Reflections on the concept of transition: concerning the morphotechnical characterization of lithic assemblages from technical mode 2 to 3 in the area of the North shore of the Strait of Gibraltar

Abstract

In this paper we expect to characterize the lithic assemblages of the transition between Technical Modes 2 and 3 in the geographical area of Campo de Gibraltar and Western Costa del Sol. We will identify the criteria of procurement and selection of their raw materials, as well as their typometrical, volumetrical, lithological, morphotechnical and morphopotential characteristics. We will contrast this information with synchronous sites in the peninsular South and we will do their diachronic evaluation. In our work, we define ourselves in regard to theory as participants in the principles of the Latin American (or Amero-Iberian) Social Archaeology and with regard to the methodology as within the Logical Analytical System. As will be seen further on, our interest focuses on the definition of the modes of life and work of these hunter-gatherer socio-economic formations in transition, therefore we reflect on what it means for us, as social historians, the concept of transition in Prehistory.