- Deutsches Archäologisches Institut
Kommission für Archäologie Außereuropäischer Kulturen
Dürenstr. 35-37
53173 Bonn / Germany
- Landscape Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Geoarchaeology, Mediterranean prehistory, Pottery (Archaeology), Palaeoenvironment, and 20 moreNeolithic Transition, North African prehistory (Archaeology), Epipalaeolithic, Alluvial Archaeology], Saharan Archaeology, Remote sensing and GIS, Sedimentology, Morocco, Micromorphology, Malacology (Archaeology), Epipaleolithic-Neolithic transition, Remote sesning and GIS applications to archaeology, Archaeology, Mediterranean archaeology, Zooarchaeology, Maritime Archaeology, Anatolian Archaeology, Island Studies, Island archaeology, and Subsistence systems (Archaeology)edit
The Iberomaurusian lithic assemblages from Ifri El Baroud (northeast Morocco) are discussed from techno-economic, typological, and functional points of view. The site preserves an archaeological sequence spanning the period ca.... more
The Iberomaurusian lithic assemblages from
Ifri El Baroud (northeast Morocco) are discussed from
techno-economic, typological, and functional points of
view. The site preserves an archaeological sequence
spanning the period ca. 23,000–13,000 cal BP. The
analysis of the lithic materials from the sequence highlights
the diachronic changes in human behavior. Results
show a strong relationship between
paleoenvironmental shifts and changes in settlement
strategies and lithic production.
Ifri El Baroud (northeast Morocco) are discussed from
techno-economic, typological, and functional points of
view. The site preserves an archaeological sequence
spanning the period ca. 23,000–13,000 cal BP. The
analysis of the lithic materials from the sequence highlights
the diachronic changes in human behavior. Results
show a strong relationship between
paleoenvironmental shifts and changes in settlement
strategies and lithic production.
Research Interests:
The Lower Moulouya Basin in northeast Morocco is characterised by Mediterranean arid to semiarid environmental conditions of a North African desert margin. In geomorphological research, desert margins reveal a high potential for... more
The Lower Moulouya Basin in northeast Morocco is characterised by Mediterranean arid to semiarid environmental conditions of a North African desert margin. In geomorphological research, desert margins reveal a high potential for palaeoenvironmental studies, as they react very sensitive to past and future climatic changes. The alluvial deposits of the Lower Moulouya can be divided in three
sedimentation series: the Series I is dated between 9.9 and 6.5 ka cal. BP and shows silty to sandy layers with hydromorphic features and intercalated initial alluvial soils. The Series II is dated between 4.2 and 3.2 ka cal. BP and indicates clayey to silty fine laminae with hydromorphic features and an onset of charcoal-rich layers. The Series III is dated between 3.2 and 1.4 ka cal. BP and features clayey to silty fine laminae with greyish to reddish colouring. Series III reveals charcoal-rich layers and gypsum crystals in clay-rich reddish sediments. The dating of the archaeological findings (silex, ceramics, bones) of the buried open air sites indicate an human occupation at the Lower Moulouya during the Epipalaeolithics, Neolithics, Protohistoric and Middle Ages. The phases correspond chronologically with already known archaeological archives from eastern Rif rock-shelters and caves. The maximum of archaeological
findings at the Lower Moulouya corresponds to the Early Neolithics, a period which comes along with the Mid-Holocene climatic optimum.
sedimentation series: the Series I is dated between 9.9 and 6.5 ka cal. BP and shows silty to sandy layers with hydromorphic features and intercalated initial alluvial soils. The Series II is dated between 4.2 and 3.2 ka cal. BP and indicates clayey to silty fine laminae with hydromorphic features and an onset of charcoal-rich layers. The Series III is dated between 3.2 and 1.4 ka cal. BP and features clayey to silty fine laminae with greyish to reddish colouring. Series III reveals charcoal-rich layers and gypsum crystals in clay-rich reddish sediments. The dating of the archaeological findings (silex, ceramics, bones) of the buried open air sites indicate an human occupation at the Lower Moulouya during the Epipalaeolithics, Neolithics, Protohistoric and Middle Ages. The phases correspond chronologically with already known archaeological archives from eastern Rif rock-shelters and caves. The maximum of archaeological
findings at the Lower Moulouya corresponds to the Early Neolithics, a period which comes along with the Mid-Holocene climatic optimum.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The Lower Moulouya Basin in northeast Morocco is characterised by Mediterranean arid to semiarid environmental conditions of a North African desert margin. In geomorphological research, desert margins reveal a high potential for... more
The Lower Moulouya Basin in northeast Morocco is characterised by Mediterranean arid to semiarid environmental conditions of a
North African desert margin. In geomorphological research, desert margins reveal a high potential for palaeoenvironmental studies,
as they react very sensitive to past and future climatic changes. The alluvial deposits of the Lower Moulouya can be divided in three
sedimentation series: the Series I is dated between 9.9 and 6.5 ka cal. BP and shows silty to sandy layers with hydromorphic features
and intercalated initial alluvial soils. The Series II is dated between 4.2 and 3.2 ka cal. BP and indicates clayey to silty fine laminae
with hydromorphic features and an onset of charcoal-rich layers. The Series III is dated between 3.2 and 1.4 ka cal. BP and features
clayey to silty fine laminae with greyish to reddish colouring. Series III reveals charcoal-rich layers and gypsum crystals in clay-rich
reddish sediments. The dating of the archaeological findings (silex, ceramics, bones) of the buried open air sites indicate an human
occupation at the Lower Moulouya during the Epipalaeolithics, Neolithics, Protohistoric and Middle Ages. The phases correspond
chronologically with already known archaeological archives from eastern Rif rock-shelters and caves. The maximum of archaeological
findings at the Lower Moulouya corresponds to the Early Neolithics, a period which comes along with the Mid-Holocene climatic
optimum.
North African desert margin. In geomorphological research, desert margins reveal a high potential for palaeoenvironmental studies,
as they react very sensitive to past and future climatic changes. The alluvial deposits of the Lower Moulouya can be divided in three
sedimentation series: the Series I is dated between 9.9 and 6.5 ka cal. BP and shows silty to sandy layers with hydromorphic features
and intercalated initial alluvial soils. The Series II is dated between 4.2 and 3.2 ka cal. BP and indicates clayey to silty fine laminae
with hydromorphic features and an onset of charcoal-rich layers. The Series III is dated between 3.2 and 1.4 ka cal. BP and features
clayey to silty fine laminae with greyish to reddish colouring. Series III reveals charcoal-rich layers and gypsum crystals in clay-rich
reddish sediments. The dating of the archaeological findings (silex, ceramics, bones) of the buried open air sites indicate an human
occupation at the Lower Moulouya during the Epipalaeolithics, Neolithics, Protohistoric and Middle Ages. The phases correspond
chronologically with already known archaeological archives from eastern Rif rock-shelters and caves. The maximum of archaeological
findings at the Lower Moulouya corresponds to the Early Neolithics, a period which comes along with the Mid-Holocene climatic
optimum.
Research Interests:
Processes behind the shift from hunting-gathering to food production lifestyle are multifaceted and not yet completely understood. The Mediterranean coast of NW Africa provides an eclectic transitional pattern, namely, a very hesitant... more
Processes behind the shift from hunting-gathering to food production lifestyle are multifaceted and not yet completely understood. The Mediterranean
coast of NW Africa provides an eclectic transitional pattern, namely, a very hesitant transition to food production. The distribution and abundance of
early Neolithic domesticated species is disparate and region specific. Climate and environmental change have been often considered as an important
influencing factor for this transition. This hypothesis was tested using archeological shells of the rocky intertidal gastropod Phorcus turbinatus recovered
from the Ifri Oudadane site in NE Morocco. The oxygen isotope composition (δ18O) of the shell was used to examine whether the hesitant transition to
food production was linked to a local climate shift in the Mediterranean Maghreb. Intrashell δ18O values suggest a marked temperature increase from >7.6
to ~7.0 cal. ka BP, the time when Neolithic innovations first appear on site. An additional increase in temperature from ~7.0 to <6.8 cal. ka BP matches
with the beginning of the main occupation phase and the doubtless breakthrough of cultivation at Ifri Oudadane. This apparent warming trend, although
considered preliminary, seems to match well with warming tendency observed in several published regional climate proxies. Therefore, a temperature
shift may have played a role in the timing and implementation of food production in the area. Last growth episode δ18O values suggest that shellfish were
harvested throughout most of the year, with noticeable intensification during the cooler half of the year. This preliminary pattern was fairly consistent
throughout the Epipaleolithic and early Neolithic phases, pointing to a probable near year-round site occupation rather than a single season settlement.
