The volume includes 27 original papers presented at the Conference. Considering the variety of topics, the editors decided to organize them following a geographical criterion. All in all, the volume represents the tireless activity of a... more
The volume includes 27 original papers presented at the Conference. Considering the variety of topics, the editors decided to organize them following a geographical criterion. All in all, the volume represents the tireless activity of a reasonably large group of researchers that consider the social and economic context of fl int mining as a key source for understanding prehistoric and protohistoric societies.
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La tierra apropiada, es el tercer volumen de la serie Madrid, una historia para todos. Publicada por la Comunidad de Madrid, se trata de una prehistoria ilustrada, divulgativa y amena, que aborda el periodo conocido como Prehistoria... more
La tierra apropiada, es el tercer volumen de la serie Madrid, una historia para todos. Publicada por la Comunidad de Madrid, se trata de una prehistoria ilustrada, divulgativa y amena, que aborda el periodo conocido como Prehistoria reciente, desde el origen de las primeras sociedades agricultoras y ganaderas hasta el final de Edad del Bronce.
El inicio de la producción de alimentos generó un cambio en las formas de habitar el mundo que ha marcado la Historia de la Humanidad hasta la actualidad. Este libro presenta de forma rigurosa y atractiva los cambios sucedidos a lo largo de cinco mil años de Prehistoria, entrelazando la historia regional de Madrid con la peninsular y mundial.
Su título es un guiño al lector interesado, un juego de palabras sobre cómo las primeras sociedades productoras de alimentos buscaron las tierras más apropiadas para desarrollar su incipiente economía agropecuaria, y de cómo las tomaron para sí, las apropiaron para ellos y sus descendientes.
La tierra apropiada contiene 80 fotografías, así como 44 infografías y 8 recreaciones a doble página realizadas a propósito para este libro. Cada recreación muestra una instantánea de la vida en la Prehistoria reciente a través de momentos representativos, como la extracción de sílex en la mina del Neolítico Antiguo de Casa Montero, los poblados rodeados de fosos y terraplenes de la Edad del Cobre o los enterramientos campaniformes con exóticos ajuares de oro, marfil y cobre del Camino de las Yeseras.
La tierra apropiada es una Prehistoria actualizada y al alcance de todos.
El inicio de la producción de alimentos generó un cambio en las formas de habitar el mundo que ha marcado la Historia de la Humanidad hasta la actualidad. Este libro presenta de forma rigurosa y atractiva los cambios sucedidos a lo largo de cinco mil años de Prehistoria, entrelazando la historia regional de Madrid con la peninsular y mundial.
Su título es un guiño al lector interesado, un juego de palabras sobre cómo las primeras sociedades productoras de alimentos buscaron las tierras más apropiadas para desarrollar su incipiente economía agropecuaria, y de cómo las tomaron para sí, las apropiaron para ellos y sus descendientes.
La tierra apropiada contiene 80 fotografías, así como 44 infografías y 8 recreaciones a doble página realizadas a propósito para este libro. Cada recreación muestra una instantánea de la vida en la Prehistoria reciente a través de momentos representativos, como la extracción de sílex en la mina del Neolítico Antiguo de Casa Montero, los poblados rodeados de fosos y terraplenes de la Edad del Cobre o los enterramientos campaniformes con exóticos ajuares de oro, marfil y cobre del Camino de las Yeseras.
La tierra apropiada es una Prehistoria actualizada y al alcance de todos.
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El Rebollosillo is a small karstic cave located in the center of Iberia used for the disposition of secondary burials during the mid third millennium BC. We present bioanthropological, isotopic (87Sr/86Sr, δ 13C y δ 18O) analyses and 16... more
El Rebollosillo is a small karstic cave located in the
center of Iberia used for the disposition of secondary
burials during the mid third millennium BC. We present
bioanthropological, isotopic (87Sr/86Sr, δ 13C y δ 18O)
analyses and 16 radiocarbon dates on human remains,
as well as mineralogical characterization of 6 beads (4 of
them variscite from Palazuelo de las Cuevas, Zamora), and
a quantitative analysis of 43 pottery fragments recovered
during the 1989 excavations. A minimum of 21 individu-als
have been identified, covering all age ranges and sex. Low
percentages of pathologies have been detected, mainly
dental calculus and caries, with specific cases of cribra
orbitalia, periostosis and arthritis. Only adults received
a clearly individualized treatment, suggestive of achieved
status. We interpret the evidence as a multi-staged mortuary
program, the last phase of which is documented at the site,
with previous stages perhaps carried out elsewhere, and
we evaluate these results in the context of the regional
funerary record.
