3 research outputs found
Harvesting tools and the spread of the Neolithic into the Central-Western Mediterranean area
This paper discusses the current state of research on harvesting technologies of the first farming communities of the central and western Mediterranean area between ca. 6000–5900 cal BC and 4800–4700 cal BC. New data obtained from the analysis of almost 40 sites from the Italian Peninsula is compared with data previously collected from the Iberian Peninsula and southern France. Results indicate the existence of at least two different harvesting traditions, one characterized by curved sickles used for harvesting at a low or middle height; the other characterized by reaping knives with parallel hafted blades, probably mainly used for ear harvesting. Processes of innovation and change have been highlighted, suggesting that harvesting techniques changed and evolved through time. Besides, the mechanism and pace of diffusion of curved sickles have been explored, too
Harvesting tools and the spread of the Neolithic into the Central-Western Mediterranean area
This paper discusses the current state of research on harvesting technologies of the first farming communities of the central and western Mediterranean area between ca. 6000–5900 cal BC and 4800–4700 cal BC. New data obtained from the analysis of almost 40 sites from the Italian Peninsula is compared with data previously collected from the Iberian Peninsula and southern France. Results indicate the existence of at least two different harvesting traditions, one characterized by curved sickles used for harvesting at a low or middle height; the other characterized by reaping knives with parallel hafted blades, probably mainly used for ear harvesting. Processes of innovation and change have been highlighted, suggesting that harvesting techniques changed and evolved through time. Besides, the mechanism and pace of diffusion of curved sickles have been explored, too.This research is the result of three integrated projects: “The Diffusion of the Neolithic: Agricultural Technologies and Innovations in the Central Mediterranean Area” funded by a post-doctoral grant by the Fyssen Fondation and the collective projects “Le temps des moissons: l'arrivĂ©e des premières communautĂ©s d'agriculteurs en mĂ©diterranĂ©e centrale” funded by the Maison ArchĂ©ologie & Ethnologie, RenĂ©-Ginouvès and “La difusiĂłn del neolĂtico en el Mediterráneo centro-occidental: agricultura, innovaciones tecnolĂłgicas y carbono 14 – HAR2016-75201-P” funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. Additional financial aid has been provided by the UMR 7055 «PrĂ©histoire et Technologie»Peer reviewe