- Archaeology, Landscape Archaeology, Historical Archaeology, Ethnoarchaeology, Archaeozoology, Palaeopathology, and 23 moreVertebrate taphonomy, Ethnozoology, Archaeomusicology, Urbanization, medieval cities, Antler and bone work, Archaeo-Ornithology, Ethnography, Taphonomy, Morocco, Spain, Palaeolithic, Beads, Worked bone beads, Butchery, Skinning, Sexing, Killing, Leporids, Caldeirão, Rosary Manufacturing, Ancient History, Agriculture, Roman Archaeology, and Food, memory & identityedit
El estudio del cambio agrario operado en la Península a raíz de la conquista árabo-islámica del 711 se ha centrado principalmente en el proceso de difu- sión de la agricultura irrigada. Sin embargo, resulta sorprendente el escaso nú- mero... more
El estudio del cambio agrario operado en la Península a raíz de la conquista árabo-islámica del 711 se ha centrado principalmente en el proceso de difu- sión de la agricultura irrigada. Sin embargo, resulta sorprendente el escaso nú- mero de estudios sobre otras prácticas agrarias como las que conciernen al aprovecha- miento de las cabañas ganaderas, un tema de investigación que ha sido solo superficialmente explorado debido en parte a suposiciones apriorísticas, como la que pre- supone la disociación existente entre ganadería y agricultura irrigada en al-Ándalus.
En este trabajo se propone una reconsideración del papel de la ganadería en la eco- nomía agraria andalusí. En primer lugar, se exponen una serie de reflexiones que cues- tionan la validez de algunos de los argumentos que han contribuido a lastrar el estu- dio de la actividad pecuaria en al-Ándalus. En segundo lugar, se alude al papel que la práctica ganadera desempeña en el contexto de la producción agraria tradicional, des- tacando la importancia del estiércol para el mantenimiento de una agricultura inten- siva como la irrigada. Por último, se presentan algunos de los principales resultados de- rivados del estudio arqueozoológico de contextos andalusíes, cuya lectura agroecológica contribuye a mejorar nuestra comprensión del sistema agrario andalusí y del papel que pudo desempeñar en él la actividad pecuaria.
En este trabajo se propone una reconsideración del papel de la ganadería en la eco- nomía agraria andalusí. En primer lugar, se exponen una serie de reflexiones que cues- tionan la validez de algunos de los argumentos que han contribuido a lastrar el estu- dio de la actividad pecuaria en al-Ándalus. En segundo lugar, se alude al papel que la práctica ganadera desempeña en el contexto de la producción agraria tradicional, des- tacando la importancia del estiércol para el mantenimiento de una agricultura inten- siva como la irrigada. Por último, se presentan algunos de los principales resultados de- rivados del estudio arqueozoológico de contextos andalusíes, cuya lectura agroecológica contribuye a mejorar nuestra comprensión del sistema agrario andalusí y del papel que pudo desempeñar en él la actividad pecuaria.
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The archaeozoological study of the domestic livestock recovered from two different stratigraphic contexts, from Structure 12 of the Cueva Pintada of Gáldar site (Gran Canaria, Spain) is presented. Both contexts are dated between the... more
The archaeozoological study of the domestic livestock recovered from two different stratigraphic contexts, from Structure 12 of the Cueva Pintada of Gáldar site (Gran Canaria, Spain) is presented. Both contexts are dated between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries CE. One of them is definitely previous to the conquest of the island, while the other belongs to a period in which that conquest had already taken place.
Pigs, goats and sheep are the domestic species consumed during the fifteenth century and the beginning of the sixteenth century. There is no evidence for the introduction of new livestock nor the use of metal tools during butchery or consumption activities. However, in the earlier context, previous to the annexation to the Castilian Crown, pigs abundances (MNE=63%) are much higher than those of caprines (goats and sheep) (MNE=37%), an unparalleled circumstance in the Canary Islands thus far. This trend seems to reverse during the last decades of the fifteenth century, coinciding with the period of colonial occupation. The only issue that remains unchanged in every context is the higher proportion of goats versus sheep. Mortality profiles suggest that goats and sheep were consumed at any age throughout the year, although
adults were preferred. In contrast, pig slaughtering focused on sub-adults, between 12-25 months old, when pigs reach their optimal weight. These results show that caprines were sacrificed at different ages for different purposes, whereas pig breeding was highly specialised, probably aimed at obtaining the maximum amount of meat at any given time.
Pigs, goats and sheep are the domestic species consumed during the fifteenth century and the beginning of the sixteenth century. There is no evidence for the introduction of new livestock nor the use of metal tools during butchery or consumption activities. However, in the earlier context, previous to the annexation to the Castilian Crown, pigs abundances (MNE=63%) are much higher than those of caprines (goats and sheep) (MNE=37%), an unparalleled circumstance in the Canary Islands thus far. This trend seems to reverse during the last decades of the fifteenth century, coinciding with the period of colonial occupation. The only issue that remains unchanged in every context is the higher proportion of goats versus sheep. Mortality profiles suggest that goats and sheep were consumed at any age throughout the year, although
adults were preferred. In contrast, pig slaughtering focused on sub-adults, between 12-25 months old, when pigs reach their optimal weight. These results show that caprines were sacrificed at different ages for different purposes, whereas pig breeding was highly specialised, probably aimed at obtaining the maximum amount of meat at any given time.