center of Iberia used for the disposition of secondary
burials during the mid third millennium BC. We present
bioanthropological, isotopic (87Sr/86Sr, δ 13C y δ 18O)
analyses and 16 radiocarbon dates on human remains,
as well as mineralogical characterization of 6 beads (4 of
them variscite from Palazuelo de las Cuevas, Zamora), and
a quantitative analysis of 43 pottery fragments recovered
during the 1989 excavations. A minimum of 21 individu-als
have been identified, covering all age ranges and sex. Low
percentages of pathologies have been detected, mainly
dental calculus and caries, with specific cases of cribra
orbitalia, periostosis and arthritis. Only adults received
a clearly individualized treatment, suggestive of achieved
status. We interpret the evidence as a multi-staged mortuary
program, the last phase of which is documented at the site,
with previous stages perhaps carried out elsewhere, and
we evaluate these results in the context of the regional
funerary record.
Research Interests: European Studies, Biological Anthropology, Stable Isotope Analysis, Symbolism, Stable Isotopes, and 10 moreStable Isotope Geochemistry, Funerary Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Bell Beakers (Archaeology), Death and Burial (Archaeology), Iberian Prehistory (Archaeology), Symbolic Interactionism, Funerary Practices, and Cave and Karst Studies
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Se presenta el potencial de la aplicación de las Infraestructuras de Datos Espaciales en la gestión, investigación y difusión del Patrimonio Arqueológico a través del ejemplo del sistema de información del yacimiento arqueológico de Casa... more
Se presenta el potencial de la aplicación de las Infraestructuras de Datos Espaciales en la gestión, investigación y difusión del Patrimonio Arqueológico a través del ejemplo del sistema de información del yacimiento arqueológico de Casa Montero (Madrid). Se muestran los ...
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RESUMEN La presencia visigoda en la actual Comunidad de Madrid está ampliamente constatada a través de las innumerables necrópolis conocidas. El pequeño conjunto funerario de la Cabeza, excavado con carácter de urgencia, ofrece una serie... more
RESUMEN La presencia visigoda en la actual Comunidad de Madrid está ampliamente constatada a través de las innumerables necrópolis conocidas. El pequeño conjunto funerario de la Cabeza, excavado con carácter de urgencia, ofrece una serie de características que le ...
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Abstract: The research during the construction of the M-50 highway has allowed the documentation and conservation of the first Neolithic flint mine in the Iberian Peninsula. This work presents the preliminary results of the first phase of... more
Abstract: The research during the construction of the M-50 highway has allowed the documentation and conservation of the first Neolithic flint mine in the Iberian Peninsula. This work presents the preliminary results of the first phase of archaeological excavations. ...
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Resumen Se presenta la implementación de SILEX, una Infraestructura de Datos Espaciales diseñada para la gestión, investigación y difusión de Patrimonio Arqueológico, concretamente la información arqueológica documentada en la excavación... more
Resumen Se presenta la implementación de SILEX, una Infraestructura de Datos Espaciales diseñada para la gestión, investigación y difusión de Patrimonio Arqueológico, concretamente la información arqueológica documentada en la excavación de la mina de ...
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The aim of this paper is to present the characterisation of the siliceous rocks from the Neolithic mine of Casa Montero (5400-5200 cal. BC). It is located in Madrid (Spain) and it occupies 4 hectares with 3897 mapped shafts, out of which... more
The aim of this paper is to present the characterisation of the siliceous rocks from the Neolithic mine of Casa Montero (5400-5200 cal. BC). It is located in Madrid (Spain) and it occupies 4 hectares with 3897 mapped shafts, out of which 324 have been excavated throughout three field seasons.
This kind of study is essential in order to establish the diagnostic features of the raw material and to investigate the distribution of the mine’s products. An analysis of the relationship between different siliceous raw materials and the lithic operative chain has been carried out as well.
