Jimmy Linton
Université de Liège, Archaeology, Department Member
- Archaeological Method & Theory, Archaeology, Lithics, Flint (Archaeology), Prehistoric Archaeology, Experimental Archaeology, and 21 moreNeolithic Archaeology, Use Wear Analysis, Ethnoarchaeology, Neolithic Europe, Paleobotany, Residue and Use-Wear Analysis, Lithic Technology (Archaeology), Stone artefacts (Archaeology), Use of lithic tools within metal using societies, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Prehistory, Lithic Technology, Lithic Raw Material Sourcing, Traceology, Mesolithic/Neolithic, Bell Beakers (Archaeology), Neolithic Transition, Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Neolithic, Mondsee-culture, and Schnurkeramikedit
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ABSTRACT L’industrie lithique en silex du Grand-Pressigny de la fin du Néolithique est essentiellement connue pour la production de grandes lames selon la méthode livre-de-beurre et leur diffusion sur un très large territoire. Or, les... more
ABSTRACT L’industrie lithique en silex du Grand-Pressigny de la fin du Néolithique est essentiellement connue pour la production de grandes lames selon la méthode livre-de-beurre et leur diffusion sur un très large territoire. Or, les grandes lames ne sont pas les seuls produits à avoir circulé sur de grandes distances. On note en effet régulièrement dans les assemblages des sites récepteurs, la présence d’éclats en silex du Grand-Pressigny en quantité variable, parfois importante. De même, l’outillage des sites de l’aire de production des grandes lames est en grande partie réalisé sur des éclats. Ils sont générés selon différentes modalités, dans le cadre de productions autonomes, ou le plus souvent, intégrées à la production de grandes lames. L'ampleur de la diffusion des éclats, leur importance dans certains sites, leur production relativement standardisée en grande quantité et intégrée à celle des grandes lames nous amène à nous demander si nous n’avons pas minimisé leur rôle au sein du phénomène pressignien. L’étude, qui ne prend en compte que les contextes domestiques, porte sur une zone qui s’étend de l’aire de production dans la région de confluence entre la Claise et la Creuse aux rives du Lac de Neuchâtel en Suisse, et se fonde sur les résultats de l’analyse techno-fonctionnelle de onze ensembles lithiques. Les données sont traitées sur le plan spatial mais aussi chronologique, lorsque la résolution des dates le permet. L’étude s’interroge aussi sur l’apport de la prise en compte des éclats pour comprendre la structuration des réseaux de diffusion et les modalités de gestion de l’outillage lithique. En effet, en contexte d'importation, l’absence d’éclats importés dans certains sites et leur importance dans d'autres peut nous amener à mettre en évidence des sites probablement impliqués dans la redistribution à l'échelle locale ou régionale des produits pressigniens. D’un point de vue plus général, la circulation des éclats en silex du Grand-Pressigny s’inscrit dans un phénomène de transformation des industries lithiques au cours du troisième millénaire, les productions domestiques se simplifient au profit d’une gestion par la retouche des produits importés et les techniques de retouche sont soignées et investies techniquement. Il semble aussi que les importations pressigniennes ont pu, selon les régions, entrer en concurrence avec des productions lithiques régionales, ce qui pourrait expliquer dans une certaine mesure la variabilité spatiale de distribution des éclats.
Research Interests: Archaeology and Art
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From the fourth millennium bc onward, flint dagger and long-blade workshops developed throughout Europe. Upper Turonian flint from the Grand-Pressigny region (western-central France) is one of the most emblematic examples of this type of... more
From the fourth millennium bc onward, flint dagger and long-blade workshops developed throughout Europe. Upper Turonian flint from the Grand-Pressigny region (western-central France) is one of the most emblematic examples of this type of lithic production from the end of the Neolithic. The function of long blades is poorly known and subject to debate. A sample of long blades and daggers was thus selected for microwear analysis, in order to record the technical tool functions of these remarkable productions from the end of the West European Neolithic. The main aim of this study is to determine whether these artifacts show any traces coming from use as tools for ordinary daily tasks, or whether they do not show wear-traces and could be interpreted as socially valued objects with no technical utility.
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Research Interests: Geography and Archaeology
Research Interests: Archaeology and Art
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La region du Morvan, en particulier le massif granitique, constitue une tres grande aire geographique au sein de laquelle la Prehistoire reste encore tres mal connue. L’etat des connaissances est assez different entre le massif du Morvan... more
La region du Morvan, en particulier le massif granitique, constitue une tres grande aire geographique au sein de laquelle la Prehistoire reste encore tres mal connue. L’etat des connaissances est assez different entre le massif du Morvan et les vallees adjacentes du Serein, de l’Arroux, de l’Aleine et de l’Yonne. L’industrie lithique de quelques sites du haut Morvan a permis de mettre en evidence une premiere frequentationmesolithique et plusieurs sites de hauteur occupes a partir du Neolithique moyen et au Neolithique final, dont une probable enceinte du Neolithique moyen sur le Mont Beuvray. Des etudes complementaires dans la vallee de l’Arroux permettent de confirmer l’important developpement de l’habitat et l’erection de menhirs au Neolithique moyen. Les decouvertes concernant le Neolithique final semblent moins nombreuses et plus ponctuelles. Les trop rares indices culturels permettent d’evoquer la presence du Chasseen, du Neolithique Moyen Bourguignon, de plusieurs groupes du ...