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In 2012, the launched an archaeological project dedicated to explore the medieval site of Tusculum. The effort made over the past four years to experiment in Tusculum –in particular in the area of the medieval fortress– using a highly... more
In 2012, the launched an archaeological project dedicated to explore the medieval
site of Tusculum. The effort made over the past four years to experiment in Tusculum –in
particular in the area of the medieval fortress– using a highly multidisciplinary approach and
pursuing an integrated interpretation of data by specialists with different backgrounds, has
enable for the first time the formulation of an historical framework that is not limited to the
reconstruction of a single monument, but aims, instead, to read it within a larger framework
of reference: notably the reconstruction of the medieval town planning (arx and civitas), Tusculum’s
relationship with its landscape, and the daily life of its inhabitants. This paper presents
the results from the 2015 season of excavation.
site of Tusculum. The effort made over the past four years to experiment in Tusculum –in
particular in the area of the medieval fortress– using a highly multidisciplinary approach and
pursuing an integrated interpretation of data by specialists with different backgrounds, has
enable for the first time the formulation of an historical framework that is not limited to the
reconstruction of a single monument, but aims, instead, to read it within a larger framework
of reference: notably the reconstruction of the medieval town planning (arx and civitas), Tusculum’s
relationship with its landscape, and the daily life of its inhabitants. This paper presents
the results from the 2015 season of excavation.
This chapter describes the faunal assemblage comprising over 2000 vertebrate remains (mainly mammals, but also birds) from Early Medieval rubbish layers recovered at the Baptistery site of Padua. Pigs, caprines (sheep and goat) and cattle... more
This chapter describes the faunal assemblage comprising over 2000 vertebrate remains (mainly mammals, but also birds) from Early Medieval rubbish layers recovered at the Baptistery site of Padua. Pigs, caprines (sheep and goat) and cattle followed by domestic fowl and goose dominate the taxonomic composition. Few equids as well as wild boar, red deer, roe deer, hare, cat, rat and several species of ducks are also present. Anatomical distributions and butchery patterns of the main livestock species suggest the assemblages derive from food preparation and consumption. Slaughtering profiles of caprines and pigs show opposite trends over time. While more juvenile caprines were culled towards 10th century AD the age at death of pigs increases from Longobard times onwards. Simultaneously, there is a significant decline in cattle remains after 6th-7th centuries AD mirrored by an increase in pig relative frequency. Comparison with contemporary assemblages from northern Italy provides an opportunity to explore more complex issues than dietary preferences, such as urban food provisioning and changes in production systems over time.
This paper presents the preliminary results of the excavation of the “Els Trocs” Cave, developed in the context of the research project “The pathways of the Neolithic”. The careful and detailed work of excavation and recording has... more
This paper presents the preliminary results of the excavation of the “Els Trocs” Cave, developed
in the context of the research project “The pathways of the Neolithic”. The careful and detailed work of
excavation and recording has revealed a complex stratigraphy in which, thanks to the radiocarbon dates on
short-lived samples (cereal seeds, human bones and domestic animal remains), it has been possible to
distinguish four different periods of occupation inside the cave. With this information and some preliminary
analyses of part of the materials (pottery, flint and faunal remains), we have documented the presence
of a human group in the mountain pastures of the axial Pyrennes, at a very early stage (beginning of the
last third of the VIth millennium cal. BC), with a transhumant pastoral economy. It was a fully neolithic
population with clear evidences of the use of wheat and barley, despite they did not cultivate around the
close environment of this cave, where complex burial rituals had been also documented.
in the context of the research project “The pathways of the Neolithic”. The careful and detailed work of
excavation and recording has revealed a complex stratigraphy in which, thanks to the radiocarbon dates on
short-lived samples (cereal seeds, human bones and domestic animal remains), it has been possible to
distinguish four different periods of occupation inside the cave. With this information and some preliminary
analyses of part of the materials (pottery, flint and faunal remains), we have documented the presence
of a human group in the mountain pastures of the axial Pyrennes, at a very early stage (beginning of the
last third of the VIth millennium cal. BC), with a transhumant pastoral economy. It was a fully neolithic
population with clear evidences of the use of wheat and barley, despite they did not cultivate around the
close environment of this cave, where complex burial rituals had been also documented.
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This paper presents the results of the first excavation campaign of the Artusia rock shelter in Unzu e, Navarre, Spain. Chronocultural and archaeobiological analyses revealed five different occupation phases (Artusia IeV) within the... more
This paper presents the results of the first excavation campaign of the Artusia rock shelter in Unzu e, Navarre, Spain. Chronocultural and archaeobiological analyses revealed five different occupation phases (Artusia IeV) within the regional Mesolithic timeline, specifically in the Mesolithic of Notches and Denticulates (Artusia I and II) and the Geometric Mesolithic (Artusia III, IV, and V). In addition, the study of the sedimentological and palaeoenvironmental evolution in the entire record helped to clearly define several climatic events which developed around 6550 cal BCe8500 cal BP and 6250 cal BCe8200 cal BP. Here, we present a description of these events and their (pre)historical interpretation with the aim of recognizing how they influenced the Mesolithic hunteregatherer groups living in the Ebro Basin of the Iberian Peninsula.
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Se pretende realizar un acercamiento a las formas de explotación ganadera de un asentamiento prehispánico desde una perspectiva arqueozoológica, con el objetivo de contribuir al conocimiento de su organización socioeconómica. Para ello se... more
Se pretende realizar un acercamiento a las formas de explotación ganadera de un asentamiento prehispánico
desde una perspectiva arqueozoológica, con el objetivo de contribuir al conocimiento de su organización
socioeconómica.
