Bell Beaker lithic industry between France and Italy: new insights from Lombardy and Languedoc

The authors present the preliminary results of a techno-typological study of several Bell Beaker lithic industries from Lombardy (Calcinate-Campo Musna and Brescia-San Polo) and eastern Languedoc (Maupas and Beaussement). This new data, integrated with the information available on lithic assemblages from both Northern Italy and the French Midi, contribute to improving knowledge on Bell Beaker lithic production. The comparison between Lombardy and Languedoc Bell Beaker lithic assemblages shows regional differences and similarities from both the technological and the typological point of view. In both these regions chaînes opératoires are aimed at the production of small and irregular flakes knapped by hard hammer percussion. However, important differences can be observed as regards bladelet production. Regarding the typological aspects, although certain similarities (e.g. endscrapers, microlithic crescents) are attested, some differences have been noted, in particular as regards the presence of specific types of arrowheads in the two areas: tanged arrowheads with squared barbs are more frequent in the French Midi than in Italy, whereas hollow base arrowheads, which are present in several Italian lithic industries, are absent in the whole of Southeastern France.