By studying combustion structures, which conceal information about anthropogenic activity, we mig... more By studying combustion structures, which conceal information about anthropogenic activity, we might learn about their makers. This is especially important for remote time periods like the Middle Paleolithic, whose archaeological record comprises numerous combustion structures. The majority of these are simple, flat, open hearths, although a small number of features situated in pit-like depressions have been recorded. Given that hearths built on a flat surface can result in pit-like color alteration of the underlying sediment, accurate identification of pit hearths is a crucial step prior to behavioral interpretation. Here we present a comprehensive study of a possible pit hearth from the Middle Paleolithic site of El Salt, Spain, using a microcontextual approach combining micromorphology, lipid biomarker analysis, archaeomagnetism and zooarchaeology. This pit hearth involves a true depression containing a thick plant ash deposit. It reached very high temperatures, possibly multiple burning events and long combustion times. Morphologically distinct combustion structures in a single archaeological context may indicate different functions and thus a diverse fire technology, pointing to Neanderthal behavioral variability.
This poster explains the first attempt to identify fat-derived char on archaeological thin sectio... more This poster explains the first attempt to identify fat-derived char on archaeological thin sections with Fourier Tranform Infrared Spectroscopy.
By studying combustion structures, which conceal information about anthropogenic activity, we mig... more By studying combustion structures, which conceal information about anthropogenic activity, we might learn about their makers. This is especially important for remote time periods like the Middle Paleolithic, whose archaeological record comprises numerous combustion structures. The majority of these are simple, flat, open hearths, although a small number of features situated in pit-like depressions have been recorded. Given that hearths built on a flat surface can result in pit-like color alteration of the underlying sediment, accurate identification of pit hearths is a crucial step prior to behavioral interpretation. Here we present a comprehensive study of a possible pit hearth from the Middle Paleolithic site of El Salt, Spain, using a microcontextual approach combining micromorphology, lipid biomarker analysis, archaeomagnetism and zooarchaeology. This pit hearth involves a true depression containing a thick plant ash deposit. It reached very high temperatures, possibly multiple burning events and long combustion times. Morphologically distinct combustion structures in a single archaeological context may indicate different functions and thus a diverse fire technology, pointing to Neanderthal behavioral variability.
The Carbon Preference Index (CPI) is a molecular ratio often used to assign the biological source... more The Carbon Preference Index (CPI) is a molecular ratio often used to assign the biological source and maturity of organic matter. This parameter is frequently employed in paleoenvironmental studies and archaeological applications. In this paper, we have evaluated the different results for this index using peak areas or concentrations from calibration curves. For this purpose, plant reference samples (Celtis Australis L.) and sediments from two archaeological sites were analysed. The results show that the values obtained depend on the method employed and, thus, interpretations may differ significantly. Consequently, the method used must be clearly stated in each particular application and results can only be compared when using the same protocol.
This paper presents a multiproxy palaeoenvironmental study from Abric del Pastor (Alcoy, Spain), ... more This paper presents a multiproxy palaeoenvironmental study from Abric del Pastor (Alcoy, Spain), a rock shelter which has yielded evidence for Middle Palaeolithic human occupation. The sedimentary sequence has been analysed for lipid biomarker n-alkane abundances (ACL, CPI), compound specific leaf wax d 2 H and d 13 C, and bulk organic geochemistry (TOC, %N, %S), providing a record of past climate and local vegetation dynamics. Site formation processes have been reconstructed through the application of soil micromorphology. Analyses of anthracological, microvertebrate and macrofaunal assemblages from selected subunits are also presented here. Our data indicates that a variable climate marked by predominantly cold conditions persisted through most of the sequence and that Neanderthal occupations in stratigraphic unit IVd, assigned to MIS 4 or late MIS 5, occurred in a landscape setting characterised by a mosaic of biotopes. The presence of key resources inside the ravine where the site is located suggests that the occupation of the rock shelter may have been strategically motivated by a subsistence and mobility strategy which focused on zones of localised ecological resilience, such as intra-mountainous valleys or ravines, during periods of global or regional environmental downturn.