Para ello se ha elegido el yacimiento costero de El Lomo Los Melones (Telde), datado entre los siglos XIV y
XV d.C. Las dos estructuras estudiadas han proporcionado un valioso registro faunístico, lo que ha permitido
explicarlas como un espacio doméstico, vinculado al tratamiento de los animales, con actividades de carnicería,
preparación alimenticia y consumo.
El ganado doméstico, formado por cabras, ovejas y cerdos, muestra unas pautas de explotación similares a las
estudiadas en otros emplazamientos. Existen algunas evidencias que sugieren un posible contacto entre aborígenes
y europeos.
desde una perspectiva arqueozoológica, con el objetivo de contribuir al conocimiento de su organización
socioeconómica.
Para ello se ha elegido el yacimiento costero de El Lomo Los Melones (Telde), datado entre los siglos XIV y
XV d.C. Las dos estructuras estudiadas han proporcionado un valioso registro faunístico, lo que ha permitido
explicarlas como un espacio doméstico, vinculado al tratamiento de los animales, con actividades de carnicería,
preparación alimenticia y consumo.
El ganado doméstico, formado por cabras, ovejas y cerdos, muestra unas pautas de explotación similares a las
estudiadas en otros emplazamientos. Existen algunas evidencias que sugieren un posible contacto entre aborígenes
y europeos.
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Resumen: En este artículo se presenta un estudio arqueológico preliminar del sitio ST-J1, localizado en la margen derecha de la desembocadura del ued Asaca (provincia de Sidi Ifni) en el curso de los trabajos arqueológicos llevados a cabo... more
Resumen: En este artículo se presenta un estudio arqueológico preliminar del sitio ST-J1, localizado en la margen derecha de la desembocadura del ued Asaca (provincia de Sidi Ifni) en el curso de los trabajos arqueológicos llevados a cabo en el marco del proyecto de cooperación hispano-marroquí Investigaciones arqueológicas en la región de Sus-Tekna. La estratigrafía y los materiales arqueológicos asociados confirman, junto con los datos suministrados por la toponimia y las fuentes escritas, que los depósitos más superficiales del yacimiento se corresponden, sin ningún margen para la duda, con los restos del fuerte de San Miguel de Asaca, construido en el año 1500 por las tropas expedicionarias hispano-canarias comandadas por Alonso Fernández de Lugo. Bajo los restos de esta torre y en posición estratigráfica primaria, estas labores han sacado a la luz, además, una acumulación antrópica de conchas de Stramonita haemastoma fechada en época romana. Este singular hallazgo, que todo apunta a interpretar como una instalación relacionada con la obtención de púrpura getúlica, constituye la evidencia más meridional hasta ahora conocida en la costa marroquí de la presencia de " factorías " relacionadas con el procesado de este apreciado colorante. Abstract: In this paper we present a preliminary archaeological study of the site ST-J1, located on the right bank of the mouth of the wadi Asaca (province of Sidi Ifni). It was discovered in the course of the archaeological works carried out as part of the Spanish-Moroccan cooperation project Archaeological research in the region of Sus-Tekna. The stratigraphy and the associated archaeological materials, together with the data supplied by the toponymy and the written sources, confirm that the surface deposits of the archaeological site undoubtedly correspond to the remains of the fort of San Miguel de Asaca, built in 1500 by the Hispanic-Canarian expeditionary troops commanded by Alonso Fernández de Lugo. Under the remains of the tower, and in primary stratigraphic position, this work has also brought to light an anthropic accumulation of Stramonita haemastoma shells dated in Roman times. Everything points to the interpretation of this unique finding as an installation related to obtaining
Research Interests: African Studies, Archaeology, Early Modern History, African History, History of West Africa, and 29 moreAtlantic World, West Africa, Medieval Archaeology, Saharan Archaeology, Coastal and Island Archaeology, Medieval ceramics (Archaeology), The Age of Revolutions in the Atlantic World, Atlantic history, Archeologia, Spanish Colonial Archaeology, Arqueología, Africana Studies, Arqueología histórica, African Archaeology, Archeologia medievale, Arqueologia, History of the Sahara, Sahel and North Africa, Archeologie, Ceramica Medievale, Archeozoology, Archéologie, Early Modern Atlantic World (1500-1815), Sahara, West African Archaeology, Sahel, Poblamiento de Canarias, Roman Archaeology, Archeology, and Atlántico
Research Interests: Archaeology, Atlantic World, Medieval Archaeology, Saharan Archaeology, Islamic History, and 10 moreCeramic Analysis (Archaeology), Medieval ceramics (Archaeology), Atlantic history, Archeologia medievale, Archeozoology, Early Modern Atlantic World (1500-1815), Morroco, Sahel, Poblamiento de Canarias, and Archeology
This study addresses the vertebrate fauna recovered in the UE 19, (Late Neolithic), integrating a wider program of study of the fauna of Penedo do Lexim, as well as the study of fauna management in Central and Southern Portugal. In the... more
This study addresses the vertebrate fauna recovered in the UE 19, (Late Neolithic), integrating a wider program of study of the fauna of Penedo do Lexim, as well as the study of fauna management in Central and Southern Portugal. In the context studied, the remains of meso-mammals are more frequent than those of macro-mammals, a situation which agrees with the abundance of ovine-caprine and swine, compared with the larger species - cattle and deer. It is emphasized the reduced presence of wildlife recovered, with the exception of the rabbit. The mortality pattern of ovicaprinos highlights the sacrifice of juveniles and sub-adults, suggesting the use of meat of these species. Comparison with contemporary sets shows significant differences in species exploited, allowing propose as a working hypothesis the existence of many different management and utilization of wildlife resources by human communities in the late Neolithic Portuguese Estremadura.