Research Interests: Art and Mesolithic
Le reexamen de la collection Loydreau, conservee au Musee Rolin a Autun, et provenant de ses fouilles menees au camp de Chassey a la fin du XIXe siecle, a permis de reconnaitre onze supports laminaires en silex lacustre provenant du sud... more
Le reexamen de la collection Loydreau, conservee au Musee Rolin a Autun, et provenant de ses fouilles menees au camp de Chassey a la fin du XIXe siecle, a permis de reconnaitre onze supports laminaires en silex lacustre provenant du sud de la France. Une etude complete des pieces, qui integre la petrographie, la technologie, la typologie et la traceologie, est presentee. Les lames proviennent presque toutes de la meme formation geologique, mais montrent une certaine variabilite technologique et n’ont pas toutes ete consommees de la meme maniere. L’attribution chronologique de ces importations et la mise en perspective des resultats sont discutees en derniere partie.
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Au centre de l’Auvergne, dans le Puy-de-Dome, l’habitat du Neolithique final de Tremonteix est etabli en contrebas des Cotes de Clermont-Ferrand, vaste plateau basaltique qui domine l’agglomeration au nord. Dans le cadre d’une operation... more
Au centre de l’Auvergne, dans le Puy-de-Dome, l’habitat du Neolithique final de Tremonteix est etabli en contrebas des Cotes de Clermont-Ferrand, vaste plateau basaltique qui domine l’agglomeration au nord. Dans le cadre d’une operation d’archeologie preventive realisee par l’Inrap, un etablissement fouille sur 2588 m2 a livre plusieurs structures, parfois associees a des lambeaux de sols, dont certains sont amenages sur des plateformes surcreusees dans le lit d’un paleochenal. Il s’agit d’espaces abrites (bâtiment 1) et d’aires d’activites artisanales documentees par des fosses et par des lambeaux de sols riches en mobilier. Ces dispositifs ont fourni de la ceramique au repertoire typologique varie, du materiel lithique taille, de la faune surtout domestique, de l’outillage en os et en bois de cerf, et de nombreux macrorestes dont des graines de cereales et des charbons de bois significatifs d’un milieu ouvert, ce que confirme l’etude malacologique. L’assemblage ceramique inorne ma...
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ABSTRACT The Holocene’s global warming led to a fundamental change of the ecosystems exploited by man in Europe. Among this changes, there is an important increase in the vegetation cover, at the beginning of Mesolithic, during the... more
ABSTRACT The Holocene’s global warming led to a fundamental change of the ecosystems exploited by man in Europe. Among this changes, there is an important increase in the vegetation cover, at the beginning of Mesolithic, during the Preboreal. Neolithic flint tool microwear analyses have shown that a significant share of the tool kit was used for plant processing. Recent functional researches on Mesolithic flint tool show similar results. We will compare plant-processing wear-traces from these two main chrono-cultural stages of the Holocene. Along with the archaeobotanical studies, our paper presents some new approaches to the discussion about long-term evolution of the plant processing technical system during the Holocene. We will also discuss the scale of the technical changes that occurred during Neolithic transition.
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Situe au cœur de la Vaunage dans le Gard, le site du Vignaud 3 a Langlade presente un habitat en pierre seche qui s'inscrit parfaitement dans la tradition locale des habitats fontbuxiens (tels que Boussargues, Le Rocher-du-Causse...).... more
Situe au cœur de la Vaunage dans le Gard, le site du Vignaud 3 a Langlade presente un habitat en pierre seche qui s'inscrit parfaitement dans la tradition locale des habitats fontbuxiens (tels que Boussargues, Le Rocher-du-Causse...). Outre l'interet architectural de cette decouverte qui apporte de nouvelles informations concernant l'amenagement interieur des sites ceintures, de nombreux elements mobiliers (ceramique, lithique, faune...) ont ete mis au jour et temoignent d'une occupation fontbuxienne et campaniforme. La fouille a permis de mettre en evidence une stratigraphie attestant cette succession chronoculturelle, et les premiers resultats des etudes de mobilier apportent des elements inedits qui enrichissent le debat sur l'insertion du Campaniforme ancien et son evolution vers le Campaniforme recent rhodano- provencal dans la zone culturelle du Fontbouisse.
Excavations at the site of Le Vignaud 3, Langlade, situated at the heart of the Vaunage, have revealed a settlement constructed in dry stone which fits perfectly within the local Fontbouisse tradition (as exemplified at Boussargues, Le... more
Excavations at the site of Le Vignaud 3, Langlade, situated at the heart of the Vaunage, have revealed a settlement constructed in dry stone which fits perfectly within the local Fontbouisse tradition (as exemplified at Boussargues, Le Rocher-du-Causse, etc.). As well as being of architectural interest, particularly in relation to the internal organisation of enclosed sites, the site also produced a large number of finds (pottery, lithics, animal bones, etc.) which provide evidence of Fontbouisse culture and Bell Beaker occupation. The stratigraphic evidence relating these two cultures, and the results of the preliminary analysis of the finds, provide new evidence concerning the adoption of the earliest Beakers within the territory of the Fontbouisse culture, and the subsequent development of late Beakers in the RhodanoProvencal style.
