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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The prehistoric site of the Quina, located near Gardes-le-Pontaroux in Charente (Nouvelle-Aquitaine), extends over 700 metres and comprises two distinct deposits: the upstream station (Moustarian) and the downstream station (Aurignacien, Châtelperronien). Discovered in 1872 by Gustave Chauvet, notary and amateur archaeologist, the site was initially explored for its neolithic remains before revealing paleolithic layers rich in lithic tools and animal bones. The excavations of Chauvet and his collaborators, like Philippe Ramonet, brought to light the characteristic Musterian industries, including convex scrapers, as well as traces of Dutch occupation.

In 1905, the doctor Léon Henri-Martin acquired the deposit and conducted systematic excavations there from 1906 to 1936, followed by the work of his daughter Germaine Henri-Martin (1953–1965). Their research confirmed the presence of 27 Neanderthal individuals, including a female primary burial (La Quina 5) and an eight-year-old child (La Quina 18). The upstream station also delivered shaped bones (buffalo and horse lilacs), interpreted as bowls or ladles, similar to those of Fort Harrouard. The downstream station, excavated from 1922, revealed aurignacian layers superimposed on a shawl-perronal level, without intermediate sterile horizon.

The site was classified as a Historic Monument in 1984 for its importance in understanding the Middle and Upper Paleolithic. Discoveries, such as the Aurignacian sagae's tips or the Mossterian tools with "Quina" touch-up, helped define the Quina-type Mossterian, a distinct cultural faction. Subsequent excavations (1985–) by A. Jelinek, A. Debenath and H. Dibble deepened the stratigraphic and chronological study, notably through thermoluminescence dating (43,000 years BP for toothed Moustarian).

Research history reflects the evolution of archaeological methods, from Chauvet's early empirical observations to modern scientific analysis. The debates of the 19th century, such as those on limestone balls or the relationship between Chelleen and Moustarian, illustrate the controversies of the time. Today, the Quina remains a reference for the study of Neanderthals and the transition to Homo sapiens in Western Europe.

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