LAUSR

Abstract The aim of this work is to present the results of the classification of wood anatomy alterations on Pinus sylvestris-type charcoal remains and to analyse the quantitative results from Palaeolithic sites in NE Iberia. The high relative percentages of Pinus sylvestris-type charcoal fragments in these anthracological records has enabled us to systematically observe the taphonomic markers producing alterations in the wood cell structure. The analysis is based on a large collection of Pinus sylvestris-type charcoal remains from eight sites. All the assemblages present values above 70%. The observed alterations have been regrouped into biological alterations related to natural processes, combustion alterations, and post-depositional alterations. The results show differences in the relative presence of the markers, which are difficult to interpret in terms of environmental or cultural processes related to fuel exploitation. However, this study suggests that charcoal taphonomy is a useful tool for supporting previous interpretations of fire-management activities related to firewood gathering.