Future research on Ifri Oudadane and other NW African archeological records are much needed to assess whether these patterns persist in Morocco
and other Epipaleolithic and early Neolithic settlements in the western Mediterranean Maghreb.
coast of NW Africa provides an eclectic transitional pattern, namely, a very hesitant transition to food production. The distribution and abundance of
early Neolithic domesticated species is disparate and region specific. Climate and environmental change have been often considered as an important
influencing factor for this transition. This hypothesis was tested using archeological shells of the rocky intertidal gastropod Phorcus turbinatus recovered
from the Ifri Oudadane site in NE Morocco. The oxygen isotope composition (δ18O) of the shell was used to examine whether the hesitant transition to
food production was linked to a local climate shift in the Mediterranean Maghreb. Intrashell δ18O values suggest a marked temperature increase from >7.6
to ~7.0 cal. ka BP, the time when Neolithic innovations first appear on site. An additional increase in temperature from ~7.0 to <6.8 cal. ka BP matches
with the beginning of the main occupation phase and the doubtless breakthrough of cultivation at Ifri Oudadane. This apparent warming trend, although
considered preliminary, seems to match well with warming tendency observed in several published regional climate proxies. Therefore, a temperature
shift may have played a role in the timing and implementation of food production in the area. Last growth episode δ18O values suggest that shellfish were
harvested throughout most of the year, with noticeable intensification during the cooler half of the year. This preliminary pattern was fairly consistent
throughout the Epipaleolithic and early Neolithic phases, pointing to a probable near year-round site occupation rather than a single season settlement.
Future research on Ifri Oudadane and other NW African archeological records are much needed to assess whether these patterns persist in Morocco
and other Epipaleolithic and early Neolithic settlements in the western Mediterranean Maghreb.
Research Interests:
A B S T R A C T Ifri n'Etsedda is a rock shelter in northeastern Morocco, at the southern flank of the Kebdana Mountains. The site was discovered in 2008 and excavated during three field campaigns between 2012 and 2014 and provides... more
A B S T R A C T Ifri n'Etsedda is a rock shelter in northeastern Morocco, at the southern flank of the Kebdana Mountains. The site was discovered in 2008 and excavated during three field campaigns between 2012 and 2014 and provides Epipalaeolithic and Neolithic deposits. From the Neolithic deposits we analyzed 30 pottery sherds by macro-scopic determination, Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy, polarizing microscope and thermodilatometric analysis (TDA) in order to determine information about the clay and natural inclusions in the clay and temper materials used as well as the manufacturing process. In addition, we identified and sampled 12 potential raw materials sources during one survey campaign in 2015, which were analyzed by IR spectroscopy as well. We identified 8 groups by means of inclusions in the clay: extrusive igneous rocks (EIR), EIR with amphiboles, EIR with fragments of micro quartz, granite, dolerite or gabbro with fibrous quartz and unidentified spherulites, schist, organic limestone and grog. Trends in the succession of clay traditions could be identified. Most of the pottery was fired in an oxidizing atmosphere and were placed upside down in a pit. Burning temperatures range between 800 and 1000 °C. No local clay source seems to have been used for the pottery production at Ifri n'Etsedda. With regard to the small artifact samples size as well as the incomplete raw material survey, further studies are needed to shed more light on Ifri n'Etsedda pottery.
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Research Interests:
This paper deals with general trends of the Moroccan Neolithic: chronological framework, external influences and environmental impact. Particular focus is on the end of the 7th millennium calBP when a supposed Middle Neolithic should... more
This paper deals with general trends of the Moroccan Neolithic: chronological framework, external influences and environmental impact. Particular focus is on the end of the 7th millennium calBP when a supposed Middle Neolithic should start. However, the paper shows that apparently no distinct chrono-cultural unit between Early and Late Neolithic is detectable, wherefore term and concept of a Middle Neolithic
should be abandoned. The Neolithic transition of Mediterranean Morocco itself is an integral part of the Neolithisation process within
the Western Mediterranean as a whole. Neolithic innovations enter the Alboran territory via the range of the Ligurian Early Neolithic. Between the Southern Iberian Peninsula and Northwest Africa these innovations became distributed through Epipalaeolithic coastal networks, here called “Coastal Epipalaeolithic”. In the following, coastal groups start food production (“Early Neolithic”), depending on local environmental
conditions on a very different scale. Cultivation and animal husbandry remained only one aspect of subsistence in the sense of a broad spectrum economy or low level food production. Through continental networks local foragers occupying the West-Mediterranean hinterlands (“Continental Epipalaeolithic”) adopt Neolithic inventions such as pottery
and integrate them step by step in their way of life. Because food production is not yet recorded during the Early Neolithic period, these groups afterwards are called “Epipalaeolithic in Transition”.
Furthermore, the impact of climate and environmental change on cultural changes shall be evaluated. While the Neolithisation itself until now seems to have been triggered by socio-economic factors, the end of the Early Neolithic at 6.3 ka calBP, the enforced Saharan impact during the Late Neolithic from 6.0 ka calBP onwards and the end of the Neolithic as a whole at about 4.2 ka calBP correspond closely to
supra-regional climate and environmental changes well documented
in marine and terrestrial archives.
should be abandoned. The Neolithic transition of Mediterranean Morocco itself is an integral part of the Neolithisation process within
the Western Mediterranean as a whole. Neolithic innovations enter the Alboran territory via the range of the Ligurian Early Neolithic. Between the Southern Iberian Peninsula and Northwest Africa these innovations became distributed through Epipalaeolithic coastal networks, here called “Coastal Epipalaeolithic”. In the following, coastal groups start food production (“Early Neolithic”), depending on local environmental
conditions on a very different scale. Cultivation and animal husbandry remained only one aspect of subsistence in the sense of a broad spectrum economy or low level food production. Through continental networks local foragers occupying the West-Mediterranean hinterlands (“Continental Epipalaeolithic”) adopt Neolithic inventions such as pottery
and integrate them step by step in their way of life. Because food production is not yet recorded during the Early Neolithic period, these groups afterwards are called “Epipalaeolithic in Transition”.
Furthermore, the impact of climate and environmental change on cultural changes shall be evaluated. While the Neolithisation itself until now seems to have been triggered by socio-economic factors, the end of the Early Neolithic at 6.3 ka calBP, the enforced Saharan impact during the Late Neolithic from 6.0 ka calBP onwards and the end of the Neolithic as a whole at about 4.2 ka calBP correspond closely to
supra-regional climate and environmental changes well documented
in marine and terrestrial archives.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Archaeological research conducted during the last two decades in Northeast Morocco (Eastern Rif) have allowed the discovery of several prehistoric sites, most of them date back to different phases of the Holocene. The excavations carried... more
Archaeological research conducted during the last two decades in Northeast Morocco (Eastern Rif) have allowed the discovery of several prehistoric sites, most of them date back to different phases of the Holocene. The excavations carried out in some of the sites have yielded new data on the question of the genesis and the economy of the first agro-pastoral societies of Morocco. This paper presents results from the study of the archeological sequence and material of Ifri Ouzabour whose main occupation levels provided characteristic elements of the Early Neolithic culture. This discovery widens the knowledge of this culture in eastern Morocco
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We provide a detailed chronological framework for the Early Neolithic of the Eastern Rif of Morocco. Neolithic innovations such as pottery and domestic plants begin ca. 7.6 ka calBP, at which time plant cultivation is clearly documented... more
We provide a detailed chronological framework for the Early Neolithic of the Eastern Rif of Morocco. Neolithic innovations such as pottery and domestic plants begin ca. 7.6 ka calBP, at which time plant cultivation is clearly documented for cereals (Triticum monococcum/dicoccum, Triticum aestivum/durum, Hordeum vulgare) and pulses (Lens culinaris, Pisum sativum, Vicia faba). This represents the earliest evidence for Africa as a whole. The Early Neolithic ends ca. 6.3 ka calBP and is marked by the definitive disappearance of Cardium-decorated pottery. The disintegration of the Early Neolithic dates to the interval 6.6e6.0 ka calBP, during which time a gradual desiccation of the Sahara has been observed. In the Eastern Rif of Morocco, Saharan influences become visible after 6.0 ka calBP. These are characterised by the presence of ivory objects and the appearance of comb-impressed pottery with so-called herringbone motives.
