Environmental Archaeology. The journal of human palaeoecology

Volume 8, Number 2, Published October 2003

Research Papers

High Resolution Stratigraphic Distribution of Coprolites within Eneolithic Middens, a Case Study: Hârsova-Tell (Constanta County, Southeast Romania)

Alexandru Mihail Florian Tomescu,Valentin Radu and Dragos Moise

Abstract

Quantitative distribution of coprolites, fish bones and mammal bones recovered by wet screening from an Eneolithic midden at Hârsova-tell (southeast Romania) is surveyed within a high resolution stratigraphic framework. The coprolites, all containing bone fragments, are attributed to carnivores/omnivores: dog, pig, man. Highly significant correlation (Spearman's coefficient of rank correlation rs = 0.46, p < 0.0001) between coprolite distribution and the seasonality-related fish bone distribution suggests that seasonality controls the stratigraphic distribution of coprolites recovered by wet screening within middens. Periods of high fish bone input into the midden, correlated with frequent coprolite occurrences, correspond to the warm season (late spring to early autumn). Assessment of potential factors controlling coprolite distribution within the midden suggests that sections of high coprolite concentration reflect preservation of faeces until embedding in sediments, and/or rapid embedding of faeces. Preservation of faeces is favored by dry periods, characteristic of the summer season in the highly continental climate of the region. Rain, freeze-thaw cycles or other wet season processes favor faeces disintegration. Our results suggest that the stratigraphic distribution of coprolites obtained by wet screening may represent an indicator of seasonality in middens. Additional studies are needed to better characterise this relationship and refine interpretations.

Keywords: COPROLITES, ENEOLITHIC, FISH BONES, MIDDEN, ROMANIA, SEASONALITY

Bones and Eggs. The Archaeological Presence of the Grass Snake Natrix natrix (L.) in The Netherlands  up

Louise H.van Wijngaarden-Bakker and Kees D. Troostheide

Abstract

In this paper we draw attention to numerous recent finds of bones and eggs of the grass snake Natrix natrix (L.) from the Netherlands. The presence of portions of the vertebral column without the skull suggests human use of the skin and meat. At least 13 sites dated between the late Iron Age and the Roman period have produced finds of one to 40 eggs. None of the eggs seem to have hatched. The finds can be linked to agricultural activities and the presence of a surplus of manure.

Keywords: GRASS SNAKE, SNAKE BONES, SNAKES EGGS, MANURE SURPLUS, PALEO-ENVIRONMENT

Comparing Levels of Subsistence Stress amongst Norse Settlers in Iceland and Greenland using Levels of Bone Fat Exploitation as an Indicator

Alan K. Outram

Abstract

The background to the Icelandic and Greenlandic sites under investigation is outlined and prior work on the Norse economies of the two islands is discussed. The importance of fat in the diet and the use of levels of bone marrow and grease exploitation as an indicator of subsistence stress are explained. The methodology for establishing levels of bone fat exploitation is outlined. This methodology involves the detailed study of fragmentation levels of different types of bone, study of bone fracture types and many other taphonomic indicators. The results of the study are described and discussed. On Greenland, the Norse inhabitants exploited almost all available fat from land mammal bones, leaving only the ribs. It is argued that this indicates a severe level of subsistence stress amongst the Greenlanders that is most likely related to a seasonal dearth in resources. On Iceland, whilst a certain amount of bone marrow is almost certainly exploited, the settlers appear to almost totally ignore the potential to exploit bone grease. This is likely to be indicative of a much more healthy subsistence economy than on Greenland. These results are discussed in relation to differing climate, availability of good soil, fishing practices and seasonal rounds.

Keywords: NORSE, ICELAND, GREENLAND, BONE MARROW, BONE GREASE, FAT, SUBSISTENCE

Pattern in Thinly-Distributed Plant and Invertebrate Macrofossils revealed by Extensive Analysis of Occupation Deposits at Low Fisher Gate, Doncaster, U.K.

Allan R. Hall, Harry K. Kenward and Jane M. McComish

Abstract

Urban archaeological deposits of 11th-18th century date from an excavation in Doncaster were subjected to an extensive survey of macrofossil plant and animal remains. For the most part, the deposits contained few remains but the strategy adopted proved useful in revealing repeated occurrence of certain kind of fossils. These were used to make deductions concerning various aspects of the nature of the occupation of the site.