Middle Paleolithic lithic and faunal assemblages throughout Eurasia reflect short-term Neandertha... more Middle Paleolithic lithic and faunal assemblages throughout Eurasia reflect short-term Neanderthal occupations, which suggest high group mobility. However, the timing of these short-term occupations, a key factor to assess group mobility and territorial range, remains unresolved. Anthropogenic combustion structures are prominent in the Middle Paleolithic record and conceal information on the timing and intensity and natural setting of their associated human occupations. This paper examines a concentration of eleven combustion structures from unit Xb of El Salt, a Middle Paleolithic site in Spain through a geoarchaeological approach, in search of temporal, human impact and paleoenvironmental indicators to assess the timing, intensity and natural setting of the associated human occupations. The study was conducted using micromorphology, lipid biomarker analysis and compound specific isotope analysis. Results show in situ hearths built on different diachronic topsoils rich in herbivore excrements and angiosperm plant residues with rare anthropogenic remains. These data are suggestive of low impact, short-term human occupations separated by relatively long periods of time, with possible indicators of seasonality. Results also show an absence of conifer biomarkers in the mentioned topsoils and presence of conifer charcoal among the fuel residues (ash), indicating that fire wood was brought to the site from elsewhere. A microscopic and molecular approach in the study of combustion structures allows us to narrow down the timescale of archaeological analysis and contributes valuable information towards an understanding of Neanderthal group mobility and settlement patterns.
This poster explains the first attempt to identify fat-derived char on archaeological thin sectio... more This poster explains the first attempt to identify fat-derived char on archaeological thin sections with Fourier Tranform Infrared Spectroscopy.
This poster explains the first attempt to identify fat-derived char on archaeological thin sectio... more This poster explains the first attempt to identify fat-derived char on archaeological thin sections with Fourier Tranform Infrared Spectroscopy.
Objective The Middle Paleolithic site of El Salt (Alcoy, Spain) has yielded abundant combustion s... more Objective The Middle Paleolithic site of El Salt (Alcoy, Spain) has yielded abundant combustion structures of former human occupation surfaces and thus can help in identifying occupational events. Isolating single occupational events with the highest resolution possible is an important step for an archaeological interpretation. Only then behavioral differences between single occupation events can be worked out. Here we coupled sedimentary facies derived from field observations with micro-morphological observations in search of single occupation surfaces associated with combustion structures. Material and Methods We studied combustion features from El Salt stratigraphic unit X which dates to 52.3 ± 4.6 kA (Galván et al. 2014) and contains a total of 61 combustion features. Those hearths are partially overlapping and form combustion structure assemblages that show taphonomic variability. We selected five stratigraphically associated combustion features and reviewed the field data in tandem with micromorphological analysis of previously manufactured thin sections from those features, using a Nikon petrographic microscope. Micromorphology is a tool for understanding the context of assemblages, the sediment itself, in its undisturbed state at microscopic level. Results and Discussion In thin section only a few charcoal pieces were found, the majority of charred objects being other kinds of carbonized particles. This is peculiar considering previous anthracolocial data according to which wood was used as a main fuel (Pinus nigra sylvestris, acer sp.) resulting in a scattered charcoal assemblage (Vidal-Matutano 2016). Ash layers were not preserved and supposed ash layers in the field turned out to be unburned sediment. This points towards erosion of the upper surface of the combustion structures and/or a significant amount of time until further sedimentation. The presence of vesicles towards to top of combustion structure of H53a and H53b suggests water as erosional agent. On the whole, this combustion structure assemblage stands out for its poor state of preservation when compared to other previously reported combustion evidence (Mallol et al. 2013). An additional combustion structure unidentified in the field was observed microscopically. It overlies H53a. While overall, the nature of the unburnt sediment in between combustion structures is not different, the charred particles contained in H57 and H66 are markedly different from the rest. Considering that these charred particles are contained in sediment and represent occupational surfaces , these two combustion structures might belong to surfaces formed under different conditions than overlying ones. We should point out that H57 has been previously interpreted as a smoking hearths (Vidal-Matutano & Théry-Parisot 2016). Finally H52 exhibits horizontal planes suggestive of trampling, a feature not identified in other structures. Conclusion and future work Micromorphology is a good tool for identification of high resolution stratigraphic features, if used in combination with field observations and other techniques. Future work will include the integration of organic chemistry to narrow down possible uses of El Salt combustion structures. Further work on dissecting temporal markers of occupation episodes needs to be done with the aid of micromorphology and organic chemistry.
