Spatial and temporal disparities in human subsistence in the Neolithic Rhineland gateway. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Casanova, Emmanuelle; Arbogast, Rose-Marie; Denaire, Anthony; Jeunesse, Christian; Lefranc, Philippe; Evershed, Richard P.
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 122(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Neolithic A -- Lipid residue analysis -- Domesticated animals -- Dairy -- Compound-specific radiocarbon dating; UA Upper Alsace -- LA Lower Alsace -- LBK Linearbandkeramik -- NISP number of identified specimens -- TLE total lipid extract -- FA fatty acids -- GC gas chromatography -- GC-MS gas chromatography-mass spectrometry -- GC-C-IRMS gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry -- HTGC high temperature gas chromatography; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archéologie -- Périodiques; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2020.105215
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-4403

Abstract

Abstract: The Alsace region bordering the Rhine River was extensively occupied during the Neolithic by farming societies with domesticated animal. The first settlers were two sub-groups of the Linearbandkeramik who appeared to diverge in several respects, including: pottery styles, house orientations and funerary rituals. To explore whether this was reflected in food procurement practices investigations were performed of organic residues in nearly 900 pottery vessels from sites across the region. The results reveal lipid biomarker and stable carbon evidence for exploitation of plant and bee products, and most significantly, extensive domestic animal products including: non-ruminant carcass products, and ruminant primary and secondary products. Critically, culturally-related economic differences were seen spatially between the upper and lower Alsatian groups. Temporal differences were confirmed using compound-specific radiocarbon dating of fatty acids preserved in potsherds, showing that while milk exploitation was widespread during the early Neolithic in UA, it only became commonplace in LA generations later. Highlights: Palaeodiet in Neolithic Alsace investigated through lipid residue analysis and direct 14 C dating of pottery vessels, with faunal analyses. Spatial disparity in dairy use existed within two sub-groups of the Linearbandkeramik in Lower and Upper Alsace. Intensive use of dairy products in Lower Alsace arose during the Middle Neolithic. Continuous use of bee products and domesticated animal products is evident in the Early to Middle Neolithic. Vessel specialisation revealed with undecorated vessels used as 'cooking' pots and decorated vessels as 'serving' wares.