Research Interests:
The rock shelter of Ifri n'Etsedda is located at the southern flank of the Kebdana Mountains, Northeast Morocco, at an altitude of around 300 m a.s.l. Twenty-one radiocarbon ages attest an occupation of the shelter between 10.0 and 6.0 ka... more
The rock shelter of Ifri n'Etsedda is located at the southern flank of the Kebdana Mountains, Northeast Morocco, at an altitude of around 300 m a.s.l. Twenty-one radiocarbon ages attest an occupation of the shelter between 10.0 and 6.0 ka cal BP. Comb decorated pottery, also known from other Late Neolithic sites of the area, suggest a later occupation. The presence of both Epipalaeolithic and Neolithic deposits offers the opportunity to study the Neolithic transition in the area, although the Ifri n'Etsedda deposits contain a short hiatus. Next to the Ifri Oudadane shelter west of the Melilla Peninsula, it is one of the few sites in the area allowing this approach. The paper combines stratigraphic, sedimentological and micromorphological studies in order to reconstruct the complex site formation processes. Pollen analysis offers exciting insights into environmental change, human land-use and subsistence strategies. A short overview about the artefact assemblage allows the reconstruction of occupation history and a first placement of the site within the archaeological context of the area. The Epipalaeolithic occupation seems to be clearly bipartite and the ongoing study of the lithic assemblage promises the possibility of further subdivision in the area for the first time. Discontinuities of the Epipalaeolithic might be connected to Early Holocene Rapid-Climate-Change-events (RCC). The Neolithic occurred at about 7.2 ka cal BP, marked by the appearance of pottery, perforated snails, ovi-caprides and cereals. Hunting, gathering and the use of terrestrial molluscs still played an important role during the Neolithic, as the main occupation phase, the late Early Neolithic between 6.7 to about 6.0 ka cal BP, appears. Striking similarities to other contemporary sites such as El Zafrín at the nearby coast and the Mtlili open air sites within the lower reaches of the Moulouya River suggest that Ifri n'Etsedda is part of a larger settlement cluster, providing particular adaptations to mountainous landscapes.
This paper focuses on the new macro-botanical evidence of SouthWestern Asian cultivated plants from northern Moroccan Neolithic sites. Due to the reduced presence of plant remains from previous excavations in the region, archaeological... more
This paper focuses on the new macro-botanical evidence of SouthWestern Asian cultivated plants from northern Moroccan Neolithic sites. Due to the reduced presence of plant remains from previous excavations in the region, archaeological evidence of agriculture is rare and the arrival of domesticated plants and the role of farming in the Early Neolithic of North Africa are still poorly understood. Here we present results of the analysis carried out in three sites recently excavated: Kaf Taht el-Ghar, Khil, and Ifri Oudadane. Charred seeds of domesticated cereals (Triticum dicoccum, Triticum monococcum/dicoccum, Triticum durum, Triticum aestivum/durum, Hordeum vulgare, Hordeum vulgare var. nudum) and pulses (Lens culinaris, Pisum sativum, Vicia faba) have been recorded in all sites analyzed. Radiocarbon dating of crop seeds indicates that farming, along animal herding and pottery, was most probably introduced in the region at the interval between 5500 and 5000 cal. BC. Absence of evidence for Neolithic farming in other regions of NorthWestern Africa suggests that the first crops arrived into Morocco through a maritime route, more likely from the Central or Northern Mediterranean shores. Similarities in both radiocarbon dates and crop assemblages from early Neolithic sites in Northern Morocco and the south of the Iberian Peninsula point to an almost simultaneous East to West maritime spread of agriculture along both shores of the Western Mediterranean.
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A-Ifri Oudadane represents one of the few recently excavated sites in NW-Africa which permits a study of the Neolithic transition. The site is dated by 23 radiocarbon ages suggesting an occupation between 11.0 and 5.7 ka calBP. The... more
A-Ifri Oudadane represents one of the few recently excavated sites in NW-Africa which permits a study of the Neolithic transition. The site is dated by 23 radiocarbon ages suggesting an occupation between 11.0 and 5.7 ka calBP. The well-documented Neolithic transition occurred at about 7.6 ka calBP. This transition is marked by the appearance of pottery, cereals and legumes. Furthermore, geochemistry and micromorphology indicate several changes in the sedimentation milieu. One of the most interesting aspects of Neolithisation is the question of the continuity or discontinuity of this process. Does the transition to food production appear as part of a migration process or did local forager groups promote this develop-ment? Lithic material offers, as it appears through all periods, the best opportunity to study these developments. This paper presents an unchanging lithic industry across the Neolithisation regarding blank production, raw material supply, as well as tool composition. These results indicate an active role of local hunter-gatherers, and has therefore significant impact on the understanding of the Neolithisation process within the Western Mediterranean as a whole. Z-Die im östlichen Rif in Marokko gelegene Fundstelle Ifri Oudadane ist eine der wenigen in letzter Zeit ausge-grabenen Fundstellen in Nordwest-Afrika, die es erlauben den Übergang vom Epipaläolithikum zum Neolithikum zu untersuchen. Die 23 14 C-Daten belegen eine Nutzung des Abris im Zeitraum von 11,0 bis 5,7 ka calBP. Der sehr gut dokumentierte Übergang zum Neolithikum konnte in den Zeitraum um 7,6 ka calBP datiert werden und ist gekennzeichnet durch das Aufkommen von Keramik, Getreide und Hülsenfrüchten. Ferner belegen geochemische und mikromorphologische Untersuchungen einige Änderungen in der Sedimentation. Eine der interessantesten Aspekte der Neolithisierung ist die Frage nach Kontinuität oder Diskontinuität und damit ob der Übergang zur produzierenden Wirtschaftsweise in der Hauptsache durch Migration oder Akkulturation voran getrieben wurde. Die lithischen Artefakte bieten hierbei die einzigartige Möglichkeit kontinuierliche Entwicklungen am Übergang vom Epipaläo-lithikum zum Neolithikum zu entdecken, da sie in beiden Perioden auftreten. Die vorliegende Untersuchung belegt, dass sich die Steingeräteherstellung in Hinblick auf Grundformproduktion, Rohmaterialversorgung und den genutzten Werkzeugen während der Neolithisierung nicht veränderte. Dies deutet auf eine aktive Rolle der lokalen Jäger-Sammler-Gesellschaften in diesem Prozess hin und ist daher von außerordentlicher Bedeutung für das Verständnis der Neolithisierung im westlichen Mittelmeer.
Research Interests:
In der vorliegenden Studie geht es um ein einfaches
Verfahren, den Aufwand archäologischer Datenerhebungen
erheblich zu verringern, ohne die Validität der
möglichen Aussagen zu beeinträchtigen.
Verfahren, den Aufwand archäologischer Datenerhebungen
erheblich zu verringern, ohne die Validität der
möglichen Aussagen zu beeinträchtigen.