Sur la commune de Savasse (Drôme), la fouille d’une surface de près de 2000 m2 a permis la mise au jour d’une occupation stratifiée qui s’échelonne du Néolithique final 2 au Bronze A2, soit principalement entre 2900 et 1700 avant notre... more
Sur la commune de Savasse (Drôme), la fouille d’une surface de près de 2000 m2 a permis la mise au jour d’une occupation stratifiée qui s’échelonne du Néolithique final 2 au Bronze A2, soit principalement entre 2900 et 1700 avant notre ère. Malgré un hiatus d’occupation à la fin du troisième millénaire, l’étude des vestiges permet, à un point donné de la moyenne vallée du Rhône, d’appréhender l’évolution du plusieurs critères sur près d’un millénaire. Parmi ceux-ci, les modes d’occupation du sol, ainsi que les typologies et technologies des mobiliers céramiques et lithiques, présentent des dynamiques d’évolution qui peuvent diverger à court, moyen ou long terme. Si certains aspects, comme la grande majorité des caractéristiques lithiques, perdurent sur l’ensemble de la période, d’autres comme le type de structures retrouvées et surtout comme la morphologie des vases ou encore les inclusions qui sont retrouvées dans leur pâte traduisent des changements plus ou moins marqués entre les différentes phases du Néolithique final et du Bronze ancien. Ces variations peuvent correspondre à des fluctuations minimes dans l’insertion chronoculturelle du site, à des influences extérieures très ponctuelles ou encore à des changements plus profonds. In the municipality of Savasse (Drôme), the excavation of an area of almost 2000 m2 has revealed stratified occupation that extends from the Final Neolithic 2 to the Bronze A2 period, or essentially between 2900 and 1700 BC. Despite an occupation hiatus in the late third millennium, the study of the remains enables us to understand the development of several criteria over more than a millennium, for a given point in the middle Rhône valley. These criteria include the ways in which the land was occupied, together with the typologies and technologies of ceramic and lithic artefacts, which present evolutionary dynamics that may diverge over the short, medium or long term. While some aspects, such as the vast majority of lithic characteristics, continue over the whole period, others, such as the type of features revealed and above all the morphology of vases or the inclusions discovered in the pottery employed, indicate the more or less marked changes between the different phases of the Final Neolithic and the Early Bronze Age. These variations may correspond to minimal fluctuations in the chrono-cultural insertion of the site, to external extremely intermittent influences or to more profound changes.
In 2013 excavations near Vernègues (Bouches-du Rhône), “Cazan-Le Clos du Moulin”, revealed an important occupation site dating from the Middle Neolithic (late Chassey culture). The village of Vernègues is located just south of the Massif... more
In 2013 excavations near Vernègues (Bouches-du Rhône), “Cazan-Le Clos du Moulin”, revealed an important occupation site dating from the Middle Neolithic (late Chassey culture). The village of Vernègues is located just south of the Massif du Luberon, approximately 60 km north-west of Marseille and the Mediterranean. The area excavated, a little over one hectare, is located in the centre of a small valley which joins the valley of the Durance just to the north. This valley is remarkable for the density of Neolithic remains and “Cazan-Le Clos du Moulin” is situated in the centre of a cluster of sites. The different sites form a discontinuous network across the floor of the valley, which is undoubtedly linked to the network of watercourses which drain the valley. While no occupation ground was uncovered during the excavation, over 600 archaeological features were preserved. These features record one of the first structured dwelling sites for this period in the south of France. The occupation of this site has been dated by eight radiocarbon dates (4100 - 3800 BCE) and a large assemblage of archaeological finds, which confirm the attribution to the late Chassey culture. The site contained many pits, five wells and a concentration of twenty burnt stone combustion features, which are typical of this period. Through analysis of these structures we observe how two pairs of wells seem to have functioned together, particularly in their secondary use as middens. The burnt stone combustion features are all circular and organised into four sub-parallel lines. These features group two different types of hearths, which may reflect a chronological difference or differences in use. However, the most notable aspect of this site resides in the discovery of many postholes and foundation pits, which trace the outline of at least fifteen different architectural structures. These are the earliest buildings recorded for the late Chassey in the south of France. They notably consist of ten houses which were implanted on well-preserved postholes. These structures repeat the same overall plan, based around a dozen posts organised into two aisles, with a probable ridge beam extending beyond the ridge purlin. Two smaller posts in front of the southern gable end probably indicate the location of an entrance. The surface area of these buildings varies between 80 and 180 m². There are few comparable examples for these structures for this period and they are markedly distinct from other examples in France or in northern Italy, which are generally rectangular in plan and frequently have foundation trenches. In addition, three other architectural structures have been identified, which are defined by a series of very large foundation pits. The pits are rectangular in plan with asymmetric profiles (at times triangular, occasionally trapezoidal): they can be up to 2 m deep with an over-cut at the base. We find even fewer archaeological parallels for these buildings. However their construction clearly demanded a significant investment of time and