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Between 2000 and 2004, field seasons at the Lagar Velho rock shelter (Lapedo valley, Leiria, Portugal) were dedicated to the excavation of strata preserved from the destruction that had affected the site previous to the discovery of its... more
Between 2000 and 2004, field seasons at the Lagar Velho rock shelter (Lapedo valley, Leiria, Portugal) were dedicated to the excavation of strata preserved from the destruction that had affected the site previous to the discovery of its archaeological potential in December 1998. Those years of excavation confirmed that several archaeological contexts were spared, some with limited post-depositional disturbance and excellent preservation of the original spatial organization of the settlement. This paper presents the preliminary results of the ongoing analysis of a short-term Gravettian occupation of the shelter, Geoarcheological Field Unit EE15, dated to ca.22,500 BP. A medium scale overview of settlement organization is given.
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O presente trabalho descreve e analisa o espólio arqueofaunístico recuperado no Locus 5 do povoado fortificado do Penedo do Lexim, Mafra datado no Calcolítico Pleno (sem campaniforme). Foram identificados 1532 restos pertencentes na sua... more
O presente trabalho descreve e analisa o espólio arqueofaunístico recuperado no Locus 5 do povoado
fortificado do Penedo do Lexim, Mafra datado no Calcolítico Pleno (sem campaniforme). Foram identificados
1532 restos pertencentes na sua maioria a mamíferos. A considerável contribuição de animais
domésticos, em especial ovicaprinos e suídeos (fundamentalmente porcos), indicia a importância das atividades
agro-pastoris entre as comunidades humanas estabelecidas neste espaço durante o III milénio
a.C. O reduzido número de restos de gado bovino, quando comparado com outros conjuntos contemporâneos
do entorno, é discutido no marco de várias hipóteses de trabalho. Com o objetivo de melhorar
o nosso conhecimento sobre quais foram os recursos aproveitados das principais espécies ganadeiras
realizamos um estudo comparado das idades de abate. No caso dos ovicaprinos evidencia-se uma
clara mudança em relação ao Neolítico Final, o aproveitamento prioritário de carne é substituído pela
exploração dalguns dos chamados produtos secundários, previsivelmente o leite e o estrume. Por último,
avalia-se o reduzido papel das atividades cinegéticas na economia local e apontamos as diferenças e
semelhanças com outros espólios faunísticos do Calcolítico da Estremadura e do Alentejo.
In this paper we describe and analyze the faunal remains recovered from Locus 5 at the fortified settlement
of Penedo do Lexim, Mafra dated to the Middle Chalcolithic (without Bell Beaker). Most of the
1532 remains identified belong to mammals. The outstanding contribution of domestic animals, in particular
caprines and suids (mainly pigs), suggests the importance of agro-pastoral activities among the
people settled there over the 3rd millennium BC. The low number of cattle compared to other contemporary
assemblages of the surroundings is discussed taking into account different working hypotheses. With
the aim of improving our knowledge on which the resources used from the main husbanded species were
we conducted a comparative study of the age-at-death profiles. In the case of caprines there is clear
evidence for change since the Late Neolithic: the meat priority pattern is substituted by the exploitation
of some of the so called ‘secondary products’, presumably milk and dung. Lastly, we evaluate the scarce
role of hunting activities in the local economy while some differences and similarities with other Chalcolithic
faunal assemblages from the Estremadura and Alentejo regions are noted.
fortificado do Penedo do Lexim, Mafra datado no Calcolítico Pleno (sem campaniforme). Foram identificados
1532 restos pertencentes na sua maioria a mamíferos. A considerável contribuição de animais
domésticos, em especial ovicaprinos e suídeos (fundamentalmente porcos), indicia a importância das atividades
agro-pastoris entre as comunidades humanas estabelecidas neste espaço durante o III milénio
a.C. O reduzido número de restos de gado bovino, quando comparado com outros conjuntos contemporâneos
do entorno, é discutido no marco de várias hipóteses de trabalho. Com o objetivo de melhorar
o nosso conhecimento sobre quais foram os recursos aproveitados das principais espécies ganadeiras
realizamos um estudo comparado das idades de abate. No caso dos ovicaprinos evidencia-se uma
clara mudança em relação ao Neolítico Final, o aproveitamento prioritário de carne é substituído pela
exploração dalguns dos chamados produtos secundários, previsivelmente o leite e o estrume. Por último,
avalia-se o reduzido papel das atividades cinegéticas na economia local e apontamos as diferenças e
semelhanças com outros espólios faunísticos do Calcolítico da Estremadura e do Alentejo.
In this paper we describe and analyze the faunal remains recovered from Locus 5 at the fortified settlement
of Penedo do Lexim, Mafra dated to the Middle Chalcolithic (without Bell Beaker). Most of the
1532 remains identified belong to mammals. The outstanding contribution of domestic animals, in particular
caprines and suids (mainly pigs), suggests the importance of agro-pastoral activities among the
people settled there over the 3rd millennium BC. The low number of cattle compared to other contemporary
assemblages of the surroundings is discussed taking into account different working hypotheses. With
the aim of improving our knowledge on which the resources used from the main husbanded species were
we conducted a comparative study of the age-at-death profiles. In the case of caprines there is clear
evidence for change since the Late Neolithic: the meat priority pattern is substituted by the exploitation
of some of the so called ‘secondary products’, presumably milk and dung. Lastly, we evaluate the scarce
role of hunting activities in the local economy while some differences and similarities with other Chalcolithic
faunal assemblages from the Estremadura and Alentejo regions are noted.