Research Interests:
Abstract This research aims to shed light on the early stages of agricultural development in Northern Africa through the analysis of the rich macro-botanical assemblages obtained from Ifri Oudadane, an Epipalaeolithic-Early Neolithic... more
Abstract
This research aims to shed light on the early stages of agricultural development in Northern Africa through the analysis of the rich macro-botanical assemblages obtained from Ifri Oudadane, an Epipalaeolithic-Early Neolithic site from North-East Morocco. Results indicate the presence of domesticated plants, cereals (Hordeum vulgare, Triticum monococcum/dicoccum, Triticum durum and Triticum aestivum/durum) and pulses (Lens culinaris and Pisum sativum) in the Early Neolithic. One lentil has been dated to 7611 ± 37 cal BP representing the oldest direct date of a domesticated plant seed in Morocco and, by extension, in North Africa. Similarities in both radiocarbon dates and crop assemblages from Early Neolithic sites in Northern Morocco and the Iberian Peninsula suggest a simultaneous East to West maritime spread of agriculture along the shores of the Western Mediterranean. Wild plants were abundantly collected in both the Epipalaeolithic and the Early Neolithic periods pointing to the important role of these resources during the two periods. In addition to fruits and seeds that could have been consumed by both humans and domesticated animals, fragments of esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima) rhizomes have been identified. This is a western Mediterranean native plant that may have been used as a source of fibers for basketry.
This research aims to shed light on the early stages of agricultural development in Northern Africa through the analysis of the rich macro-botanical assemblages obtained from Ifri Oudadane, an Epipalaeolithic-Early Neolithic site from North-East Morocco. Results indicate the presence of domesticated plants, cereals (Hordeum vulgare, Triticum monococcum/dicoccum, Triticum durum and Triticum aestivum/durum) and pulses (Lens culinaris and Pisum sativum) in the Early Neolithic. One lentil has been dated to 7611 ± 37 cal BP representing the oldest direct date of a domesticated plant seed in Morocco and, by extension, in North Africa. Similarities in both radiocarbon dates and crop assemblages from Early Neolithic sites in Northern Morocco and the Iberian Peninsula suggest a simultaneous East to West maritime spread of agriculture along the shores of the Western Mediterranean. Wild plants were abundantly collected in both the Epipalaeolithic and the Early Neolithic periods pointing to the important role of these resources during the two periods. In addition to fruits and seeds that could have been consumed by both humans and domesticated animals, fragments of esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima) rhizomes have been identified. This is a western Mediterranean native plant that may have been used as a source of fibers for basketry.
Research Interests:
The newly identified Paleolithic site Sima de Las Palomas de Teba hosts an almost seven-m-thick sediment profile investigated here to elucidate the rock shelter's chronostratigraphy and formation processes. At its base, the sediment... more
The newly identified Paleolithic site Sima de Las Palomas de Teba hosts an almost seven-m-thick sediment profile investigated here to elucidate the rock shelter's chronostratigraphy and formation processes. At its base, the sediment sequence contains rich archeological deposits recording intensive occupation by Neanderthals. Luminescence provides a terminus ante quem of 39.4 ± 2.6 ka or 44.9 ± 4.1 ka (OSL) and 51.4 ± 8.4 ka (TL). This occupation ended with a rockfall event followed by accumulation of archeologically sterile sediments. These were covered by sediments containing few Middle Paleolithic artifacts, which either indicate ephemeral occupation by Neanderthals or reworking as suggested by micromorphological features. Above this unit, scattered lithic artifacts of undiagnostic character may represent undefined Paleolithic occupations. Sediment burial ages between about 23.0 ± 1.5 ka (OSL) and 40.5 ± 3.4 ka (pIRIR) provide an Upper Paleolithic chronology for sediments deposited above the rockfall. Finally, a dung-bearing Holocene layer in the uppermost part of the sequence contains a fragment of a human mandible dated to 4032 ± 39 14 C yr BP. Overall, the sequence represents an important new site for studying the end of Neanderthal occupation in southern Spain.
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The littoral site of Ifri Oudadane is one of the most important recently excavated sites in the Mediterranean Maghreb. The shelter presents Epipalaeolithic and Neolithic layers and therefore offers the possibility to investigate the... more
The littoral site of Ifri Oudadane is one of the most important recently excavated sites in the Mediterranean Maghreb. The shelter presents Epipalaeolithic and Neolithic layers and therefore offers the possibility to investigate the Neolithic transition in the region. Besides introducing the archaeological context, this paper focuses on palaeobotanical data in order to reconstruct Holocene environmental change and human use of plant resources for the period c. 11 to 5.7 ka cal. BP. Results show intense landscape transformations resulting from anthropic and climatic factors. First human occupations start at the beginning of the Holocene with favourable conditions in this otherwise harsh semi-arid stretch of land. A wooded environment with evergreen sclerophyllous oaks and riparian forests is documented and exploited by hunter-gatherers. From c. 7.6 ka cal. BP farming activities are well attested together with significant human impact, herding pressure and a progressive decline of arboreal components. After 6.6 ka cal. BP conditions become less favourable and markers for aridity increase. Riparian taxa disappear (Alnus) or decrease (Fraxinus, Populus, Salix); shrubs (Tamarix) and grasses (Artemisia) increase with a degradation of forest into shrubland (macchia). During 6.6 and 6.0 ka cal. BP there is a general occupation gap in arid and semi-arid Morocco and evidence for that change is also found in the alluvial deposits of the Moulouya, NE Morocco. Indicators for food production decrease at the same time and the site is abandoned during the first half of the 6th millennium cal. BP.
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Geology, Landscape Archaeology, Palaeolithic Archaeology, and 14 moreArchaeometry, Lithic Technology, Pleistocene, Prehistory, Quaternary, Arqueología, Arte Rupestre, Late Pleistocene, Prehistoria, Arqueología del Paisaje, Tecnología Lítica, Iberian Peninsula, Arqueometría, and Comarca del Guadalteba
Book of Abstract: RAA2011, 6Th International Congress on the Aplication of Raman Spectroscopy in Art and Archaeology, Parma, 2011
Research Interests:
El complejo de cuevas de Las Palomas en la localidad de Teba (Málaga, España), contiene en una de sus cavidades una secuencia arqueológica que comprende desde el Paleolítico Medio hasta el Neolítico. Los primeros resultados científicos,... more
El complejo de cuevas de Las Palomas en la localidad de Teba (Málaga, España), contiene en una de sus cavidades una secuencia arqueológica que comprende desde el Paleolítico Medio hasta el Neolítico. Los primeros resultados científicos, incluidos en un Proyecto General de Investigación, son los que se describen en este trabajo.
The rock shelter of Ifri n'Etsedda is located at the southern flank of the Kebdana Mountains, Northeast Morocco, at an altitude of around 300 m a.s.l. Twenty-one radiocarbon ages attest an occupation of the shelter between 10.0 and 6.0 ka... more
The rock shelter of Ifri n'Etsedda is located at the southern flank of the Kebdana Mountains, Northeast Morocco, at an altitude of around 300 m a.s.l. Twenty-one radiocarbon ages attest an occupation of the shelter between 10.0 and 6.0 ka cal BP. Comb decorated pottery, also known from other Late Neolithic sites of the area, suggest a later occupation. The presence of both Epipalaeolithic and Neolithic deposits offers the opportunity to study the Neolithic transition in the area, although the Ifri n'Etsedda deposits contain a short hiatus. Next to the Ifri Oudadane shelter west of the Melilla Peninsula, it is one of the few sites in the area allowing this approach. The paper combines stratigraphic, sedimentological and micromorphological studies in order to reconstruct the complex site formation processes. Pollen analysis offers exciting insights into environmental change, human land-use and subsistence strategies. A short overview about the artefact assemblage allows the reconstruction of occupation history and a first placement of the site within the archaeological context of the area. The Epipalaeolithic occupation seems to be clearly bipartite and the ongoing study of the lithic assemblage promises the possibility of further subdivision in the area for the first time. Discontinuities of the Epipalaeolithic might be connected to Early Holocene Rapid-Climate-Change-events (RCC). The Neolithic occurred at about 7.2 ka cal BP, marked by the appearance of pottery, perforated snails, ovi-caprides and cereals. Hunting, gathering and the use of terrestrial molluscs still played an important role during the Neolithic, as the main occupation phase, the late Early Neolithic between 6.7 to about 6.0 ka cal BP, appears. Striking similarities to other contemporary sites such as El Zafrín at the nearby coast and the Mtlili open air sites within the lower reaches of the Moulouya River suggest that Ifri n'Etsedda is part of a larger settlement cluster, providing particular adaptations to mountainous landscapes.