effort, which could indicate the coordination of a group or community of individuals. All of these buildings follow a plan which was clearly collectively predefined; all the buildings are orientated NW-SE, which coincides with the prevailing wind in the valley. Moreover, the distribution of these postholes and pits indicates that several houses were completely rebuilt in the same place, up to two to three times. Each new phase of construction was preceded by the partial deconstruction of the remains of the previous phase. We note that some of the posts had clearly begun to decompose in situ, prior to being burnt and/or removed. Finally, some of the pits/postholes from the previous phases were backfilled with stones and broken fragments of querns. Analysis of the archaeological finds has not allowed us to establish a relative chronology between these different buildings or the diverse features. However, it has enabled us to define several zones of activity, specifically related to the working of flint and obsidian. The obsidian comes from Sardinia and we have observed elements associated with shaping and working nuclei as well as debitage from a knapping area which were found in a well. Obsidian is not the only example of imported material found; it is accompanied by several ceramic and earthenware objects (including a loom weight) and a copper awl, all of which probably originate from northern Italy. Furthermore, analysis of the querns recovered from the postholes and analysis of the marks on the worked flints indicate agricultural activities related to grain farming. The faunal remains were almost exclusively recovered from the deposits infilling the wells. These remains record the importance of caprines in the livestock, indicating pastoral activities were also important at Cazan, as at many other sites of the same period. These different activities imply a domestic occupation, seemingly permanent, in a…
Research Interests: Archaeology, Archaeozoology, Obsidian, Flint (Archaeology), Use Wear Analysis, and 13 moreCeramics (Archaeology), Charcoal analysis (Archaeology), Building, Obsidian Sourcing, House, Well, Middle Neolithic, Malacology (Archaeology), Chassey culture, Hearth, Flint Industry, Dwelling site, and Stone grinding tools
The study of the use-wear marks on the Neolithic reaping knives from the site of Egolzwil 3 (Switzerland, late fifth millennium cal BC) shows that these tools were used to reap cereals by cutting the stems near the ground. The stems were... more
The study of the use-wear marks on the Neolithic reaping knives from the site of Egolzwil 3 (Switzerland, late fifth millennium cal BC) shows that these tools were used to reap cereals by cutting the stems near the ground. The stems were gathered together using the pointed distal end, held in the free hand and cut with the flint blade, in what we term a two-stage reaping method. These types of sickles or reaping knives are found at Neolithic sites in the northern Mediterranean (centre and north of the Iberian Peninsula, Provence in France and continental Italy) from the mid-sixth millennium, in the context of the early Neolithic Cardial Culture, and lasted until the early fourth millennium. Within the tradition of two-stage reaping knives, the Egolzwil type would have been adapted to reaping at a low height in very dense cereal fields. These tools show that the Neolithic groups in the Swiss central plain belonged to the circle of northern Mediterranean farming technical traditions, in their northernmost expression, in contact with the groups in south Germany who reaped with curved sickles whose flint elements were inserted obliquely.
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Clément Moreau, Vanessa Léa, Claire Delhon, Frédéric Magnin, Luke Howarth, Jimmy Linton, Lucas Pacotte, Sylvain Foucras, Cristiano Nicosia, François-Xavier Le Bourdonnec, Julie Gerez et Ingrid Sénépart — Un village chasséen dans le Sud de... more
Clément Moreau, Vanessa Léa, Claire Delhon, Frédéric Magnin, Luke Howarth, Jimmy Linton, Lucas Pacotte, Sylvain Foucras, Cristiano Nicosia, François-Xavier Le Bourdonnec, Julie Gerez et Ingrid Sénépart — Un village chasséen dans le Sud de la France : Cazan « le Clos du Moulin », Vernègues (Bouches-du-Rhône)
Une fouille réalisée en 2013 à Cazan « le Clos du Moulin » Vernègues (Bouches-du Rhône) a permis de mettre en évidence une importante occupation du Chasséen récent en fond de vallon. Aucun niveau de sol n’a été retrouvé, mais plus de 600 structures en creux permettent de documenter un des premiers sites d’habitat structuré de cette période dans le Sud de la France. Les attributions chronologiques reposent sur huit datations au 14C comprises en 4100 et 3800 avant notre ère et sur un abondant mobilier archéologique qui concorde avec l’attribution à une étape récente du Chasséen. Le gisement livre plusieurs fosses, des puits et une concentration de structures à pierres chauffées, mais aussi et surtout de nombreux trous de poteau et fosses d’implantation qui permettent de restituer les plans d’environ quinze bâtiments. Ces derniers correspondent notamment à dix édifices standards ; trois ensembles architecturaux plus imposants s’insèrent au sein de cette organisation et traduisent sans doute la présence d’édifices socialement plus valorisés.
L’analyse du mobilier archéologique ne permet pas de déterminer assurément de chronologies relatives au sein de ces structures et aménagements, mais elle met en évidence plusieurs zones d’activités privilégiées en particulier pour le travail du silex et de l’obsidienne. Ces activités signent une occupation domestique a priori pérenne au sein d’un paysage largement anthropisé et maitrisé d’après les observations anthracologiques et malacologiques.
L’ensemble de ces résultats tend à prouver l’attachement des populations chasséennes à ce territoire où elles se sont installées et ont vécues. Ce site permet donc enfin d’approcher pleinement la notion de village pour le Chasséen récent.