The characterisation has been performed using two methods: macroscopic description and petrological analysis. Seven macroscopic types (from 1 to 7) and four petrological groups (from A to D) have been established. The macroscopic classification has been found to be fundamental in the
analysis of the lithic remains, given the large volume of lithic material recovered in the site. The petrological classification provides a good method for identifying materials from the Casa Montero mine at other archaeological sites.
The observation of refits has suggested a preference for a certain raw material. In order to verify this, an statistical Factorial Analysis has been applied to study the representation of each phase of the lithic operative chain in each macroscopic type of raw material.
This kind of study is essential in order to establish the diagnostic features of the raw material and to investigate the distribution of the mine’s products. An analysis of the relationship between different siliceous raw materials and the lithic operative chain has been carried out as well.
The characterisation has been performed using two methods: macroscopic description and petrological analysis. Seven macroscopic types (from 1 to 7) and four petrological groups (from A to D) have been established. The macroscopic classification has been found to be fundamental in the
analysis of the lithic remains, given the large volume of lithic material recovered in the site. The petrological classification provides a good method for identifying materials from the Casa Montero mine at other archaeological sites.
The observation of refits has suggested a preference for a certain raw material. In order to verify this, an statistical Factorial Analysis has been applied to study the representation of each phase of the lithic operative chain in each macroscopic type of raw material.
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Casa Montero is a mining complex located outside Madrid (Spain), dated from the Early Neolithic (c. 5400–5000 cal bc). An area of some 4 ha has been investigated and some 4000 shafts recorded, of which 324 have been excavated. The... more
Casa Montero is a mining complex located outside Madrid (Spain), dated from the Early Neolithic (c. 5400–5000 cal bc). An area of some 4 ha has been investigated and some 4000 shafts recorded, of which 324 have been excavated. The characterization of its raw flint materials and the establishment of its diagnostic features are indispensable in the reconstruction of the distribution of the mine's products beyond the immediate site. This work reports the geological study of the mine's Miocene flint layers and their petrological characterization. Archaeological samples from the mine's shafts were classified according to macroscopic features and petrological characteristics.
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Moturiki is one of the high islands in the Lomaiviti Group, central Fiji. In this article we present exhaustive empirical information on archaeological survey and test pit excavations carried out in 2008 and 2010. An interesting... more
Moturiki is one of the high islands in the Lomaiviti Group, central Fiji. In this article we present exhaustive empirical information on archaeological survey and test pit excavations carried out in 2008 and 2010. An interesting archaeological landscape emerged, with 89 archaeological sites found on Moturiki and neighboring islands Yanuca Levu, Leleuvia, and Caqalai. The sites include ring-ditch villages, terraced villages, isolated house mounds (yavus), and burial sites. Results from one of the test pits on the southeast
of the island indicate possible landscape changes in the last millennium, since the ancient coastline is currently buried at around 1 m below the surface. This lowland area has therefore received large amounts of sediment from higher areas, a likely result of human activity. We also documented remains from a previously recorded Lapita site in the island. Overall, a shift in the settlement patterns from the coast, to the interior areas, back to the coast, has been documented. This shift, taking place on extremely small
islands, can hardly be explained by environmental changes. The article puts together our findings and hypothesis, as well as providing the emphasis of our methodological approach.
of the island indicate possible landscape changes in the last millennium, since the ancient coastline is currently buried at around 1 m below the surface. This lowland area has therefore received large amounts of sediment from higher areas, a likely result of human activity. We also documented remains from a previously recorded Lapita site in the island. Overall, a shift in the settlement patterns from the coast, to the interior areas, back to the coast, has been documented. This shift, taking place on extremely small
islands, can hardly be explained by environmental changes. The article puts together our findings and hypothesis, as well as providing the emphasis of our methodological approach.
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Casa Montero is a mining complex located outside Madrid (Spain), dated from the Early Neolithic (c. 5400–5000 cal bc). An area of some 4 ha has been investigated and some 4000 shafts recorded, of which 324 have been excavated. The... more
Casa Montero is a mining complex located outside Madrid (Spain), dated from the Early Neolithic (c. 5400–5000 cal bc). An area of some 4 ha has been investigated and some 4000 shafts recorded, of which 324 have been excavated. The characterization of its raw flint materials and the establishment of its diagnostic features are indispensable in the reconstruction of the distribution of the mine's products beyond the immediate site. This work reports the geological study of the mine's Miocene flint layers and their petrological characterization. Archaeological samples from the mine's shafts were classified according to macroscopic features and petrological characteristics.