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This paper provides a summary of all available numerical ages from contexts of the Moroccan Middle Palaeolithic to Epipalaeolithic and reviews some of the most important sites. Particular attention is paid to the so-called " Aterian " ,... more
This paper provides a summary of all available numerical ages from contexts of the Moroccan Middle Palaeolithic to Epipalaeolithic and reviews some of the most important sites. Particular attention is paid to the so-called " Aterian " , albeit those so-labeled assemblages fail to show any geographical and chronological pattern. For this reason, this phenomenon should not be considered a distinct culture or techno-complex and is referred to hereinafter as Middle Palaeolithic of Aterian type. Whereas anatomical modern humans (AMH) are present in Northwest Africa from about 160 ka onwards, according to current research some Middle Palaeolithic inventories are more than 200 ka. This confirms that, for this period it is impossible to link human forms with artifact material. Perforated shell beads with traces of ochre documented from 80 ka onwards certainly suggest changes in human behavior. The transition from Middle to Upper Palaeolithic, here termed Early Upper Palaeolithic e at between 30 and 20 ka e remains the most enigmatic era. However, the still scarce data from this period requires careful and fundamental revision in the frame of any future research. By integrating environmental data in reconstruction of population dynamics, clear correlations become obvious. High resolution data are lacking before 20 ka, and at some sites this period is characterized by the occurrence of sterile layers between Middle Palaeolithic deposits, possibly indicative of shifts in human population. After Heinrich Event 1, there is an enormous increase of data due to the prominent Late Iberomaurusian deposits that contrast strongly from the foregoing accumulations in terms of sedimentological features, fauna and artifact composition. The Younger Dryas shows a remarkable decline of data marking the end of the Palaeolithic. Environmental improvements in the Holocene are associated with an extensive Epipalaeolithic occupation.
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Zwanzig Jahre archäologische Forschung rückten das vorher kaum erforschte Gebiet des östlichen Rif in NO-Marokko in den Fokus der Neolithikumsforschung im westlichen Mittelmeerraum. Mit Hilfe systematische Prospektion und Ausgrabungen... more
Zwanzig Jahre archäologische Forschung rückten das vorher kaum erforschte
Gebiet des östlichen Rif in NO-Marokko in den Fokus der Neolithikumsforschung im westlichen Mittelmeerraum.
Mit Hilfe systematische Prospektion und Ausgrabungen wurden die Besiedlungsgeschichte
und die damit eng verbundene früh- bis mittelholozäne Klima- und Umweltentwicklung rekonstruiert.
Besonderes Augenmerk lag dabei auf dem Wandel der Ernährungsstrategien mit dem Auftreten neolithischer
Innovationen.
Gebiet des östlichen Rif in NO-Marokko in den Fokus der Neolithikumsforschung im westlichen Mittelmeerraum.
Mit Hilfe systematische Prospektion und Ausgrabungen wurden die Besiedlungsgeschichte
und die damit eng verbundene früh- bis mittelholozäne Klima- und Umweltentwicklung rekonstruiert.
Besonderes Augenmerk lag dabei auf dem Wandel der Ernährungsstrategien mit dem Auftreten neolithischer
Innovationen.
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Since 1995 archaeological research has been undertaken in the Eastern Rif (Morocco) by a Moroccan-German research team with participation of the “Institut National des Sciences de l’Archéologie et du Patrimoine du Maroc” (INSAP), the... more
Since 1995 archaeological research has been undertaken in the Eastern Rif (Morocco) by a Moroccan-German research team with participation of the “Institut National des Sciences de l’Archéologie et du Patrimoine du Maroc” (INSAP), the “Kommission für die Archäologie Außereuropäischer Kulturen des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts” (KAAK), and the Institute of Prehistoric Archaeology of the University of Cologne. In the course of these studies, several hundred sites have been discovered and a number of these excavated. Sites investigated in more detail cover the time span from the Lower Palaeolithic up to Islamic times. From the onset of the project a particular focus has been on Neolithisation processes in the area. In the last years the raw material supply for pottery and stone tool production has also come into focus. In cooperation with mineralogists and sedimentologists a number of raw material sources could be identified. This paper summarises all known Neolithic sites and pot...
The Lower Moulouya Basin in northeast Morocco is characterised by Mediterranean arid to semiarid environmental conditions of a North African desert margin. In geomorphological research, desert margins reveal a high potential for... more
The Lower Moulouya Basin in northeast Morocco is characterised by Mediterranean arid to semiarid environmental conditions of a North African desert margin. In geomorphological research, desert margins reveal a high potential for palaeoenvironmental studies, as they react very sensitive to past and future climatic changes. The alluvial deposits of the Lower Moulouya can be divided in three sedimentation series: the Series I is dated between 9.9 and 6.5 ka cal. BP and shows silty to sandy layers with hydromorphic features and intercalated initial alluvial soils. The Series II is dated between 4.2 and 3.2 ka cal. BP and indicates clayey to silty fine laminae with hydromorphic features and an onset of charcoal-rich layers. The Series III is dated between 3.2 and 1.4 ka cal. BP and features clayey to silty fine laminae with greyish to reddish colouring. Series III reveals charcoal-rich layers and gypsum crystals in clay-rich reddish sediments. The dating of the archaeological findings (s...
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Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Geology, Archaeobotany, Environmental Archaeology, North Africa Studies, and 9 moreMoroccan Studies, Mediterranean prehistory, Environmental History, Neolithic Archaeology, Morocco, Iberian Prehistory (Archaeology), Charcoal analysis (Archaeology), North African prehistory (Archaeology), and Pollen analysis
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ABSTRACT The densely populated, low-lying Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta is highly vulnerable to global sea-level rise. In order to estimate the rate of subsidence of the delta, we examined submerged salt-producing kiln sites in the coastal... more
ABSTRACT The densely populated, low-lying Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta is highly vulnerable to global sea-level rise. In order to estimate the rate of subsidence of the delta, we examined submerged salt-producing kiln sites in the coastal Sundarbans (a huge UNESCO-protected mangrove forest). These kilns were built just above the winterly spring high-tide level of the time, but their bases are currently located ~155 cm below the corresponding modern level. According to optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, the kilns were last fi red ~300 yr ago, and salt production was terminated by a catastrophic event that affected the kiln sites at different levels and locations. 14C ages of charcoal at the kilns’ bases and associated mangrove stump horizons support the OSL dates. Based on the elevations and ages, the 300 yr average rate of sinking of the outer delta is 5.2 ± 1.2 mm/yr, which includes 0.8 mm/yr of eustatic sea-level rise. With the expectation of further acceleration of sea-level rise, the already-present problematic situation will be aggravated, and only prudent control of sediment accretion will keep southern Bangladesh above sea level.
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In extension of the recently established ‘Rapid Climate Change (RCC) Neolithisation Model’ (Clare 2013), in the present paper we demonstrate the existence of a remarkable coincidence between the exact (decadel-scale) entry and departure... more
In extension of the recently established ‘Rapid Climate Change (RCC) Neolithisation Model’
(Clare 2013), in the present paper we demonstrate the existence of a remarkable coincidence
between the exact (decadel-scale) entry and departure dates of the Neolithic into/from the Aegean
(~6600/6050 calBC) with begin/end of RCC-conditions.