Mots clés : Néolithique moyen, Chasséen, habitat, maison, bâtiment, puits, foyer, céramique, silex, obsidienne, tracéologie, malacologie, anthracologie, matériel de mouture, faune.
Abstract :
In 2013 excavations near Vernègues (Bouches-du Rhône), “Cazan-Le Clos du Moulin”, revealed an important occupation site dating from the Middle Neolithic (late Chassey culture). The village of Vernègues is located just south of the Massif du Luberon, approximately 60 km north-west of Marseille and the Mediterranean. The area excavated, a little over one hectare, is located in the centre of a small valley which joins the valley of the Durance just to the north. This valley is remarkable for the density of Neolithic remains and “Cazan-Le Clos du Moulin” is situated in the centre of a cluster of sites. The different sites form a discontinuous network across the floor of the valley, which is undoubtedly linked to the network of watercourses which drain the valley.
While no occupation ground was uncovered during the excavation, over 600 archaeological features were preserved. These features record one of the first structured dwelling sites for this period in the south of France. The occupation of this site has been dated by eight radiocarbon dates (4100 - 3800 BCE) and a large assemblage of archaeological finds, which confirm the attribution to the late Chassey culture.
The site contained many pits, five wells and a concentration of twenty burnt stone combustion features, which are typical of this period. Through analysis of these structures we observe how two pairs of wells seem to have functioned together, particularly in their secondary use as middens. The burnt stone combustion features are all circular and organised into four sub-parallel lines. These features group two different types of hearths, which may reflect a chronological difference or differences in use.
However, the most notable aspect of this site resides in the discovery of many postholes and foundation pits, which trace the outline of at least fifteen different architectural structures. These are the earliest buildings recorded for the late Chassey in the south of France.
They notably consist of ten houses which were implanted on well-preserved postholes. These structures repeat the same overall plan, based around a dozen posts organised into two aisles, with a probable ridge beam extending beyond the ridge purlin. Two smaller posts in front of the southern gable end probably indicate the location of an entrance. The surface area of these buildings varies between 80 and 180 m². There are few comparable examples for these structures for this period and they are markedly distinct from other examples in France or in northern Italy, which are generally rectangular in plan and frequently have foundation trenches.
In addition, three other architectural structures have been identified, which are defined by a series of very large foundation pits. The pits are rectangular in plan with asymmetric profiles (at times triangular, occasionally trapezoidal): they can be up to 2 m deep with an over-cut at the base. We find even fewer archaeological parallels for these buildings. However their construction clearly demanded a significant investment of time and effort, which could indicate the coordination of a group or community of individuals.
All of these buildings follow a plan which was clearly collectively predefined; all the buildings are orientated NW-SE, which coincides with the prevailing wind in the valley. Moreover, the distribution of these postholes and pits indicates that several houses were completely rebuilt in the same place, up to two to three times. Each new phase of construction was preceded by the partial deconstruction of the remains of the previous phase. We note that some of the posts had clearly begun to decompose in situ, prior to being burnt and/or removed. Finally, some of the pits/postholes from the previous phases were backfilled with stones and broken fragments of querns.
Analysis of the archaeological finds has not allowed us to establish a relative chronology between these different buildings or the diverse features. However, it has enabled us to define several zones of activity, specifically related to the working of flint and obsidian. The obsidian comes from Sardinia and we have observed elements associated with shaping and working nuclei as well as debitage from a knapping area which were found in a well.
Obsidian is not the only example of imported material found; it is accompanied by several ceramic and earthenware objects (including a loom weight) and a copper awl, all of which probably originate from northern Italy. Furthermore, analysis of the querns recovered from the postholes and analysis of the marks on the worked flints indicate agricultural activities related to grain farming. The faunal remains were almost exclusively recovered from the deposits infilling the wells. These remains record the importance of caprines in the livestock, indicating pastoral activities were also important at Cazan, as at many other sites of the same period.
These different activities imply a domestic occupation, seemingly permanent, in a predominantly anthropogenically modified landscape (based on malacological analysis). The preliminary analysis of the snail assemblage indicates an open environment during the late Chassey culture, and this observation seems to be confirmed by the charcoal analysis. Furthermore, the study of the charcoal from the postholes and hearths allows us to distinguish the selection of different species of wood: oak is used for the posts while strawberry tree (arbutus unedo) is used as fuel.
These results suggest the attachment of the Chassey population to this place and the surrounding landscape, which they occupied and reoccupied several times over 300 years. While an important part of their activity was based around a mobile lifestyle and pastoral management, this site allows us to consider the concept of a Neolithic village. These first results presented here renew the debate and research concerning the character of the occupation of this landscape during this period.
Keywords: Middle Neolithic, Chassey culture, dwelling site, house, building, well, hearth, ceramic,
Une fouille réalisée en 2013 à Cazan « le Clos du Moulin » Vernègues (Bouches-du Rhône) a permis de mettre en évidence une importante occupation du Chasséen récent en fond de vallon. Aucun niveau de sol n’a été retrouvé, mais plus de 600 structures en creux permettent de documenter un des premiers sites d’habitat structuré de cette période dans le Sud de la France. Les attributions chronologiques reposent sur huit datations au 14C comprises en 4100 et 3800 avant notre ère et sur un abondant mobilier archéologique qui concorde avec l’attribution à une étape récente du Chasséen. Le gisement livre plusieurs fosses, des puits et une concentration de structures à pierres chauffées, mais aussi et surtout de nombreux trous de poteau et fosses d’implantation qui permettent de restituer les plans d’environ quinze bâtiments. Ces derniers correspondent notamment à dix édifices standards ; trois ensembles architecturaux plus imposants s’insèrent au sein de cette organisation et traduisent sans doute la présence d’édifices socialement plus valorisés.
