Shell tools and productive strategies of hunter-gatherer groups: Some reflections from a use-wear analysis at the Balma del Gai site (Barcelona, Spain)

Balma del Gai site is a small rock shelter situated in the municipality of Moià (Barcelona, ​​ Spain) at an altitude 760 m above sea level and 50 km from current coastline. The levels occupation this context are dated between 13,442 cal BP 9,552 BP, being related to so-denominated “Epimagdalenian” “Microlaminar Sauveterroid” complexes. excavations have provided important mollusc samples, both terrestrial marine, which been studied considered alimentary adornment resources. In article, we present results use-wear analyses shell tools Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819 Glycymeris glycymeris (Linnaeus, 1758). these their comparison with analytical experimentation demonstrate that some shells were used as for developing diverse productive activities processing materials animal, mineral vegetal origin. way, research contributes to: 1) broaden technological spectrum registered wider sense Epipalaeolithic hunter-gatherers (beyond traditional elements), 2) diversified use adornments, food site; aspect great interest especially bearing mind distance coast.