(Clare 2013), in the present paper we demonstrate the existence of a remarkable coincidence
between the exact (decadel-scale) entry and departure dates of the Neolithic into/from the Aegean
(~6600/6050 calBC) with begin/end of RCC-conditions.
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During the last years different research projects are allowing us to study the earliest farming evidences in the Iberian Peninsula and Northern Morocco. The analyses of plant macroremains and use wear of lithic tools, in relation to the... more
During the last years different research projects are allowing us to study the earliest farming evidences in the Iberian Peninsula
and Northern Morocco. The analyses of plant macroremains and use wear of lithic tools, in relation to the chronology of the sites, are the subjects we deal with in this paper. When the number of studied sites increases in the near future the analyses will allow us to address the origin of the Neolithic in the Western Mediterranean.
and Northern Morocco. The analyses of plant macroremains and use wear of lithic tools, in relation to the chronology of the sites, are the subjects we deal with in this paper. When the number of studied sites increases in the near future the analyses will allow us to address the origin of the Neolithic in the Western Mediterranean.
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A set of six lithic tools, unearthed along 2011 in two karst sites of the Guadalteba County (Málaga, Spain), has been nondestructively investigated by Raman spectroscopy and laboratory x-ray diffraction. From a chemist’s point of view,... more
A set of six lithic tools, unearthed along 2011 in two karst sites of the Guadalteba County (Málaga, Spain), has been nondestructively investigated by Raman spectroscopy and laboratory x-ray diffraction. From a chemist’s point of view, our goal is to develop a systematic screening protocol for a quick, easy, low cost and nondestructive characterization of archaeological flints based on Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement. In this paper, we firstly made use of Raman spectroscopy to determine, in a semiquantitative way, but with the generic advantage of a faster data acquisition than x-ray diffraction, the surface content of moganite of each lithic tool, from the ratio between the relative intensities of the two Raman-active symmetric stretching vibrations (A1 modes) of α-quartz (465 cm−1) and moganite (501 cm−1). The precise bulk quartz/moganite weight content was then accurately quantified by means of high-quality x-ray diffraction, followed by Rietveld refinement. We found a general good correlation between Raman and x-ray data. Nonetheless, as recently reported in the scientific literature by other authors, the vibrational spectroscopic quantification of moganite in silica rocks like flint and chert have to be performed very cautiously, to avoid undesired interferences from other Raman features due to the eventual presence of silanol (SiOH) groups, which could finally lead to an overestimation of the surface moganite concentration. As reported in such a recent article, a useful treatment to reduce the interference from silanol-bands is to heat the samples prior to their Raman analysis at a minimum of 600 ºC (but better at 700 or 800 ºC) for silanol “dehydration”. This, in our opinion, may be for sure a satisfactory procedure when studying flint or chert samples of a “geological origin”. But not of practical use when studying lithic tools which were manufactured by men thousands and thousands of years ago.
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Abstract The following paper examines the climatic and cultural changes that occurred in the Eastern Sahara during the Holocene. The evidence is given from different areas of the absolute desert located on the Abu Muhariq Plateau... more
Abstract
The following paper examines the climatic and cultural changes that occurred in the Eastern Sahara during the Holocene. The evidence is given from different areas of the absolute desert located on the Abu Muhariq Plateau (Djara), in the Abu Ballas scarp-land (Eastpans) in the Great Sand Sea (Regenfeld) and in the Gilf Kebir (Wadi el Bakht, Wadi el Akhdar). Each area has also yielded an independent sequence of occupation patterns during the Holocene wet phase based on numerous 14C-dates from archaeological sites. Although the wider frame of climatic and environmental settings as well as the predominant cultural innovations was similar in all studied regions, the archaeological phenomena and thereby identified cultural processes were often quite different. Pottery played an important role during the entire period of occupation in the Gilf Kebir and is therefore the most important cultural marker in this area. The Regenfeld area yielded only a small amount of ceramic finds from the later occupation phase, whereas the Djara region showed 'aceramic' settlement units. Plant utilisation apparently increased in all areas during the mid-Holocene period. Up to now, we have not observed the introduction of livestock before the 6th millennium BC (calibrated), while at the inner Great Sand Sea remains of domesticated animals are lacking.
Keywords: Holocene, Eastern Sahara, climate, prehistory, chronology, 14C, domestication, stone tools, pottery.
The following paper examines the climatic and cultural changes that occurred in the Eastern Sahara during the Holocene. The evidence is given from different areas of the absolute desert located on the Abu Muhariq Plateau (Djara), in the Abu Ballas scarp-land (Eastpans) in the Great Sand Sea (Regenfeld) and in the Gilf Kebir (Wadi el Bakht, Wadi el Akhdar). Each area has also yielded an independent sequence of occupation patterns during the Holocene wet phase based on numerous 14C-dates from archaeological sites. Although the wider frame of climatic and environmental settings as well as the predominant cultural innovations was similar in all studied regions, the archaeological phenomena and thereby identified cultural processes were often quite different. Pottery played an important role during the entire period of occupation in the Gilf Kebir and is therefore the most important cultural marker in this area. The Regenfeld area yielded only a small amount of ceramic finds from the later occupation phase, whereas the Djara region showed 'aceramic' settlement units. Plant utilisation apparently increased in all areas during the mid-Holocene period. Up to now, we have not observed the introduction of livestock before the 6th millennium BC (calibrated), while at the inner Great Sand Sea remains of domesticated animals are lacking.
Keywords: Holocene, Eastern Sahara, climate, prehistory, chronology, 14C, domestication, stone tools, pottery.
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Shells of terrestrial gastropods (Helicidae, Sphincterochilidae) are common in rock shelter sediments and open-air sites of Iberomaurusian to Neolithic age in NE Morocco. Excavations at numerous sites in the eastern Rif yielded new... more
Shells of terrestrial gastropods (Helicidae, Sphincterochilidae) are common in rock shelter sediments and
open-air sites of Iberomaurusian to Neolithic age in NE Morocco. Excavations at numerous sites in the
eastern Rif yielded new sites with a rich record of well-preserved terrestrial gastropods, among which
species of the genera Otala, Sphincterochila and Alabastrina dominate. In sites with sediments younger
than 7500 calBP, such as Taghit Haddouch, Hassi Ouenzga, Ifri Oudadane, Ifri Armas and Mtlili, a high
percentage of shells were perforated in a regular manner. Narrow slots or squarish holes of a few millimetres
width cut into the second or third whorl are regularly found in an apical position of the shell.We
interpret these as evidence of human manipulation of the shell in order to facilitate consumption of the
snail body. We discuss these new findings in the context of the settlement of this part of North Africa by
different cultural groups.
open-air sites of Iberomaurusian to Neolithic age in NE Morocco. Excavations at numerous sites in the
eastern Rif yielded new sites with a rich record of well-preserved terrestrial gastropods, among which
species of the genera Otala, Sphincterochila and Alabastrina dominate. In sites with sediments younger
than 7500 calBP, such as Taghit Haddouch, Hassi Ouenzga, Ifri Oudadane, Ifri Armas and Mtlili, a high
percentage of shells were perforated in a regular manner. Narrow slots or squarish holes of a few millimetres
width cut into the second or third whorl are regularly found in an apical position of the shell.We
interpret these as evidence of human manipulation of the shell in order to facilitate consumption of the
snail body. We discuss these new findings in the context of the settlement of this part of North Africa by
different cultural groups.