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In the Jebala region, NW of Morocco, the making of recipients of dung from cows or/and clay (tonna and tabtoba) was common in the past. These recipients were used for stocking cereals and other dry products, for feeding the livestock, or... more
In the Jebala region, NW of Morocco, the making of recipients of dung from cows or/and clay (tonna and tabtoba) was common in the past. These recipients were used for stocking cereals and other dry products, for feeding the livestock, or for transporting the cereals to the rotative mill. The élaboration of these objects, which dissapeared 20 or 30 years ago, represented a general technical knowledge which was carried out by all the women in the région, in order to satisfy their domestic needs.
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The archaeological excavation of Torre Velha 3 was recently carried out by Palimpsesto – Estudo e Preservação do Património Cultural Lda. under the project Minimização de Impactes sobre o Património Cultural decorrentes da Construção da... more
The archaeological excavation of Torre Velha 3 was recently carried out by Palimpsesto – Estudo e Preservação do
Património Cultural Lda. under the project Minimização de Impactes sobre o Património Cultural decorrentes da Construção da Barragem da Laje (Serpa), responsibility of the EDIA SA. The prehistoric occupation of this site is characterized by a small number of contexts from the Chalcolithic period. The Bronze Age period is characterized by sepulchral and habitation contexts. The most significant funerary contexts consists in a set of 25 hypogea, whose burial rituals
and architectural morphology, contributes to reveal a different approach, in the study of funerary practices of the Southwestern Bronze, on the left bank of the Guadiana.
Património Cultural Lda. under the project Minimização de Impactes sobre o Património Cultural decorrentes da Construção da Barragem da Laje (Serpa), responsibility of the EDIA SA. The prehistoric occupation of this site is characterized by a small number of contexts from the Chalcolithic period. The Bronze Age period is characterized by sepulchral and habitation contexts. The most significant funerary contexts consists in a set of 25 hypogea, whose burial rituals
and architectural morphology, contributes to reveal a different approach, in the study of funerary practices of the Southwestern Bronze, on the left bank of the Guadiana.
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Summary We describe a small assemblage of animal bones and teeth from three Muslim contexts at Rua dos Correeiros n° 19, Lisbon. Caprines and cattle dominate while hunted species, i.e. red deer and possibly rabbit make a small... more
Summary
We describe a small assemblage of animal bones and teeth from three Muslim contexts at Rua dos Correeiros n° 19, Lisbon. Caprines and cattle dominate while hunted species, i.e. red deer and possibly rabbit make a small contribution. The relative abundance of head bones such as skull fragments, mandibles and horn-cores together with metapodia suggest that these remains are more closely associated to butcher's debris than to table refuse.
Resumo
Descrevemos uma pequena amostra de ossos e dentes de animais provenientes de 3 contextos muyulmanos da Rua dos Correeiros nº19, em Lisboa. Ali predominam os caprinos e bovinos, sendo pequena a contribuição das especies caçadas, i. e. o veado e possivelmente o coelho. A relativa abundância de ossos de crânio, mandibulas e chifres, juntamente com os metapodos, sugere que estes restos serao resultado de actividades de carniçaria, e nao restos de comida.
We describe a small assemblage of animal bones and teeth from three Muslim contexts at Rua dos Correeiros n° 19, Lisbon. Caprines and cattle dominate while hunted species, i.e. red deer and possibly rabbit make a small contribution. The relative abundance of head bones such as skull fragments, mandibles and horn-cores together with metapodia suggest that these remains are more closely associated to butcher's debris than to table refuse.
Resumo
Descrevemos uma pequena amostra de ossos e dentes de animais provenientes de 3 contextos muyulmanos da Rua dos Correeiros nº19, em Lisboa. Ali predominam os caprinos e bovinos, sendo pequena a contribuição das especies caçadas, i. e. o veado e possivelmente o coelho. A relativa abundância de ossos de crânio, mandibulas e chifres, juntamente com os metapodos, sugere que estes restos serao resultado de actividades de carniçaria, e nao restos de comida.
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The osteotheque, or reference collection of animal skeletons, is our main tool for identifying archaeological bones. Since its creation in early 2000, we have endured much blood, smell and sweat. We use a proteolytic enzyme to prepare... more
The osteotheque, or reference
collection of animal skeletons, is our main tool for
identifying archaeological bones. Since its creation
in early 2000, we have endured much blood, smell
and sweat.
We use a proteolytic enzyme to prepare
disarticulated and degreased skeletons of securely
identified mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians
and fish.
The collection now contains over 1480 catalogued
and marked specimens, most of which are from
Iberia. Many are of known sex, age and locality, and
for certain important species we collect series of
specimens from different localities to improve our
understanding of their biometrical variation and
ontogeny.
Thanks to help from numerous colleagues both
here and overseas (with whom we exchange
specimens) our reference collection now includes
complete or partial skeletons of most of the
Lusitanian mammals (71 species; including some
locally extinct ones obtained from abroad), birds
(198 species), reptiles (26 species), amphibians
(13 species), and fish (48 species).
In order to facilitate rapid identification we have
constructed several “index” collections of selected
bones organised by class, part of skeleton, size,
family, genus and species.
collection of animal skeletons, is our main tool for
identifying archaeological bones. Since its creation
in early 2000, we have endured much blood, smell
and sweat.
We use a proteolytic enzyme to prepare
disarticulated and degreased skeletons of securely
identified mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians
and fish.
The collection now contains over 1480 catalogued
and marked specimens, most of which are from
Iberia. Many are of known sex, age and locality, and
for certain important species we collect series of
specimens from different localities to improve our
understanding of their biometrical variation and
ontogeny.
