A Return to Chalosse Cherts: An Integrated Approach Based on Field Survey, Petrography and Geochemical Analysis to Understand a Palaeolithic Tracer

ABSTRACT The Pyrenees have been considered a natural barrier for prehistoric populations. However, in recent years, Palaeolithic research has established connections between the two sides through the analysis of cherts. Among others, the presence of Chalosse cherts in sites on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees has proven the mobility of objects and people from the northern to the southern slope. Nevertheless, this evidence must be reinforced, and the mobility circuits must be clarified. To answer these questions and also to formulate new hypotheses that allow a deeper understanding of past human subsistence practices, we revisited the cherts from the Chalosse region. To do so, we applied a geoarchaeological approach that puts together the analysis of geological cartography through GIS, field survey, in situ descriptions of strata, non‐destructive and destructive petrography, and portable geochemistry (LIBS and X‐ray fluorescence). This led us to identify the most significant and promising procurement areas, characterise their cherts, and determine the chemical signature of the most relevant chert‐bearing formations. This information is relevant not only to assess the importance of Chalosse cherts as long‐distance tracers but also to deepen our understanding of human adaptive practices to procure, manage, and transport these cherts throughout the Palaeolithic.