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SILEX is a Spatial Data Infrastructure developed for the management and distribution of the primary archaeological information about the Neolithic flint mine of Casa Montero, located in the periphery of the city of Madrid (Spain). It is... more
SILEX is a Spatial Data Infrastructure developed for the management and distribution of the primary archaeological information about the Neolithic flint mine of Casa Montero, located in the periphery of the city of Madrid (Spain). It is designed according to an open approach, based on the use of standards and open source software and on the free access to the whole data about the site via Internet. It is a distributed information system with a three layer architecture: the data layer, formed by a GIS level and a complex entity-relationship thematic database; the web service layer, with the use of standard protocols and languages for accessing the database; and the interface layer, a mashup that combines forms and a geographical viewer for querying and retrieving data.
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The archaeometric characterization of a set of potsherds from six Neolithic sites from the Madrid region has allowed the identification of a new and time-persisting regional technological tradition, based on the deliberated addition of... more
The archaeometric characterization of a set of potsherds
from six Neolithic sites from the Madrid region has
allowed the identification of a new and time-persisting regional
technological tradition, based on the deliberated addition of crushed bone as temper in most pottery containers. This is the first known case in Iberia, and is outstanding because of its early chronologies and persistence in time: from 5300 to perhaps 3400 cal BC. Samples were characterized by complementary mineralogical and geochemical techniques such as thin-section, conventional and grazing angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). The addition of bone temper created a light and resistant ceramic material, with technological advantages for both the storage and transportation. Such advantages might be linked to mobile or semi-sedentary groups.
from six Neolithic sites from the Madrid region has
allowed the identification of a new and time-persisting regional
technological tradition, based on the deliberated addition of crushed bone as temper in most pottery containers. This is the first known case in Iberia, and is outstanding because of its early chronologies and persistence in time: from 5300 to perhaps 3400 cal BC. Samples were characterized by complementary mineralogical and geochemical techniques such as thin-section, conventional and grazing angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). The addition of bone temper created a light and resistant ceramic material, with technological advantages for both the storage and transportation. Such advantages might be linked to mobile or semi-sedentary groups.
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Research Interests: Multivariate Statistics, Applied Statistics, Neolithic Archaeology, Lithic Technology, Lithics, and 11 moreNeolithic Europe, Lithic Technology (Archaeology), Archaeology, Lithic analysis and organization of technology, Flint Technology, Early Neolithic, Tecnología Lítica, Chaîne Opératoire, NEOLÍTICO ANTIGUO, History of Archaelogy, Flint mines, Cadenas Operativas, and Neolithic Iberian Peninsula
We present the radiocarbon dates for twelve charcoal samples covering the complete area of the mine field of Casa Montero (Madrid, Spain), a site with more than 4000 plotted shafts. The χ2 test shows that eleven of them are statistically... more
We present the radiocarbon dates for twelve charcoal samples covering the complete area of the mine field of Casa Montero (Madrid, Spain), a site with more than 4000 plotted shafts. The χ2 test shows that eleven of them are statistically identical, with a 65% probability that all mining episodes occurred between 5337 and 5218 cal BC, a time span of approximately four generations. We test this probable hypothesis against other archaeological evidence and conclude that the comparatively large scale mining actions at Casa Montero would have necessarily required the mobilization of several small scale Early Neolithic groups into a succession of collective actions, probably performed in a seasonal manner. Neolithic fl int mining in Europe was not a long term technical solution to a practical need, but an extraordinarily meaningful and timely -historically contingent- social activity. In order to understand mining actions in these terms, we would require a reevaluation of the statistical variability and meaning of series of radiocarbon dates already obtained at many other fl int mines. When we do so, we might observe that, as in the case of Casa Montero, many of these radiocarbon dates actually represent sets of short term highly active ‘generational’ mining episodes separated in time.