This paper presents the Early and Late Neolithic pottery of Ifri Oudadane, a littoral shelter in Northeast Morocco containing both Epipalaeolithic as well as Neolithic deposits. The transition is indicated by the appearance of... more
This paper presents the Early and Late Neolithic pottery of Ifri Oudadane, a littoral shelter in Northeast Morocco containing both Epipalaeolithic as well as Neolithic deposits. The transition is indicated by the appearance of domesticated plant and animal species, pottery and diverse changes in lithic technology. A domesticated lentil dated to 7.6 ka cal BP may mark the onset of this transitional process. With the help of 22 14C-ages the Early Neolithic deposit can be subdivided in three phases (ENA, ENB, ENC). In addition, the ENC phase contained the remains of a sporadic Late Neolithic occupation. Pottery decoration of the initial ENA phase (7.6–7.3 ka cal BP) is dominated by single Cardium impressions forming horizontal and vertical bands of impressions arranged vertical, horizontal or oblique. The successive ENB phase represents the main occupation phase between 7.1 and 6.6 ka cal BP. By means of statistical methods its assemblage, which consists of 243 vessel units, could be further subdivided (ENB1, ENB2). While ENB1 (7.1–6.9 ka cal BP) is still characterised by single Cardium impressions, the transition to ENB2 is marked by the appearance of Cardium and, later, comb impressions made using rocker stamp technique as well as a few impressions of points and spatulas, striations and modelled applications. Thus the pottery assemblage of Ifri Oudadane offers insights into the first occurrence of pottery in Mediterranean Northwest Africa and opens up the possibility for an internal classification of the Early Neolithic.
The littoral site of Ifri Oudadane is one of the most important recently excavated sites in the Mediterranean Maghreb. The shelter presents Epipalaeolithic and Neolithic layers and therefore offers the possibility to investigate the... more
The littoral site of Ifri Oudadane is one of the most important recently excavated sites in the Mediterranean Maghreb. The shelter presents Epipalaeolithic and Neolithic layers and therefore offers the possibility to investigate the Neolithic transition in the region. Besides introducing the archaeological
context, this paper focuses on palaeobotanical data in order to reconstruct Holocene environmental change and human use of plant resources for the period c. 11 to 5.7 ka cal. BP. Results show intense landscape transformations resulting from anthropic and climatic factors. First human occupations start at the beginning of the Holocene with favourable conditions in this otherwise harsh semi-arid stretch of land. A wooded environment with evergreen sclerophyllous oaks and riparian forests is documented and exploited by hunter-gatherers. From c. 7.6 ka cal. BP farming activities are well attested together with significant human impact, herding pressure and a progressive decline of arboreal components. After 6.6 ka cal. BP conditions become less favourable and markers for aridity increase. Riparian taxa disappear (Alnus) or decrease (Fraxinus, Populus, Salix); shrubs (Tamarix) and grasses (Artemisia) increase with a degradation of forest into shrubland (macchia). During 6.6 and 6.0 ka cal. BP there is a general occupation gap in arid and semi-arid Morocco and evidence for that change is also found in the alluvial deposits of the Moulouya, NE Morocco. Indicators for food production decrease at the same time and the site is abandoned during the first half of the 6th millennium cal. BP.
context, this paper focuses on palaeobotanical data in order to reconstruct Holocene environmental change and human use of plant resources for the period c. 11 to 5.7 ka cal. BP. Results show intense landscape transformations resulting from anthropic and climatic factors. First human occupations start at the beginning of the Holocene with favourable conditions in this otherwise harsh semi-arid stretch of land. A wooded environment with evergreen sclerophyllous oaks and riparian forests is documented and exploited by hunter-gatherers. From c. 7.6 ka cal. BP farming activities are well attested together with significant human impact, herding pressure and a progressive decline of arboreal components. After 6.6 ka cal. BP conditions become less favourable and markers for aridity increase. Riparian taxa disappear (Alnus) or decrease (Fraxinus, Populus, Salix); shrubs (Tamarix) and grasses (Artemisia) increase with a degradation of forest into shrubland (macchia). During 6.6 and 6.0 ka cal. BP there is a general occupation gap in arid and semi-arid Morocco and evidence for that change is also found in the alluvial deposits of the Moulouya, NE Morocco. Indicators for food production decrease at the same time and the site is abandoned during the first half of the 6th millennium cal. BP.
El proyecto de investigación del cual exponemos aquí una síntesis de los primeros resultados se ha desarrollado gracias a la financiación de la Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia de Portugal (PTDC/HAH/64548/2006). Su formulación... more
El proyecto de investigación del cual exponemos aquí una síntesis de los primeros resultados se ha desarrollado gracias a la financiación de la Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia de Portugal (PTDC/HAH/64548/2006). Su formulación radica en el hecho de que las diferentes teorías que pretenden explicar el neolítico desde posicionamientos migracionistas o indigenistas excluyentes no llegan a dar respuestas satisfactorias a la complejidad inherente al proceso de adquisición de la economía productora. Desde este marco conceptual era necesario plantear un proyecto, necesariamente internacional por su contexto geográfico y pluridisciplinar por los ámbitos de estudio abarcados, que a través de la colaboración con otros equipos e investigadores del sur peninsular y norte de África, avanzase en el estudio de registros novedosos o ya previamente conocidos mediante nuevos enfoques metodológicos que dieran contenido a determinadas lagunas de información empírica, cuyos resultados contribuyesen a los actuales debates teóricos relativos a la neolitización en dichos territorios.
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The cultural sequence of the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene of Morocco displays three main techno-complexes: a Middle Palaeolithic, including a special facies called Aterian; an Upper Palaeolithic, separated into an early phase of... more
The cultural sequence of the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene of Morocco displays three main techno-complexes: a Middle Palaeolithic, including a special facies called Aterian; an Upper Palaeolithic, separated into an early phase of uncertain
configuration; a later phase, termed Iberomaurusian; and an Epipalaeolithic (Linstädter et al. 2012). The more or less homogeneous appearance of the Middle Palaeolithic in Southern Europe, the Near East and Northern Africa suggests a permeable circum-Mediterranean complex where late Pleistocene humans shared common lithic technologies. Admixture of Neanderthal genes with the gene pool of anatomic modern humans suggests that these humans in Africa and Europe belong to the same species and morphological differences must be classified to the subspecies
level only. Interstratifications of Middle Palaeolithic and Atérien levels indicate that tanged points only are not a sufficient marker to define a proper culture or techno-complex. The Aterian should therefore not be treated as an independent
cultural complex. The most enigmatic period in northern Africa is the transitional phase from the Middle to the Upper Palaeolithic. Sites and well defined assemblages from this
period are extremely rare. The character of human occupation and the accompanying technology during this time remains ambiguous. This crude and basically still unknown Early Upper Palaeolithic ends with the appearance of the Iberomaurusian.
It represents the best defined Palaeolithic culture of north-western Africa. In our terminology the Iberomaurusian is followed by an Epipalaeolithic that commences
around the Pleistocene Holocene boundary.
Detailed analysis of 191 available radiometric data in combination with stratigrafical evidence from multilayered sites gives insight into human settlement pattern
at various stages of the cultural sequence. Some 25 sites from Morocco provide evidence for the analysis.
configuration; a later phase, termed Iberomaurusian; and an Epipalaeolithic (Linstädter et al. 2012). The more or less homogeneous appearance of the Middle Palaeolithic in Southern Europe, the Near East and Northern Africa suggests a permeable circum-Mediterranean complex where late Pleistocene humans shared common lithic technologies. Admixture of Neanderthal genes with the gene pool of anatomic modern humans suggests that these humans in Africa and Europe belong to the same species and morphological differences must be classified to the subspecies
level only. Interstratifications of Middle Palaeolithic and Atérien levels indicate that tanged points only are not a sufficient marker to define a proper culture or techno-complex. The Aterian should therefore not be treated as an independent
cultural complex. The most enigmatic period in northern Africa is the transitional phase from the Middle to the Upper Palaeolithic. Sites and well defined assemblages from this
period are extremely rare. The character of human occupation and the accompanying technology during this time remains ambiguous. This crude and basically still unknown Early Upper Palaeolithic ends with the appearance of the Iberomaurusian.
It represents the best defined Palaeolithic culture of north-western Africa. In our terminology the Iberomaurusian is followed by an Epipalaeolithic that commences
around the Pleistocene Holocene boundary.