By studying combustion structures, which conceal information about anthropogenic activity, we mig... more By studying combustion structures, which conceal information about anthropogenic activity, we might learn about their makers. This is especially important for remote time periods like the Middle Paleolithic, whose archaeological record comprises numerous combustion structures. The majority of these are simple, flat, open hearths, although a small number of features situated in pit-like depressions have been recorded. Given that hearths built on a flat surface can result in pit-like color alteration of the underlying sediment, accurate identification of pit hearths is a crucial step prior to behavioral interpretation. Here we present a comprehensive study of a possible pit hearth from the Middle Paleolithic site of El Salt, Spain, using a microcontextual approach combining micromorphology, lipid biomarker analysis, archaeomagnetism and zooarchaeology. This pit hearth involves a true depression containing a thick plant ash deposit. It reached very high temperatures, possibly multiple burning events and long combustion times. Morphologically distinct combustion structures in a single archaeological context may indicate different functions and thus a diverse fire technology, pointing to Neanderthal behavioral variability.
This poster explains the first attempt to identify fat-derived char on archaeological thin sectio... more This poster explains the first attempt to identify fat-derived char on archaeological thin sections with Fourier Tranform Infrared Spectroscopy.
By studying combustion structures, which conceal information about anthropogenic activity, we mig... more By studying combustion structures, which conceal information about anthropogenic activity, we might learn about their makers. This is especially important for remote time periods like the Middle Paleolithic, whose archaeological record comprises numerous combustion structures. The majority of these are simple, flat, open hearths, although a small number of features situated in pit-like depressions have been recorded. Given that hearths built on a flat surface can result in pit-like color alteration of the underlying sediment, accurate identification of pit hearths is a crucial step prior to behavioral interpretation. Here we present a comprehensive study of a possible pit hearth from the Middle Paleolithic site of El Salt, Spain, using a microcontextual approach combining micromorphology, lipid biomarker analysis, archaeomagnetism and zooarchaeology. This pit hearth involves a true depression containing a thick plant ash deposit. It reached very high temperatures, possibly multiple burning events and long combustion times. Morphologically distinct combustion structures in a single archaeological context may indicate different functions and thus a diverse fire technology, pointing to Neanderthal behavioral variability.
The Carbon Preference Index (CPI) is a molecular ratio often used to assign the biological source... more The Carbon Preference Index (CPI) is a molecular ratio often used to assign the biological source and maturity of organic matter. This parameter is frequently employed in paleoenvironmental studies and archaeological applications. In this paper, we have evaluated the different results for this index using peak areas or concentrations from calibration curves. For this purpose, plant reference samples (Celtis Australis L.) and sediments from two archaeological sites were analysed. The results show that the values obtained depend on the method employed and, thus, interpretations may differ significantly. Consequently, the method used must be clearly stated in each particular application and results can only be compared when using the same protocol.
This paper presents a multiproxy palaeoenvironmental study from Abric del Pastor (Alcoy, Spain), ... more This paper presents a multiproxy palaeoenvironmental study from Abric del Pastor (Alcoy, Spain), a rock shelter which has yielded evidence for Middle Palaeolithic human occupation. The sedimentary sequence has been analysed for lipid biomarker n-alkane abundances (ACL, CPI), compound specific leaf wax d 2 H and d 13 C, and bulk organic geochemistry (TOC, %N, %S), providing a record of past climate and local vegetation dynamics. Site formation processes have been reconstructed through the application of soil micromorphology. Analyses of anthracological, microvertebrate and macrofaunal assemblages from selected subunits are also presented here. Our data indicates that a variable climate marked by predominantly cold conditions persisted through most of the sequence and that Neanderthal occupations in stratigraphic unit IVd, assigned to MIS 4 or late MIS 5, occurred in a landscape setting characterised by a mosaic of biotopes. The presence of key resources inside the ravine where the site is located suggests that the occupation of the rock shelter may have been strategically motivated by a subsistence and mobility strategy which focused on zones of localised ecological resilience, such as intra-mountainous valleys or ravines, during periods of global or regional environmental downturn.
