Life and death in the Neolithic variscite mines at Gavà (Barcelona, Spain). (30th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Borrell, Ferran; Bosch, Josep; Majó, Tona
• Is Part Of: Antiquity. Volume 89:Number 343(2015)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 90
• Publication Date: 2015-01-30
• Subjects: Neolithic, -- mining, -- variscite, -- beads, -- burial, -- grave goods, -- social hierarchy, -- osteoarchaeology; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Antiquities -- Periodicals; 930.05
• DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2014.30
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-598X

Abstract

Abstract: Abstract : Mining has commonly been thought of as hard manual labour undertaken by the lower echelon of a hierarchical society, but was this always the case? Recent excavations of the variscite mines at Gavà have revealed burials contemporary with the peak of mining activity that represent a community of miners exploiting the subterranean resources for trade and manufacturing variscite beads with a nuanced symbolism. Skeletal evidence demonstrates the physicality of mining while grave goods reveal a community that worked collectively to mine, manufacture and trade goods, with miners themselves benefiting from the fruits of their labours.