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Resumen. Las excavaciones arqueológicas en la mina de sílex neolítica de Casa Montero (Madrid) han permitido recuperar un pequeño conjunto de restos de fauna. Han sido identifi cadas tanto especies silvestres como domésticas. La principal... more
Resumen. Las excavaciones arqueológicas en la mina de sílex neolítica de Casa Montero (Madrid) han permitido recuperar un pequeño conjunto
de restos de fauna. Han sido identifi cadas tanto especies silvestres como domésticas. La principal característica de este conjunto es el elevado porcentaje
de industria ósea con respecto al total (66%) entre los que destaca la presencia de matrices en hueso y asta para la producción de los llamados anillos,
así como de dichos productos ya amortizados. El particular contexto en el que se fabricaron y amortizaron sugiere que quizás deba reconsiderarse su
asociación con elementos de adorno personal.
Palabras clave. Neolítico Antiguo. Península Ibérica. Meseta. Fauna. Industria ósea. Anillos de hueso.
Abstract. The archaeological excavations in the Neolithic fl int mine of Casa Montero (Madrid) have provided a very small assemblage of faunal
remains. Both domestic and wild taxa have been identifi ed. The main characteristic of the assemblage is the high percentage (66%) of bone and antler
shafts and rings that were produced, used and abandoned on site. All this suggests that their generalized interpretation as personal adornments should
be reconsidered.
Key words. Early
de restos de fauna. Han sido identifi cadas tanto especies silvestres como domésticas. La principal característica de este conjunto es el elevado porcentaje
de industria ósea con respecto al total (66%) entre los que destaca la presencia de matrices en hueso y asta para la producción de los llamados anillos,
así como de dichos productos ya amortizados. El particular contexto en el que se fabricaron y amortizaron sugiere que quizás deba reconsiderarse su
asociación con elementos de adorno personal.
Palabras clave. Neolítico Antiguo. Península Ibérica. Meseta. Fauna. Industria ósea. Anillos de hueso.
Abstract. The archaeological excavations in the Neolithic fl int mine of Casa Montero (Madrid) have provided a very small assemblage of faunal
remains. Both domestic and wild taxa have been identifi ed. The main characteristic of the assemblage is the high percentage (66%) of bone and antler
shafts and rings that were produced, used and abandoned on site. All this suggests that their generalized interpretation as personal adornments should
be reconsidered.
Key words. Early
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Diapositivas de la conferencia pronunciada el 11 de noviembre de 2015 en la sede de la Asociación Española de Amigos de la Arqueología.
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We present a comprehensive and interpretative overview of the evidence recovered at the mining field of Casa Mon-tero (Madrid, Spain). We describe the technical and social aspects of flint mining in the specific historical context of... more
We present a comprehensive and interpretative overview of the evidence recovered at the mining field of Casa Mon-tero (Madrid, Spain). We describe the technical and social aspects of flint mining in the specific historical context of central Iberia's Early Neolithic societies. Combination of all the evidence allows us to suggest that mining at the site was probably a generational phenomenon, where the acts of gathering in order to perform a collective action served as a basis for binding new political relations beyond each individual group. Strategic, tactical, and logistic preconditions were required for those gatherings, including the ability and capacity to convene, design, and organize an orderly set of actions such as those deployed at the flint mine. As with other Neolithic mining sites in Europe, understanding these social preconditions are important if archaeologists are to move beyond describing the formal and technical variability of the mines.
Research Interests: Mining Engineering, Prehistoric Archaeology, Environmental Impact Assessment, Neolithic Archaeology, Social Archaeology, and 9 moreFlint (Archaeology), Prehistoric Technology, Iberian Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Neolithic flint procurement, Mediterranean archaeology, European Archaeology, Early Neolithic, and Radiocarbon Dating (Archaeology)
We present the radiocarbon dates for thirteen charcoal samples covering the complete area of the mine field of Casa Montero (Madrid, Spain), a site with more than 4000 plotted shafts. The Χ2 test shows that eleven of them are... more
We present the radiocarbon dates for thirteen charcoal samples covering the complete area of the mine field of Casa Montero (Madrid, Spain), a site with more than 4000 plotted shafts. The Χ2 test shows that eleven of them are statistically identical, with a 65% probability that all mining episodes occurred between 5327 and 5215 cal BC, a time span of approximately four generations. We test this probable hypothesis against other archaeological evidence and conclude that the comparatively large scale mining actions at Casa Montero would have necessarily required the mobilization of several small scale Early Neolithic groups into a succession of collective actions, probably performed in a seasonal manner.