Middle Paleolithic lithic and faunal assemblages throughout Eurasia reflect short-term Neandertha... more Middle Paleolithic lithic and faunal assemblages throughout Eurasia reflect short-term Neanderthal occupations, which suggest high group mobility. However, the timing of these short-term occupations, a key factor to assess group mobility and territorial range, remains unresolved. Anthropogenic combustion structures are prominent in the Middle Paleolithic record and conceal information on the timing and intensity and natural setting of their associated human occupations. This paper examines a concentration of eleven combustion structures from unit Xb of El Salt, a Middle Paleolithic site in Spain through a geoarchaeological approach, in search of temporal, human impact and paleoenvironmental indicators to assess the timing, intensity and natural setting of the associated human occupations. The study was conducted using micromorphology, lipid biomarker analysis and compound specific isotope analysis. Results show in situ hearths built on different diachronic topsoils rich in herbivore excrements and angiosperm plant residues with rare anthropogenic remains. These data are suggestive of low impact, short-term human occupations separated by relatively long periods of time, with possible indicators of seasonality. Results also show an absence of conifer biomarkers in the mentioned topsoils and presence of conifer charcoal among the fuel residues (ash), indicating that fire wood was brought to the site from elsewhere. A microscopic and molecular approach in the study of combustion structures allows us to narrow down the timescale of archaeological analysis and contributes valuable information towards an understanding of Neanderthal group mobility and settlement patterns.
This poster explains the first attempt to identify fat-derived char on archaeological thin sectio... more This poster explains the first attempt to identify fat-derived char on archaeological thin sections with Fourier Tranform Infrared Spectroscopy.
This poster explains the first attempt to identify fat-derived char on archaeological thin sectio... more This poster explains the first attempt to identify fat-derived char on archaeological thin sections with Fourier Tranform Infrared Spectroscopy.
Objective The Middle Paleolithic site of El Salt (Alcoy, Spain) has yielded abundant combustion s... more Objective The Middle Paleolithic site of El Salt (Alcoy, Spain) has yielded abundant combustion structures of former human occupation surfaces and thus can help in identifying occupational events. Isolating single occupational events with the highest resolution possible is an important step for an archaeological interpretation. Only then behavioral differences between single occupation events can be worked out. Here we coupled sedimentary facies derived from field observations with micro-morphological observations in search of single occupation surfaces associated with combustion structures. Material and Methods We studied combustion features from El Salt stratigraphic unit X which dates to 52.3 ± 4.6 kA (Galván et al. 2014) and contains a total of 61 combustion features. Those hearths are partially overlapping and form combustion structure assemblages that show taphonomic variability. We selected five stratigraphically associated combustion features and reviewed the field data in tandem with micromorphological analysis of previously manufactured thin sections from those features, using a Nikon petrographic microscope. Micromorphology is a tool for understanding the context of assemblages, the sediment itself, in its undisturbed state at microscopic level. Results and Discussion In thin section only a few charcoal pieces were found, the majority of charred objects being other kinds of carbonized particles. This is peculiar considering previous anthracolocial data according to which wood was used as a main fuel (Pinus nigra sylvestris, acer sp.) resulting in a scattered charcoal assemblage (Vidal-Matutano 2016). Ash layers were not preserved and supposed ash layers in the field turned out to be unburned sediment. This points towards erosion of the upper surface of the combustion structures and/or a significant amount of time until further sedimentation. The presence of vesicles towards to top of combustion structure of H53a and H53b suggests water as erosional agent. On the whole, this combustion structure assemblage stands out for its poor state of preservation when compared to other previously reported combustion evidence (Mallol et al. 2013). An additional combustion structure unidentified in the field was observed microscopically. It overlies H53a. While overall, the nature of the unburnt sediment in between combustion structures is not different, the charred particles contained in H57 and H66 are markedly different from the rest. Considering that these charred particles are contained in sediment and represent occupational surfaces , these two combustion structures might belong to surfaces formed under different conditions than overlying ones. We should point out that H57 has been previously interpreted as a smoking hearths (Vidal-Matutano & Théry-Parisot 2016). Finally H52 exhibits horizontal planes suggestive of trampling, a feature not identified in other structures. Conclusion and future work Micromorphology is a good tool for identification of high resolution stratigraphic features, if used in combination with field observations and other techniques. Future work will include the integration of organic chemistry to narrow down possible uses of El Salt combustion structures. Further work on dissecting temporal markers of occupation episodes needs to be done with the aid of micromorphology and organic chemistry.
Uploads
Papers by Lucia Leierer
Conference Presentations by Lucia Leierer