Coastal exploitation in the Mesolithic of western France: la Pointe Saint-Gildas (Préfailles)

Following surveys carried out over many years, three Mesolithic sites have been identified at the ‘Pointe Saint-Gildas’ near the Loire estuary. They are situated in proximity to more than 20 indications of the presence of Mesolithic populations. Two of the three excavated stations provide the only evidence of the subsistence of these Late Mesolithic populations. These excavations were carried out in 1994 at station 1a, and in 2003 and 2004 at station 1b, and revealed a lithic industry based on blades and small concentrations of shells. The dominant arrowhead types are large scalene triangles, but with some asymmetrical trapeze-shaped points. They are associated with industries based on blades and bladelets with non-parallel edges. The analysis of shells indicates the exploitation of resources on a muddy shore, whereas these sites currently overlook a rocky zone. The Holocene transgression has masked the trace of a noticeable estuarine influence, according to studies of the bathymetry and underwater sedimentary cores. Dating of the shells yields ages between 6600 and 6400 BC at Saint-Gildas 1b. The marked deterioration of these sites by erosion and the inaccurate calibration of the dates lead to uncertainties in the interpretation. Nevertheless, these assemblages are the first example of the emergence of Late Mesolithic industries on the Armorican Massif.