, preservation is marked as "Other".

Volume: The volume of the artifact in cubic millimeters.

Surface: The surface area of the artifact in square millimeters.

Length: Maximum length in millimeters based on technological orientation, recorded with a digital caliper.

Width: Maximum width in millimeters based on technological orientation, recorded with a digital caliper.

Thickness: Maximum thickness in millimeters based on technological orientation, recorded with a digital caliper.

File_list: The list of files in the dataset that correspond to this specific ID.

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.

#_of_polygons: The number of polygons in the 3D model of the artifact.

Avg_edge_length(mm)/Resolution: The average distance between points on the model, serving as an effective measure of the model's resolution.

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.

Scanner: The specific model of the scanner used to capture the 3D data of the lithic artifact.

Scan_software: The version of the software used in conjunction with the scanner to capture the 3D data of the artifact.

Postprocessing_software: The version of the software used to execute postprocessing algorithms and generate the final 3D mesh of the artifact.

Coating: Yes/No entry speifying if coating was used for any scan.


Research and Usage Notes

Users are encouraged to consult the GitHub and Zenodo repositories associated with the main publication on the Aurignacian sequence at Riparo Bombrini 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.

Licensing and Citation

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.

References

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

Falcucci, A., Bertola, S., Parise, M., Del Rio, M., Riel-Salvatore, J., & Negrino, F. (in preparation). A crossroads between the Mediterranean and the Alps: Lithic technology and mobility in the Aurignacian of Riparo Bombrini (Liguria, northwestern Italy). Journal of Anthropological Archaeology.

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. dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.4r3l24d9qg1y/v3

Marwick B., d’Alpoim Guedes J., Barton C.M., Bates L.A., Baxter M., Bevan A., Bollwerk E.A., Bocinsky R.K., Brughmans T., Carter A.K., Conrad C., Contreras D.A., Costa S., Crema E.R., Daggett A., Davies B., Drake B.L., Dye T.S., France P., Fullagar R., Giusti D., Graham S., Harris M.D., Hawks J., Heath S., Huffer D., Kansa E.C., Kansa S.W., Madsen M.E., Melcher J., Negre J., Neiman F.D., Opitz R., Orton D.C., Przstupa P., Raviele M., Riel-Savatore J., Riris P., Romanowska I., Smith J., Strupler N., Ullah I.I., Van Vlack H.G., VanValkenburgh N., Watrall E.C., Webster C., Wells J., Winters J. & Wren C.D. (2017) Open science in archaeology. SAA Archaeological Record, 17: 8-14. doi:10.17605/OSF.IO/3D6XX

Negrino F. & Riel-Salvatore J. (2018) From Neanderthals to Anatomically Modern Humans in Liguria (Italy): the current state of knowledge. In V. Borgia & E. Cristiani (eds.): Palaeolithic Italy. Advanced studies on early human adaptations in the Apennine peninsula, pp. 161-181. Sidestone Press, Leiden.

Negrino F., Rossoni-Notter E., Simon P. & Tozzi C. (2023) Il Paleolitico e il Mesolitico della Liguria. In F. Negrino & V. Tiné (eds.): Preistoria e Protostoria della Liguria,, vol. LXXIII – S3, pp. 11-58. Rivista di Scienze Preistoriche Rome.

Riel-Salvatore J. & Negrino F. (2018a) Human adaptations to climatic change in Liguria across the Middle–Upper Paleolithic transition. Journal of Quaternary Science, 33: 313-322. doi:10.1002/jqs.3005

Riel-Salvatore J. & Negrino F. (2018b) Proto-Aurignacian lithic technology, mobility, and human niche construction: A case study from Riparo Bombrini. In E. Robinson & F. Sellet (eds.): Lithic technological organization and paleoenvironmental change, pp. 163-187. Springer, NY.

Ryan D.D., Starnini E., Serradimigni M., Rossoni-Notter E., Notter O., Zerboni A., Negrino F., Grimaldi S., Vacchi M., Ragaini L., Rovere A., Perego A., Muttoni G., Santaniello F., Moussous A. & Pappalardo M. (2024) A geoarchaeological review of Balzi Rossi, Italy: A crossroad of Palaeolithic populations in the northwest Mediterranean. Quaternary Science Reviews, 327: 108515. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2024.108515
description: Acknowledgements

Fieldwork was carried out with the authorization of the Ministero della Cultura, under the local supervision of the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio per le province di Imperia e Savona, with logistical support from the Istituto Internazionale di Studi Liguri (Bordighera), the Direzione regionale Musei Liguria, and the Museo Preistorico dei Balzi Rossi e Zona Archeologica (Ventimiglia). We thank all the students and researchers who were actively involved in the recovery, preparation, and study of the archaeological record from Riparo Bombrini throughout the years of research at the site.

Funding Statement

Research at Riparo Bombrini is coordinated by the University of Genoa (F.N.) and the Université de Montréal (J.R.S.), with funding from FRQSC grant 2016-NP-193048 (J.R.S.), Direction des affaires internationales UdeM (J.R.S.), SSHRC Insight Grant 435-2017-1520 (J.R.S. & F.N.), and the SPHeritage Project (MUR grant: FIRS2019_00040, P.I.: M. Pappalardo). The new analysis of the lithic assemblages was supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) under grant agreement no. 431809858 (project title: “Investigating Early Upper Paleolithic Technological Variability and Cultural Dynamics South of the Alps”; recipient: A. Falcucci).