Abstract
The Abri Cadet 3 in Marie Galante was firstly excavated in 2004. The stratigraphy documents the latest Pleistocene and the second half of the Holocene. An archaeological level of the late Ceramic period was evidenced, as well as older levels, rich in bones and invertebrate remains, for which the question of a human contribution to the assemblage formation was raised.New excavations were carried out in 2018 and 2019 with three perspectives: 1) increase the vertebrate assemblage to describe the succession of Holocene vertebrate biocenoses on the island, 2) precise the chronology of the deposit and refine the stratigraphic resolution of the collected material, and 3) collect evidence for discussing a human use of the site during the Archaic age.These new excavations revealed the funerary function of the site during the final Ceramic period with the finding of an Amerindian burial in the highest part of the deposit. They also demonstrate the Archaic occupation of the shelter as early as 3,000 BCE, by highlighting small combustion features and tiny flint flakes. The preliminary study of both vertebrate and invertebrate faunal remains also allows to further discuss the question of animal exploitation by Archaic people in this site.