Thanks to help from numerous colleagues both
here and overseas (with whom we exchange
specimens) our reference collection now includes
complete or partial skeletons of most of the
Lusitanian mammals (71 species; including some
locally extinct ones obtained from abroad), birds
(198 species), reptiles (26 species), amphibians
(13 species), and fish (48 species).
In order to facilitate rapid identification we have
constructed several “index” collections of selected
bones organised by class, part of skeleton, size,
family, genus and species.
Research Interests:
Este trabajo presenta los resultados preliminares obtenidos en la excavación de la Cova de Els Trocs, desarrollada dentro del proyecto de investigación "Los caminos del Neolítico". La minuciosa labor de excavación y de registro ha... more
Este trabajo presenta los resultados preliminares obtenidos en la excavación de la Cova de Els
Trocs, desarrollada dentro del proyecto de investigación "Los caminos del Neolítico". La minuciosa labor
de excavación y de registro ha permitido establecer una compleja secuencia estratigráfica en la que, gracias
a una veintena de dataciones radiocarbónicas sobre eventos singulares de vida corta (semillas de cereal, huesos humanos y fauna doméstica), se han podido diferenciar cuatro momentos de ocupación distintos de
la cueva. Con estos datos y algunos análisis, también preliminares, de parte del registro (cerámica, sílex y
restos faunísticos), se ha podido definir, en una época muy temprana (inicios del último tercio del VI milenio
cal. BC.), la presencia en los pastos de montaña del Pirineo axial de un grupo humano que desarrolla
una actividad pastoril trashumante. Una población plenamente neolitizada, que conoce el trigo y la cebada,
aunque no los cultive en el entorno de la cueva, y que, a tenor de ciertas evidencias, practica complejos
rituales tanatológicos.
Trocs, desarrollada dentro del proyecto de investigación "Los caminos del Neolítico". La minuciosa labor
de excavación y de registro ha permitido establecer una compleja secuencia estratigráfica en la que, gracias
a una veintena de dataciones radiocarbónicas sobre eventos singulares de vida corta (semillas de cereal, huesos humanos y fauna doméstica), se han podido diferenciar cuatro momentos de ocupación distintos de
la cueva. Con estos datos y algunos análisis, también preliminares, de parte del registro (cerámica, sílex y
restos faunísticos), se ha podido definir, en una época muy temprana (inicios del último tercio del VI milenio
cal. BC.), la presencia en los pastos de montaña del Pirineo axial de un grupo humano que desarrolla
una actividad pastoril trashumante. Una población plenamente neolitizada, que conoce el trigo y la cebada,
aunque no los cultive en el entorno de la cueva, y que, a tenor de ciertas evidencias, practica complejos
rituales tanatológicos.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Los depósitos con restos óseos animales enterrados bajo el pavimento en ámbitos domésticos forman parte de prácticas rituales bien conocidas en la Protohistoria peninsular, tradicionalmente asociadas a la fundación o remodelación de... more
Los depósitos con restos óseos animales enterrados bajo el pavimento en ámbitos domésticos
forman parte de prácticas rituales bien conocidas en la Protohistoria peninsular, tradicionalmente asociadas a
la fundación o remodelación de nuevos edificios o a ritos vinculados a la propiciación y la fertilidad. Aunque
los ejemplos mejor estudiados se encuentran en la zona levantina, el fenómeno también se conoce en yacimientos
del interior. Este artículo tiene por objeto presentar un depósito ritual excavado en el poblado vetón
del Cerro de la Mesa, en el valle medio del Tajo, cuyas características formales lo emparentan con las ofrendas
domésticas de la zona ibérica. Se trata de un hoyo situado en el umbral de la Casa 1, que contiene los restos
seleccionados de varios ovinos y un pequeño cuenco cerámico colocado en posición invertida. El análisis de
los restos óseos, el contenido del cuenco y el estudio del contexto arqueológico en que se situaba el depósito
han permitido relacionarlo con prácticas de sacrificio y libación dentro del marco de la religiosidad vetona.
Este trabajo pretende igualmente contribuir a la formación de un corpus peninsular de inhumaciones rituales
de animales en contextos domésticos, que impulse el adecuado estudio de la ritualidad protohistórica.
forman parte de prácticas rituales bien conocidas en la Protohistoria peninsular, tradicionalmente asociadas a
la fundación o remodelación de nuevos edificios o a ritos vinculados a la propiciación y la fertilidad. Aunque
los ejemplos mejor estudiados se encuentran en la zona levantina, el fenómeno también se conoce en yacimientos
del interior. Este artículo tiene por objeto presentar un depósito ritual excavado en el poblado vetón
del Cerro de la Mesa, en el valle medio del Tajo, cuyas características formales lo emparentan con las ofrendas
domésticas de la zona ibérica. Se trata de un hoyo situado en el umbral de la Casa 1, que contiene los restos
seleccionados de varios ovinos y un pequeño cuenco cerámico colocado en posición invertida. El análisis de
los restos óseos, el contenido del cuenco y el estudio del contexto arqueológico en que se situaba el depósito
han permitido relacionarlo con prácticas de sacrificio y libación dentro del marco de la religiosidad vetona.
Este trabajo pretende igualmente contribuir a la formación de un corpus peninsular de inhumaciones rituales
de animales en contextos domésticos, que impulse el adecuado estudio de la ritualidad protohistórica.