Keywords: METHODOLOGY, OCCUPATION DEPOSITS, LOW FISHER GATE, DONCASTER, PLANT REMAINS, INSECT REMAINS, MEDIEVAL

Review Paper

Neolithic and Bronze Age Agriculture in Southern Scandinavia - Recent Archaeobotanical Evidence from Denmark

David Earle Robinson

Abstract

This paper presents archaeobotanical studies from the Danish regions of Thy, northern Schleswig and Djursland. The data are discussed in the light of developments in the landscape and in house architecture; comparisons are made with the contemporary situation in southern Sweden. Pollen analysis reveals that Thy was more or less treeless by the end of the Neolithic, whereas Djursland maintained its forests for a further 1500 years; the situation in northern Schleswig lies somewhere in between. Developments in house architecture are very similar in the three areas. The shift from two-aisled to three-aisled houses occurred in period I/II of the Bronze Age and phosphate analyses suggest that the earliest Danish byre dates from the beginning of period II.

Crop plant assemblages are dominated by naked barley and emmer and remain remarkably stable from the Single Grave Culture to the Late Bronze Age in Thy, from the Middle Neolithic to the middle of the Bronze Age in northern Schleswig, and from the Late Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age on Djursland. Other crops come and go - einkorn, bread wheat, spelt, millet, flax, oats and gold of pleasure. Hulled barley is largely conspicuous by its absence. Well-developed arable weed floras appear first in the Early Bronze Age - arable weeds are very scarce at Neolithic sites. There is evidence of improvement of arable soils using fen peat and household refuse and manure. The situation appears somewhat more complex in Denmark than that described for Sweden. The most striking difference is seen in the behaviour of hulled barley, which becomes massively dominant in Sweden in the course of the Bronze Age, whereas its role in Denmark is much more modest..

Keywords: SOUTHERN SCANDINAVIA, NEOLITHIC, BRONZE AGE, AGRICULTURE, LANDSCAPE, MANURING

Short Contributions

Technical Notes on the Preparation of Leaf and Epidermis Specimens for Reference Collections and Archaeobotanical Investigations

Andrew Stephen Fairbairn

Abstract

Technical notes are provided for the preparation of reference specimens and archaeological specimens of leaves and epidermis fragments (including cuticles) for transmitted light microscopy. Equipment requirements, logistical considerations and processing steps are outlined and a method of clearing, staining and mounting is described and evaluated.

Keywords: ARCHAEOBOTANY, METHODOLOGY, LEAVES, EPIDERMIS, SLIDE PREPARATION

Phytoliths of Rice Detected in the Neolithic Sites in the Valley of the Taihu Lake in China

Yunfei Zheng, Akira Matsui and Hiroshi Fujiwara

Abstract

In order to clarify subspecific historical changes of the cultivation rice, 80 samples containing soils, burned soils, and pottery fragments from 12 Neolithic sites around the Taihu Lake in China were analysed for phytoliths. The results show the presence of keystone phytoliths identifiable as Oryza spp. from 49 samples of the Majiabang dating from 5000BC to 3900BC, the Songze dating from 3800BC to 3500BC, and the Liangzhu dating from 3500BC to 2000BC. The phytoliths show a common trend of becoming larger and more pointed with time. The results suggest that rice (Oryza spp.) was utilised, or presumably cultivated, 7000 years ago and that Japonica rice was domesticated there.

Keywords: PHYTOLITH, ORYZA SATIVA L., SUBSPECIES, NEOLITHIC, CHINA

South American Palm Seeds (Orbignya sp.) in Dutch Shipwrecks

Wim Kuijper and Martijn Manders

Abstract

In this note we report the discovery of some palm seeds (Orbignya sp.) from three shipwrecks in the Netherlands. They all date from the second half of the 17th century. Some palm seeds, published as Attalea funifera, were already known from the Dutch coast.

Keywords: THE NETHERLANDS, SHIPWRECKS, 17TH CENTURY, PALM SEEDS, ORBIGNYA, ATTALEA