MAN AND WOOD DURING THE PALEOLITHIC IN TH E CANTABRIAN CORDILLERA (SPAIN) - THE CASE OF ALTAMIRA AND EL-BUXU

Two sites located In the Cantabrian region (Spain) have been analysed in an anthracological (charcoal analysis) point of view. The caves of Altamira (Cantabria) and El Buxu (Asturias) demonstrate a similar chro nology between 17000 to 15500 BP. The cultural attributions are almost the same : Upper Solutrean from El Buxu and level III in Altamira; Lo wer Magdalenian from level II in Altamira. The anthracological spectru m shows a diverse flora consisting of Juniperus/Salix/Cytisus for Alta mira ; Quercus robur-petraea/Alnus/Cytisus for El Buxu. These anthraco logical datas can be interpreted as showing different biotops (Bottom of valleys, Plain and Mountain) where man provides for his daily needs , one such been the collection of wood. A relationship between charcoa l and faunal remains has been established. The ecology of species hunt ed in these sites also reflects a diverse environment. The results and interpretations of charcoal and faunal remains found in Altamira and El Buxu caves are concordant.