L’analyse du mobilier archéologique ne permet pas de déterminer assurément de chronologies relatives au sein de ces structures et aménagements, mais elle met en évidence plusieurs zones d’activités privilégiées en particulier pour le travail du silex et de l’obsidienne. Ces activités signent une occupation domestique a priori pérenne au sein d’un paysage largement anthropisé et maitrisé d’après les observations anthracologiques et malacologiques.
L’ensemble de ces résultats tend à prouver l’attachement des populations chasséennes à ce territoire où elles se sont installées et ont vécues. Ce site permet donc enfin d’approcher pleinement la notion de village pour le Chasséen récent.
Mots clés : Néolithique moyen, Chasséen, habitat, maison, bâtiment, puits, foyer, céramique, silex, obsidienne, tracéologie, malacologie, anthracologie, matériel de mouture, faune.
Abstract :
In 2013 excavations near Vernègues (Bouches-du Rhône), “Cazan-Le Clos du Moulin”, revealed an important occupation site dating from the Middle Neolithic (late Chassey culture). The village of Vernègues is located just south of the Massif du Luberon, approximately 60 km north-west of Marseille and the Mediterranean. The area excavated, a little over one hectare, is located in the centre of a small valley which joins the valley of the Durance just to the north. This valley is remarkable for the density of Neolithic remains and “Cazan-Le Clos du Moulin” is situated in the centre of a cluster of sites. The different sites form a discontinuous network across the floor of the valley, which is undoubtedly linked to the network of watercourses which drain the valley.
While no occupation ground was uncovered during the excavation, over 600 archaeological features were preserved. These features record one of the first structured dwelling sites for this period in the south of France. The occupation of this site has been dated by eight radiocarbon dates (4100 - 3800 BCE) and a large assemblage of archaeological finds, which confirm the attribution to the late Chassey culture.
The site contained many pits, five wells and a concentration of twenty burnt stone combustion features, which are typical of this period. Through analysis of these structures we observe how two pairs of wells seem to have functioned together, particularly in their secondary use as middens. The burnt stone combustion features are all circular and organised into four sub-parallel lines. These features group two different types of hearths, which may reflect a chronological difference or differences in use.
However, the most notable aspect of this site resides in the discovery of many postholes and foundation pits, which trace the outline of at least fifteen different architectural structures. These are the earliest buildings recorded for the late Chassey in the south of France.
They notably consist of ten houses which were implanted on well-preserved postholes. These structures repeat the same overall plan, based around a dozen posts organised into two aisles, with a probable ridge beam extending beyond the ridge purlin. Two smaller posts in front of the southern gable end probably indicate the location of an entrance. The surface area of these buildings varies between 80 and 180 m². There are few comparable examples for these structures for this period and they are markedly distinct from other examples in France or in northern Italy, which are generally rectangular in plan and frequently have foundation trenches.
In addition, three other architectural structures have been identified, which are defined by a series of very large foundation pits. The pits are rectangular in plan with asymmetric profiles (at times triangular, occasionally trapezoidal): they can be up to 2 m deep with an over-cut at the base. We find even fewer archaeological parallels for these buildings. However their construction clearly demanded a significant investment of time and effort, which could indicate the coordination of a group or community of individuals.
All of these buildings follow a plan which was clearly collectively predefined; all the buildings are orientated NW-SE, which coincides with the prevailing wind in the valley. Moreover, the distribution of these postholes and pits indicates that several houses were completely rebuilt in the same place, up to two to three times. Each new phase of construction was preceded by the partial deconstruction of the remains of the previous phase. We note that some of the posts had clearly begun to decompose in situ, prior to being burnt and/or removed. Finally, some of the pits/postholes from the previous phases were backfilled with stones and broken fragments of querns.
Analysis of the archaeological finds has not allowed us to establish a relative chronology between these different buildings or the diverse features. However, it has enabled us to define several zones of activity, specifically related to the working of flint and obsidian. The obsidian comes from Sardinia and we have observed elements associated with shaping and working nuclei as well as debitage from a knapping area which were found in a well.
Obsidian is not the only example of imported material found; it is accompanied by several ceramic and earthenware objects (including a loom weight) and a copper awl, all of which probably originate from northern Italy. Furthermore, analysis of the querns recovered from the postholes and analysis of the marks on the worked flints indicate agricultural activities related to grain farming. The faunal remains were almost exclusively recovered from the deposits infilling the wells. These remains record the importance of caprines in the livestock, indicating pastoral activities were also important at Cazan, as at many other sites of the same period.
