Flexibility of the Levallois Concept in the Italian Late Middle Palaeolithic: A view from the Oscuru

This monograph investigates Neanderthal stone tool production variations through an integrated study of lithic assemblages from the Mousterian phase at the Oscurusciuto rock shelter in southern Italy. Concentrating on four critical occupational levels (SU 15, SU 14, SU 13, and SU 11), it provides a diachronic perspective, uncovering the evolution of lithic production strategies over time. This approach allows for a thorough examination of lithic production method diversity, debitage concepts, and their relationship to raw materials and cultural traditions. The study particularly emphasises Levallois debitage and its applications at the site, discussing identification criteria and adaptability. It highlights the distinctiveness of lithic toolmaking from this significant phase of the Late Middle Palaeolithic in Europe.