THE HOLOCENE COASTAL SITE OF SHM-1 (HERGLA, TUNISIA): CAPSIAN TRADITION AND EARLY SEAFARING - A multidisciplinary study of the prehistoric settlements in eastern Tunisia was initiated in 2002 in the coastal environment of the Hergla...
moreTHE HOLOCENE COASTAL SITE OF SHM-1 (HERGLA, TUNISIA): CAPSIAN TRADITION AND EARLY
SEAFARING - A multidisciplinary study of the prehistoric settlements in eastern Tunisia was initiated in 2002 in the coastal environment of the Hergla territory. Several archaeological surveys, mainly around the Sebkhet Halk el Menjel lagoon, resulted in the identification of many sites, among which the Holocene rammadiya (Maghrebian open air site) of SHM-1. The anthropic stratigraphy of this site was established from several test-pits, one trench and an extensive excavation. A comparative study of the different sections and excavated surfaces revealed several major occupational horizons dated by 14C dating to between the second half of the 7th millennium and the second half of the 6th millennium cal. BC. The economy of the site was still epipalaeolithic, linked to hunting, fishing and gathering activities. The material culture is characterized by a strong Capsian substratum. Changes in material culture occurred throughout the occupation of the site, possibly as a result of the establishment of contacts with distant communities, as can be surmised by the appearance of obsidian from the island of
Pantelleria.
