The site was identified following a surface survey undertaken by the Natural History Museum of Friuli and the Archaeological Superintendency of Friuli Venezia Giulia as part of the project called “The Celts in Friuli”. This research ascertained the presence of numerous traces of occupation, relating to a period running from prehistory to the Middle ages. Excavation took place in the locality known as “Dosso Confine” which is situated on the northern shore of the lake of Pramollo, close to the border with Austria. The lithic material recovered comprises circa 2000 artifacts in chipped/flaked stone: flint of probable local origin and hyaline quartz which came from the northern side of the border watershed.
Analysis of the distribution of this material indicates the presence of areas specializing in the flaking of flint and rock crystal. Several structures for combustion (for which dating is in progress to establish their age) and prepared stones were also present.
The site can be interpreted as a seasonal hunting camp, similar to the numerous Mesolithic examples within the eastern alps, and the characteristics of the stone-working industry seem to place it in the early Mesolithic period. (Giuseppe Muscio)