Research Interests:
Six sites besides Toledo, dated to the Early Mesolithic, are known in coastal Estremadura. Materials excavated at all these sites indicate that their inhabitants all behaved in a similar way. They exploited marine resources,... more
Six sites besides Toledo, dated to the Early Mesolithic, are known in coastal Estremadura. Materials
excavated at all these sites indicate that their inhabitants all behaved in a similar way. They exploited
marine resources, particularly mollusks, causing the formation of shell middens. These were accumulated
during a 2500/3000 year period, roughly around 9000 and 6400 years cal BC. While some were
accumulated during short and repeated passages exclusively related to the consumption of sea foods,
others were formed during extended stays when other activities were carried out. These different types
of sites were probably formed as part of the same occupation and pattern of exploitation of territory
and by the same group of people.
excavated at all these sites indicate that their inhabitants all behaved in a similar way. They exploited
marine resources, particularly mollusks, causing the formation of shell middens. These were accumulated
during a 2500/3000 year period, roughly around 9000 and 6400 years cal BC. While some were
accumulated during short and repeated passages exclusively related to the consumption of sea foods,
others were formed during extended stays when other activities were carried out. These different types
of sites were probably formed as part of the same occupation and pattern of exploitation of territory
and by the same group of people.
Research Interests:
A series of 9th- to 13th-century faunal assemblages from Al-Andalus are reviewed with the aim of evaluating the tools archaeozoology provides to recognize livestock husbandry practices and use of resources. In light of the quality of the... more
A series of 9th- to 13th-century faunal assemblages from Al-Andalus are reviewed with the aim of evaluating the tools archaeozoology provides to recognize livestock husbandry practices and use of resources. In light of the quality of the samples and the available contextual information, relative abundance of main domestic stock: sheep, goats, cattle and pigs is analysed. The absolute dominance of ovicaprids is related to consuming preferences of different social groups, in agreement with documentary sourcesand as evidenced by the abundance of juvenile individuals. However, local variations in mortality profiles through time suggest the practice of different pastoral strategies. Taking the sample from Castillo de Albarracín, Teruel, as a case study, new analytical variables such as grazing availability, season of birth and scale of production are discussed. All of them together with consumer demands may be considered key elements in the definition of different models of livestock management. Finally, other methodological approaches
dealing with faunal remains that are opening very productive avenues to research the links among ecological conditions, livestock management strategies and their degree of intensification are also presented.
dealing with faunal remains that are opening very productive avenues to research the links among ecological conditions, livestock management strategies and their degree of intensification are also presented.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Archaeology and Iron Age
Research Interests:
Two samples of rabbit remains consumed by Iberian lynxes are described.Non-ingested rabbit remains are analysed.The taphonomic pattern created by lynxes can be recognized in fossil assemblages.Lynxes generate fewer tooth marks than... more
Two samples of rabbit remains consumed by Iberian lynxes are described.Non-ingested rabbit remains are analysed.The taphonomic pattern created by lynxes can be recognized in fossil assemblages.Lynxes generate fewer tooth marks than smaller terrestrial carnivores such as fox.Results are compared with the taphocoenosis of other leporid predators.The rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is usually the most abundant taxon found in the Palaeolithic and Epipalaeolithic archaeological sites of southern Europe and the Mediterranean Basin. These accumulations may be the result of different abiotic factors, biotic agents and/or the interaction of both. For these reasons, over the last decades actualistic research has been conducted on different predators of rabbits. Among them, the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is an excellent candidate for study because: 1) its diet is based almost exclusively on this leporids and 2) its historical distribution overlaps with one of the most interesting areas for small game research, the Iberian Peninsula and southern France. Here we present the taphonomical analysis of non-ingested rabbit remains collected from two Iberian lynx captive breeding centers located in southern Spain. Our results show: i) predominance of the distal segment of the appendicular skeleton; ii) variable breakage patterns, with a high proportion of whole bones of the autopodium and heavy breakage of the zeugopodium and stylopodium; iii) rare bone surface modifications. Comparison of these results with those obtained for other terrestrial carnivores, such as the fox, reveals great similarities, the only difference being the more abundant tooth marks present on fox non-ingested rabbit assemblages.
Research Interests:
La historia de las zonas de montaña en nuestro Pirineo no empezó con el termalismo, a principios del siglo XX, ni se corresponde solo con las anotaciones de las primeras ascensiones a sus cimas o los relatos de los grandes rebaños... more
La historia de las zonas de montaña en nuestro Pirineo
no empezó con el termalismo, a principios del siglo XX,
ni se corresponde solo con las anotaciones de las primeras
ascensiones a sus cimas o los relatos de los
grandes rebaños recorriendo las cabañeras arriba y
abajo: es más bien la historia de las personas que las
poblaron. Pero estas zonas altas han sido muy poco exploradas
en busca de vestigios arqueológicos, más allá
de manifestaciones puntuales como castillos e iglesias
medievales, y particularmente Sobrarbe. En los últimos
diez años, no obstante, se han realizado en la comarca
nuevas excavaciones y prospecciones arqueológicas
cuyos resultados intenta compilar este libro, a partir
de los trabajos presentados en 2013 en las jornadas
Sobrarbe antes de Sobrarbe, en su contexto geográfico
de alta montaña.
no empezó con el termalismo, a principios del siglo XX,
ni se corresponde solo con las anotaciones de las primeras
ascensiones a sus cimas o los relatos de los
grandes rebaños recorriendo las cabañeras arriba y
abajo: es más bien la historia de las personas que las
poblaron. Pero estas zonas altas han sido muy poco exploradas
en busca de vestigios arqueológicos, más allá
de manifestaciones puntuales como castillos e iglesias
medievales, y particularmente Sobrarbe. En los últimos
diez años, no obstante, se han realizado en la comarca
nuevas excavaciones y prospecciones arqueológicas
cuyos resultados intenta compilar este libro, a partir
de los trabajos presentados en 2013 en las jornadas
Sobrarbe antes de Sobrarbe, en su contexto geográfico
de alta montaña.
