Anthropic resource exploitation and use of the territory at the onset of social complexity in the Neolithic-Chalcolithic Western Pyrenees: a multi-isotope approach

Carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope analyses from bone collagen provide information about the dietary protein input, while strontium isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) from tooth enamel give us data about provenance and potential territorial mobility of past populations. To date, isotopic results on the prehistory of the Western Pyrenees are scarce. In this article, we report human and faunal values of the mentioned isotopes from the Early-Middle Neolithic site of Fuente Hoz (Anuntzeta) and the Late Neolithic/Early Chalcolithic site of Kurtzebide (Letona, Zigoitia). The main objectives of this work are to analyze the dietary and territorial mobility patterns of these populations. Furthermore, as an additional aim, we will try to discuss social ranking based on the isotope data and existing literature on this topic in the region of study. Our results show that, based on the bioavailable Sr values, both purported local and non-local humans were buried together at the sites. Additionally, they suggest similar resource consumption based on C3 terrestrial resources (i.e. ovicaprids, bovids, and suids) as the main part of the protein input. Overall, this study sheds light on how individuals from different backgrounds were still buried together and shared the same dietary lifestyle at a time in the Prehistory of Iberia when social complexities started to appear

Les inhumations chasséennes du Pirou et de Vigne de Bioaux (Valros, Hérault) : un recrutement spécifique en contexte d’habitat ?

International audienceThe Middle Neolithic sites of Le Pirou and La Vigne de Bioaux in Valros (Herault, southern France) are less than 300 m apart. Both can be attributed to the early Chassean culture (4300–4100 BC). Excavations in the former site revealed more than 150 domestic pits, 7 of which contained single burials. The latter site revealed about fifteen domestic pits, including one single burial. Thanks to the close proximity between the burials and the domestic area and to the various multidisciplinary studies under way; we were able to cross-analyse the datasets to investigate the status of the individuals buried in pits used for domestic purposes. Anthropological and isotopic analyses enabled us to characterise the eight individuals and to contribute new points of discussion on Chassean burials in domestic contexts. Despite the small number of individuals, the anthropological data brought out the particularities of these individuals, all female, and the heterogeneousness of the metric data. Isotopic analyses (δ13C, δ15N) of the human and animal remains were compared, from a paleo diet and a paleo behavioural perspective, with the results of recent discoveries in the region. The anthropological and isotopic data have showed the very heterogeneous nature of the buried individuals, prompting discussions on how this group has formed and buried in these graves in the Le Pirou and La Vigne de Bioaux sites. This study also highlights the need to pursue discussions on small-sized groups in order to fully understand the diversity off unerary practices of the southern Chassean, and the putative correlation between the social status of individuals and their funerary treatment.Les sites néolithiques moyens du Pirou et de la Vigne de Bioaux à Valros (Hérault, France) sont distants de moins de 300 m. Ils sont tous deux attribuables à la phase ancienne de la culture chasséenne (4300–4100 av. J.-C.). Le premier regroupait plus de 150 structures excavées dont sept contenaient des inhumations individuelles. Le second a livré une quinzaine de fosses dont une contenait une inhumation individuelle. La mise en évidence d’une proximité étroite entre les inhumations et l’espace domestique ainsi que les différentes études pluridisciplinaires engagées offrent l’occasiondecroiserunensemblededonnéespermettantd’interroger le statut des individus inhumés en fosses domestiques réemployées. L’analyse anthropologique et isotopique a, ainsi, permis de caractériser les huit individus et d’apporter de nouveaux éléments de discussion relatifs au phénomène des inhumations chasséennes en contexte d’habitat. Malgré la taille de l’effectif, les données anthropologiques ont montré la particularité de ces sujets, tous féminins, et l’hétérogénéité des données métriques. Des analyses isotopiques (δ13C, δ15N) menées sur les restes humains et animaux ont été confrontées aux résultats de découvertes regionals récentes dans une perspective paléoalimentaire et paléocomportementale. Les données anthropologiques et isotopiques montrent, ainsi, une hétérogénéité très importante des défunts,quipermetd’interrogerlesmodalitésdeconstitution de ce groupe d’individus. Cette étude souligne la nécessité de poursuivre les discussions également sur des effectifs faibles si l’on veut comprendre toute la diversité des pratiques funéraires existant durant le Chasséen méridional ainsi que la corrélation qui pourrait exister entre le statut social des sujets et le traitement funéraire dont ils font l’objet

Stratégies de subsistance et analyse culturelle de populations néolithiques de Ligurie: Approche par l’étude isotopique (δ13C et δ15N) des restes osseux

For the last ten millennia humans have learned how to manage and produce their own food resources. In Liguria, the exploitation of the marine and coastal environment as well as the acquisition and use of agriculture and pastoralism at the time of Neolithisation (i.e. 6th millennia BC) are evidenced by both archaeological and palaeoenvironmental studies. However, it is difficult, using these methods, to determine the relative contributions to human diets made by foods from these difference sources, especially throughout the Neolithic period. The presence of human burials and animal remains from various sites from this region allows the use of isotopic methods, and in particular the study of the δ13C and δ15N values of bone collagen, which provides information on the sources of dietary protein. This method is able to determine the relative importance of marine foods in the diets of the early Neolithic agriculturalists and pastoralists, as well as indicate dietary differences between contemporary populations. Two coastal Neolithic sites were the subject of our study: Pendimoun (France) and Arene Candide (Italy). The results show, contrary to expectations, the absence of regular consumption of marine resources and the food differences within the populations