GlossaryPrint

method for studying stone tools that aims to reconstruct the sequence of material removal from a block of raw material. It is used to comprehend the reasoning and logic behind the operational chains that lead to the manufacture and technical level of the artisans. The study of the spatial distribution of the refitted pieces allows an evaluation of the conservation of the archaeological level, and the reconstruction of its formation process.

manufacturing technique of lithic tools, comprising the removal of small pieces of stone, generally from the edge of a flake, blade or bladelet, in order to modify its morphology and edge angulations, to produce a specialised tool.

Paleozoic ocean that separated Paleolaurentia from Paleogondwana.

extinct prehistoric fish, similar to present-day rays, with a “rigid armour”, that lived during the Devonian (416-359 Ma).

lithospheric plates divergence zone. Presently, most of the rifts are located in the ocean bottoms (in the mid-ocean ridges). However, the phenomenon does not necessarily start in the oceanic crust. It can occur in the continental crust, as it is happening today in the great lakes region, in Africa, or, in a more advanced evolutionary stage, in the Red Sea.

abandonment movement of inhabitants from rural areas into major urban centres in search of better living conditions.

set of activities and accommodation services rendered and provided in exchange for remuneration in rural areas (areas of traditional and meaningful connection to agriculture or with environment and landscape of pronouncedly rural character). These vary according to the different types of lodging, activities and complementary entertainment services and tourist animation, as to provide a complete and diversified tourist product in rural spaces.