Research Interests:
This paper presents the preliminary results of the excavation of the Valmayor XI rock shelter, in the context of the research proyect "The pathways of the Neolithic". Through the analysis of the radicarbon dates and a detailed... more
This paper presents the preliminary results of the excavation of the Valmayor XI rock shelter, in the context of the research proyect "The pathways of the Neolithic". Through the analysis of the radicarbon dates and a detailed stratigrafhic interpretation three occupations have been established with chronologies wuthin different periods of the VI milenium cal BC.
Research Interests:
The islamic conquest of Iberia at the beginning of the 8th century was a far-reaching process that implied the profound transformation of the social and cultural structures of former Visigothic Hispania. From 711AD and during the... more
The islamic conquest of Iberia at the beginning of the 8th century was a far-reaching process that implied the profound transformation of the social and cultural structures of former Visigothic Hispania. From 711AD and during the following two or three centuries most part of the Iberian Peninsula –known from that point onwards as al-Andalus– was incorporated into a wider islamic cultural and religious koiné that encompassed North Africa, the Levant and far beyond. Two of the most remarkable historical processes of this period were the islamisation and arabisation of the indigenous population.
This paper deals with the presentation of a set of worked bovid scapulae dated between the 8th and the 10th centuries recovered from two different sites of Madinat Qurtuba, the capital of al- Andalus at that time. While some of them bear parallel lines engraved on the bone suggesting their use as writing supports, one shows an Arabic inscription. Our aim is to review similar findings from other areas of al-Andalus and to provide a sociocultural interpretation of these artefacts as material markers of the religion (islam) and language (Arabic) imposed by the incomer rulers. From this perspective, they may have been conceived as ideological expressions of the new society that was in the making during the early medieval period in Iberia.
This paper deals with the presentation of a set of worked bovid scapulae dated between the 8th and the 10th centuries recovered from two different sites of Madinat Qurtuba, the capital of al- Andalus at that time. While some of them bear parallel lines engraved on the bone suggesting their use as writing supports, one shows an Arabic inscription. Our aim is to review similar findings from other areas of al-Andalus and to provide a sociocultural interpretation of these artefacts as material markers of the religion (islam) and language (Arabic) imposed by the incomer rulers. From this perspective, they may have been conceived as ideological expressions of the new society that was in the making during the early medieval period in Iberia.
Research Interests:
No nos podíamos imaginar a finales de junio de 2009 que aquellos rebaños que veíamos aparecer por el paso de las Aras y se diseminaban como mancha de aceite por los claros de las montañas, primero hacia las crestas de los “dosmiles” para... more
No nos podíamos imaginar a finales de junio de 2009 que aquellos rebaños que veíamos aparecer por el paso de las Aras y se diseminaban como mancha de aceite por los claros de las montañas, primero hacia las crestas de los “dosmiles” para bajar paulatinamente a las planicies de mil quinientos metros, podrían ser los herederos directos de una tradición ancestral que nos disponíamos, sin ser conscientes todavía de ello, a descubrir.
Iniciábamos entonces la primera campaña de excavación en la Cova de
Els Trocs bajo los auspicios del Gobierno de Aragón y el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (HAR 2009-09027) que nos habían concedido financiación para un proyecto pluridisciplinar, que intentaba profundizar en el conocimiento de la introducción de la economía de rendimientos diferidos en las tierras del Interior peninsular y que llevaba por título “Los Caminos del Neolítico” (Rojo y otros, 2012).
No pretendemos en este trabajo realizar una descripción pormenorizada
de la arqueología de la cueva con sus estratos, sedimentos, estructuras y demás artefactos y ecofactos que, a lo largo ya de cinco campañas, se acumulan en nuestras bases de datos y que han sido objeto de una reciente publicación (Rojo y otros, 2013). Nuestra intención aquí es, simplemente, utilizar una serie de argumentos arqueológicos y arqueobiológicos que nos permitan plantear la hipótesis de que quienes ocuparon la Cova de Els Trocs desde el último cuarto del VI mileno cal ANE hasta finales del IV (ibídem, Tab. I) eran unos grupos humanos
poco numerosos que practicaban una economía primordialmente pastoril.
Iniciábamos entonces la primera campaña de excavación en la Cova de
Els Trocs bajo los auspicios del Gobierno de Aragón y el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (HAR 2009-09027) que nos habían concedido financiación para un proyecto pluridisciplinar, que intentaba profundizar en el conocimiento de la introducción de la economía de rendimientos diferidos en las tierras del Interior peninsular y que llevaba por título “Los Caminos del Neolítico” (Rojo y otros, 2012).
No pretendemos en este trabajo realizar una descripción pormenorizada
de la arqueología de la cueva con sus estratos, sedimentos, estructuras y demás artefactos y ecofactos que, a lo largo ya de cinco campañas, se acumulan en nuestras bases de datos y que han sido objeto de una reciente publicación (Rojo y otros, 2013). Nuestra intención aquí es, simplemente, utilizar una serie de argumentos arqueológicos y arqueobiológicos que nos permitan plantear la hipótesis de que quienes ocuparon la Cova de Els Trocs desde el último cuarto del VI mileno cal ANE hasta finales del IV (ibídem, Tab. I) eran unos grupos humanos
poco numerosos que practicaban una economía primordialmente pastoril.