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El objeto de este trabajo es presentar la caracterización de las rocas silíceas de la mina neolítica de Casa Montero (5400-5200 cal. BC). Se localiza en Madrid (España) y ocupa una superficie de 4 hectareas, con 3897 pozos cartografiados,... more
El objeto de este trabajo es presentar la caracterización de las rocas silíceas de la mina neolítica de Casa Montero (5400-5200 cal. BC). Se localiza en Madrid (España) y ocupa una superficie de 4 hectareas, con 3897 pozos cartografiados, de los cuales 324 han sido excavados durante tres campañas de excavaciones. Este tipo de estudios es esencial para establecer las características diagnósticas de la materia prima e investigar la distribución de los productos de las minas. Se ha realizado también un análisis de las relaciones entre las diferentes materias primas silíceas y la cadena lítica operativa.
La caracterización se realizó usando dos métodos: descripción macroscópica y análisis petrológico. Han sido establecidos siete tipos macroscópicos (de 1 a 7) y cuatro grupos petrológicos (de A a D). La clasificación macroscópica fué fundamental en el análisis de los restos líticos, dado el gran volumen de material lítico recuperado en el sitio. La clasificación petrológica constituye un buen método para identificar los materiales de la Mina de Casa Montero en otros sitios arqueológicos.
La caracterización se realizó usando dos métodos: descripción macroscópica y análisis petrológico. Han sido establecidos siete tipos macroscópicos (de 1 a 7) y cuatro grupos petrológicos (de A a D). La clasificación macroscópica fué fundamental en el análisis de los restos líticos, dado el gran volumen de material lítico recuperado en el sitio. La clasificación petrológica constituye un buen método para identificar los materiales de la Mina de Casa Montero en otros sitios arqueológicos.
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La infraestructura de datos espaciales SILEX ha sido creada para gestionar y distribuir de forma eficiente y sistemática un conjunto de datos heterogéneo, complejo e ingente de cara a la caracterización de aspectos precisos de un... more
La infraestructura de datos espaciales SILEX ha sido creada para gestionar y distribuir de forma eficiente y sistemática un conjunto de datos heterogéneo, complejo e ingente de cara a la caracterización de aspectos precisos de un yacimiento inusual como es una mina de sílex del Neolítico antiguo.
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El Rebollosillo is a small karstic cave located in the center of Iberia used for the disposition of secondary burials during the mid third millennium BC. We present bioanthropological, isotopic (87Sr/86Sr, δ 13C y δ 18O) analyses and 16... more
El Rebollosillo is a small karstic cave located in the
center of Iberia used for the disposition of secondary
burials during the mid third millennium BC. We present
bioanthropological, isotopic (87Sr/86Sr, δ 13C y δ 18O)
analyses and 16 radiocarbon dates on human remains,
as well as mineralogical characterization of 6 beads (4 of
them variscite from Palazuelo de las Cuevas, Zamora), and
a quantitative analysis of 43 pottery fragments recovered
during the 1989 excavations. A minimum of 21 individu-als
have been identified, covering all age ranges and sex. Low
percentages of pathologies have been detected, mainly
dental calculus and caries, with specific cases of cribra
orbitalia, periostosis and arthritis. Only adults received
a clearly individualized treatment, suggestive of achieved
status. We interpret the evidence as a multi-staged mortuary
program, the last phase of which is documented at the site,
with previous stages perhaps carried out elsewhere, and
we evaluate these results in the context of the regional
funerary record.
center of Iberia used for the disposition of secondary
burials during the mid third millennium BC. We present
bioanthropological, isotopic (87Sr/86Sr, δ 13C y δ 18O)
analyses and 16 radiocarbon dates on human remains,
as well as mineralogical characterization of 6 beads (4 of
them variscite from Palazuelo de las Cuevas, Zamora), and
a quantitative analysis of 43 pottery fragments recovered
during the 1989 excavations. A minimum of 21 individu-als
have been identified, covering all age ranges and sex. Low
percentages of pathologies have been detected, mainly
dental calculus and caries, with specific cases of cribra
orbitalia, periostosis and arthritis. Only adults received
a clearly individualized treatment, suggestive of achieved
status. We interpret the evidence as a multi-staged mortuary
program, the last phase of which is documented at the site,
with previous stages perhaps carried out elsewhere, and
we evaluate these results in the context of the regional
funerary record.