These different activities imply a domestic occupation, seemingly permanent, in a predominantly anthropogenically modified landscape (based on malacological analysis). The preliminary analysis of the snail assemblage indicates an open environment during the late Chassey culture, and this observation seems to be confirmed by the charcoal analysis. Furthermore, the study of the charcoal from the postholes and hearths allows us to distinguish the selection of different species of wood: oak is used for the posts while strawberry tree (arbutus unedo) is used as fuel.
These results suggest the attachment of the Chassey population to this place and the surrounding landscape, which they occupied and reoccupied several times over 300 years. While an important part of their activity was based around a mobile lifestyle and pastoral management, this site allows us to consider the concept of a Neolithic village. These first results presented here renew the debate and research concerning the character of the occupation of this landscape during this period.
Keywords: Middle Neolithic, Chassey culture, dwelling site, house, building, well, hearth, ceramic,
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PUYRAVEAU À SAINT_LÉGER DE MONTBRUN (DEUX-SÈVRES) LE DOLMEN II Un monument au mobilier exceptionnel de la fin du Néolithique dans le Centre-Ouest de la France Sous la direction de Vincent Ard
PUYRAVEAU À SAINT_LÉGER DE MONTBRUN (DEUX-SÈVRES) LE DOLMEN II Un monument au mobilier exceptionnel de la fin du Néolithique dans le Centre-Ouest de la France Sous la direction de Vincent Ard
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The study covers an area between Grand-Pressigny large flint blades workshops (France) and Neuchatel lake dwellings in Switzerland. It is based on the results of technological and functional analysis of twenty sampled lithic assemblage,... more
The study covers an area between Grand-Pressigny large flint blades workshops (France) and Neuchatel lake dwellings in Switzerland. It is based on the results of technological and functional analysis of twenty sampled lithic assemblage, dated between the last quarter of the fourth millennium and the third quarter of the third millennium BC. The analysis has led to the description of a complex strategy of tool kits set up. In every studied assemblage, tools are made both with local and distant origin flint. Each kind of flint seems to be used for the same everyday life tasks. Whereas, some tools stand out by the special management to which they were subject, and this management operated at different levels and at different steps of the “chaine opératoire”. Our work will focus on the understanding of this different levels of management and the interpretation we can make for a better comprehension of Neolithic societies.
The Holocene’s global warming led to a fundamental change of the ecosystems exploited by man in Europe. Among this changes, there is an important increase in the vegetation cover, at the beginning of Mesolithic, during the Preboreal.... more
The Holocene’s global warming led to a fundamental change of the ecosystems exploited by man in Europe. Among this changes, there is an important increase in the vegetation cover, at the beginning of Mesolithic, during the Preboreal. Neolithic flint tool microwear analyses have shown that a significant share of the tool kit was used for plant processing. Recent functional researches on Mesolithic flint tool show similar results. We will compare plant-processing wear-traces from these two main chrono-cultural stages of the Holocene. Along with the archaeobotanical studies, our paper presents some new approaches to the discussion about long-term evolution of the plant processing technical system during the Holocene. We will also discuss the scale of the technical changes that occurred during Neolithic transition.
The aim of this study is the diversity of flint tools used to harvest cereals during the late Neolithic (2900-2450 BC) in an area between Grand-Pressigny workshops (France) and Neuchâtel lake dwellings (Switzerland) through lithic... more
The aim of this study is the diversity of flint tools used to harvest cereals during the late Neolithic (2900-2450 BC) in an area between Grand-Pressigny workshops (France) and Neuchâtel lake dwellings (Switzerland) through lithic technology and use-wear analysis of several lithic assemblages. The identification of lithic tools used as sickles is quite easy because cutting soft plants and specially cereals produces characteristic microwear traces. The results of the study show that different kinds of flint tools are used for harvesting. The most common type seems to be the sickle with lateral axial hafted flint element. Long blades and daggers are also often used to harvest cereals, but it is not the only task performed with this kind of tools, they usually show multiple microwear traces. Finally, another type of tool with little biface elements diagonally hafted has been highlighted. This type is only present in Neuchatel lake dwellings. The diversity of elements used for lateral h...
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Résumé : Ce travail est consacré à la caractérisation des modalités de gestion et d’utilisation des grandes lames en silex de la fin du Néolithique. Il s’agit de montrer qu’il est possible d’élaborer des modèles de gestion des lames à... more
Résumé :
Ce travail est consacré à la caractérisation des modalités de gestion et d’utilisation des grandes lames en silex de la fin du Néolithique. Il s’agit de montrer qu’il est possible d’élaborer des modèles de gestion des lames à travers les données tracéologiques et technologiques. L’étude est fondée sur une approche intégrée des industries lithiques qui prend en compte l’identification des modes de production des supports, la typologie des pièces et les données fonctionnelles. Le modèle de gestion est mis en évidence grâce à une méthode précise d’analyse qui combine les données qualitatives de l’observation des stigmates d’utilisation et des supports avec les données métriques des outils d’ordre quantitatif. L’application de cette méthode a permis de discuter le modèle de fonctionnement des grandes lames qui avait été précédemment proposé. Les résultats obtenus démontrent que les grandes lames de la fin du Néolithique étaient des outils multifonctionnels qui faisaient l’objet d’une gestion sur le long terme.
