Transhumance in the Early Neolithic? Carbon and oxygen isotope insights into sheep husbandry at Arene Candide, Northern Italy. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Varkuleviciute, Karolina; Gron, Kurt J.; Patterson, William P.; Panelli, Chiara; Rossi, Stefano; Timsic, Sandra; Gröcke, Darren R.; Maggi, Roberto; Rowley-Conwy, Peter
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 40:Part B(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Sheep -- Neolithic -- Carbon isotopes -- Oxygen isotopes -- Transhumance -- Animal management; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Research -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2021.103240
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-409X

Abstract

Highlights: Arene Candide is an important Neolithic site is the Mediterranean. The origins of vertical mobility are highly debated among archaeologists. Carbon and Oxygen isotope analysis was used to reconstruct animal husbandry practices. Results suggest that some sheep were likely moved up the mountains in summer. Abstract: Vertical transhumance is historically known as an animal management practice in the Mediterranean that mitigates the risk of overgrazing and unpalatable pastures. It has long been debated whether the practice developed together with the spread of the Neolithic in Europe or if it was adopted later. This study explores the evidence for transhumant pastoralism at Arene Candide, Northern Italy during the Neolithic. We examine the carbon (δ 13 C) and oxygen (δ 18 O) isotope values of sequentially sampled sheep teeth from the Early and Middle Neolithic layers at Arene Candide. The pattern of reduced δ 18 O profile amplitude as well as inverse cyclical isotope variation characterised by lower δ 13 C during the summer season suggest that some of the sheep analysed were moved to higher altitude pasture areas during the summer months. The dating of the analysed samples suggest that small-scale transhumance occurred at Arene Candide during the Cardial phase (5400–5300 BCE). Because the sample size in this study is small, it remains difficult to project transhumant pastoralism as a widespread practice in the Mediterranean region. Further studies of this kind will provide a greater understanding of the development and use of vertical transhumance.