Abstract:
This work is dedicated to the characterization of late Neolithic large flint blades use and management. The question is to know if it is possible to develop a model of flint blades management using functional and technological data. The study is based on an integrated approach of lithic industries that takes into account the identification of productions methods, the tool typology and the use-wear analyses data. The developed model is highlighted by a precise method of analysis that combines the qualitative data from use-wear observation and the quantitative data from tool size. The application of this method allowes to explore and discuss the model that had been previously proposed. The results show that late Neolithic flint blades were multi-functional tools and were subject of a management over the long term.
Ce travail est consacré à la caractérisation des modalités de gestion et d’utilisation des grandes lames en silex de la fin du Néolithique. Il s’agit de montrer qu’il est possible d’élaborer des modèles de gestion des lames à travers les données tracéologiques et technologiques. L’étude est fondée sur une approche intégrée des industries lithiques qui prend en compte l’identification des modes de production des supports, la typologie des pièces et les données fonctionnelles. Le modèle de gestion est mis en évidence grâce à une méthode précise d’analyse qui combine les données qualitatives de l’observation des stigmates d’utilisation et des supports avec les données métriques des outils d’ordre quantitatif. L’application de cette méthode a permis de discuter le modèle de fonctionnement des grandes lames qui avait été précédemment proposé. Les résultats obtenus démontrent que les grandes lames de la fin du Néolithique étaient des outils multifonctionnels qui faisaient l’objet d’une gestion sur le long terme.
Abstract:
This work is dedicated to the characterization of late Neolithic large flint blades use and management. The question is to know if it is possible to develop a model of flint blades management using functional and technological data. The study is based on an integrated approach of lithic industries that takes into account the identification of productions methods, the tool typology and the use-wear analyses data. The developed model is highlighted by a precise method of analysis that combines the qualitative data from use-wear observation and the quantitative data from tool size. The application of this method allowes to explore and discuss the model that had been previously proposed. The results show that late Neolithic flint blades were multi-functional tools and were subject of a management over the long term.
Sur la commune de Savasse (Drôme), la fouille d’une surface de près de 2000 m2 a permis la mise au jour d’une occupation stratifiée qui s’échelonne du Néolithique final 2 au Bronze A2, soit principalement entre 2900 et 1700 avant notre... more
Sur la commune de Savasse (Drôme), la fouille d’une surface de près de 2000 m2 a permis la mise au jour d’une occupation stratifiée qui s’échelonne du Néolithique final 2 au Bronze A2, soit principalement entre 2900 et 1700 avant notre ère. Malgré un hiatus d’occupation à la fin du troisième millénaire, l’étude des vestiges permet, à un point donné de la moyenne vallée du Rhône, d’appréhender l’évolution du plusieurs critères sur près d’un millénaire. Parmi ceux-ci, les modes d’occupation du sol, ainsi que les typologies et technologies des mobiliers céramiques et lithiques, présentent des dynamiques d’évolution qui peuvent diverger à court, moyen ou long terme. Si certains aspects, comme la grande majorité des caractéristiques lithiques, perdurent sur l’ensemble de la période, d’autres comme le type de structures retrouvées et surtout comme la morphologie des vases ou encore les inclusions qui sont retrouvées dans leur pâte traduisent des changements plus ou moins marqués entre les différentes phases du Néolithique final et du Bronze ancien. Ces variations peuvent correspondre à des fluctuations minimes dans l’insertion chronoculturelle du site, à des influences extérieures très ponctuelles ou encore à des changements plus profonds.
In the municipality of Savasse (Drôme), the excavation of an area of almost 2000 m2 has revealed stratified occupation that extends from the Final Neolithic 2 to the Bronze A2 period, or essentially between 2900 and 1700 BC. Despite an occupation hiatus in the late third millennium, the study of the remains enables us to understand the development of several criteria over more than a millennium, for a given point in the middle Rhône valley. These criteria include the ways in which the land was occupied, together with the typologies and technologies of ceramic and lithic artefacts, which present evolutionary dynamics that may diverge over the short, medium or long term. While some aspects, such as the vast majority of lithic characteristics, continue over the whole period, others, such as the type of features revealed and above all the morphology of vases or the inclusions discovered in the pottery employed, indicate the more or less marked changes between the different phases of the Final Neolithic and the Early Bronze Age. These variations may correspond to minimal fluctuations in the chrono-cultural insertion of the site, to external extremely intermittent influences or to more profound changes.
In the municipality of Savasse (Drôme), the excavation of an area of almost 2000 m2 has revealed stratified occupation that extends from the Final Neolithic 2 to the Bronze A2 period, or essentially between 2900 and 1700 BC. Despite an occupation hiatus in the late third millennium, the study of the remains enables us to understand the development of several criteria over more than a millennium, for a given point in the middle Rhône valley. These criteria include the ways in which the land was occupied, together with the typologies and technologies of ceramic and lithic artefacts, which present evolutionary dynamics that may diverge over the short, medium or long term. While some aspects, such as the vast majority of lithic characteristics, continue over the whole period, others, such as the type of features revealed and above all the morphology of vases or the inclusions discovered in the pottery employed, indicate the more or less marked changes between the different phases of the Final Neolithic and the Early Bronze Age. These variations may correspond to minimal fluctuations in the chrono-cultural insertion of the site, to external extremely intermittent influences or to more profound changes.