Detailed analysis of 191 available radiometric data in combination with stratigrafical evidence from multilayered sites gives insight into human settlement pattern
at various stages of the cultural sequence. Some 25 sites from Morocco provide evidence for the analysis.
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The Ardales Cave is known for its rich record of Palaeolithic cave art. Although bones including a human Mandibula and artefacts were found in the cave, it has never systematically been tested, whether the cave deposits themselves may... more
The Ardales Cave is known for its rich record of Palaeolithic
cave art. Although bones including a human Mandibula and
artefacts were found in the cave, it has never systematically
been tested, whether the cave deposits themselves may represent
valuable objects for archaeological research. Also,
the use of the “galarias altas” as a burial place during the
Holocene raises the question how this gallery was accessed
in the past. On the hillslope above the “galarias
altas“ we conducted 14 vibracorings to find evidence for a
second entrance. Also, we prepared several profiles within
the alluvial cone of the entrance hall and took selected
samples for sedimentological, geochemical and micromorphological
investigations, as well as radiocarbon dating.
cave art. Although bones including a human Mandibula and
artefacts were found in the cave, it has never systematically
been tested, whether the cave deposits themselves may represent
valuable objects for archaeological research. Also,
the use of the “galarias altas” as a burial place during the
Holocene raises the question how this gallery was accessed
in the past. On the hillslope above the “galarias
altas“ we conducted 14 vibracorings to find evidence for a
second entrance. Also, we prepared several profiles within
the alluvial cone of the entrance hall and took selected
samples for sedimentological, geochemical and micromorphological
investigations, as well as radiocarbon dating.
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Four samples were dated by luminescence in the Cologne Luminescence Laboratory (CLL) to provide information on the geochronological context of an earth oven exposed on a tidal flat close to Katka in the south eastern Sundarbans,... more
Four samples were dated by luminescence in the Cologne Luminescence Laboratory (CLL) to provide information on the geochronological context
of an earth oven exposed on a tidal flat close to Katka in the south eastern Sundarbans, Bangladesh. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) on
quartz was used to determine the last heating of the oven walls to more than 400 °C. This temperature is assumed to thermally erase the natural
luminescence signal of the sediments and to reset the luminescence clock to zero. Samples were taken from the oven walls using metal cylinders
and then prepared for OSL quartz measurements. Two different grain sizes (4-11 and 40-63 μm) were prepared to elaborate the influence of the
thermal resetting to the signal intensities and the precision of the equivalent dose (De) determination.
of an earth oven exposed on a tidal flat close to Katka in the south eastern Sundarbans, Bangladesh. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) on
quartz was used to determine the last heating of the oven walls to more than 400 °C. This temperature is assumed to thermally erase the natural
luminescence signal of the sediments and to reset the luminescence clock to zero. Samples were taken from the oven walls using metal cylinders
and then prepared for OSL quartz measurements. Two different grain sizes (4-11 and 40-63 μm) were prepared to elaborate the influence of the
thermal resetting to the signal intensities and the precision of the equivalent dose (De) determination.
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Archaeological layers of palaeolithic rockshelteres often represent palimpsests. Their buildup involves phases of enhanced sediment accumulation during occupation and strongly reduced sediment accumulation during abandonment of the site.... more
Archaeological layers of palaeolithic rockshelteres often represent
palimpsests. Their buildup involves phases of enhanced
sediment accumulation during occupation and strongly
reduced sediment accumulation during abandonment of the
site. Partial sediment erosion by anthropogenic or natural
processes may lead to loss of strata. Renewed occupation of
a site may then take place on old surfaces related with the
last, penultimate or even older occupations. Mixing of sediment
and archaeological materials by bioturbation, cryoturbation,
peloturbation or processes of mass movement along a
slope results in formation of cumulative palimpsests (e.g.,
Bailey 2007). Humans cause mixing by differential trampling,
raking out of fire residues and levelling of dwelling floors. All
mixing processes cause difficulties in establishing chronological
frameworks of sediment accumulation and occupation,
and in reconstructing spatial organization within the site.
palimpsests. Their buildup involves phases of enhanced
sediment accumulation during occupation and strongly
reduced sediment accumulation during abandonment of the
site. Partial sediment erosion by anthropogenic or natural
processes may lead to loss of strata. Renewed occupation of
a site may then take place on old surfaces related with the
last, penultimate or even older occupations. Mixing of sediment
and archaeological materials by bioturbation, cryoturbation,
peloturbation or processes of mass movement along a
slope results in formation of cumulative palimpsests (e.g.,
Bailey 2007). Humans cause mixing by differential trampling,
raking out of fire residues and levelling of dwelling floors. All
mixing processes cause difficulties in establishing chronological
frameworks of sediment accumulation and occupation,
and in reconstructing spatial organization within the site.
Research Interests:
The transition from hunter-gatherers to early food producing communities in Northwestern Africa is documented in few archaeological sites. Recently the sediment sequence of Ifri Oudadane (IOD, 45 m a.s.l.) gave insights into Late... more
The transition from hunter-gatherers to early food producing
communities in Northwestern Africa is documented in few archaeological
sites. Recently the sediment sequence of Ifri
Oudadane (IOD, 45 m a.s.l.) gave insights into Late
Epipalaeolithic/ Early Neolithic occupations at the Moroccan
coast documenting the onset of livestock penning in the area
(e.g., Linstädter and Kehl 2012). New excavations at the rock
shelter of Ifri N’Etsedda (INES, 303 m a.s.l.), located at less
than 10 km linear distance to the sea but separated from the
coast by the Kebdana Mountain range (~600 m a.s.l.) yield
information on contemporaneous occupations further inland.
We here present results of micromorphological investigations
on both sequences, which shed light on their mineral and organic
constituents, as well as processes of sediment formation
and post-depositional alteration. This information should
help elucidating the usage of these rock shelters and subsistence
practices during the early to middle Holocene.
communities in Northwestern Africa is documented in few archaeological
sites. Recently the sediment sequence of Ifri
Oudadane (IOD, 45 m a.s.l.) gave insights into Late
Epipalaeolithic/ Early Neolithic occupations at the Moroccan
coast documenting the onset of livestock penning in the area
(e.g., Linstädter and Kehl 2012). New excavations at the rock
shelter of Ifri N’Etsedda (INES, 303 m a.s.l.), located at less
than 10 km linear distance to the sea but separated from the
coast by the Kebdana Mountain range (~600 m a.s.l.) yield
information on contemporaneous occupations further inland.
We here present results of micromorphological investigations
on both sequences, which shed light on their mineral and organic
constituents, as well as processes of sediment formation
and post-depositional alteration. This information should
help elucidating the usage of these rock shelters and subsistence
practices during the early to middle Holocene.
Research Interests:
Within the scope of two German-Moroccan archaeological programs (”Rif oriental” and “Environment and Archaeology in Northeast Morocco - Geoarchaeological research in the Lower Moulouya Valley”) pottery used by Epipalaeolithic... more
Within the scope of two German-Moroccan archaeological
programs (”Rif oriental” and “Environment
and Archaeology in Northeast Morocco -
Geoarchaeological research in the Lower Moulouya
Valley”) pottery used by Epipalaeolithic
hunter-gatherer societies and Neolithic groups
was found in several excavation sites in Northern
Morocco (Linstädter 2008, Linstädter et al. (in
prep.). Mineralogical classification of pottery
composition allows for conclusions regarding
l differences in composition
l spread of pottery composition types and
l use of raw materials.
programs (”Rif oriental” and “Environment
and Archaeology in Northeast Morocco -
Geoarchaeological research in the Lower Moulouya
Valley”) pottery used by Epipalaeolithic
hunter-gatherer societies and Neolithic groups
was found in several excavation sites in Northern
Morocco (Linstädter 2008, Linstädter et al. (in
prep.). Mineralogical classification of pottery
composition allows for conclusions regarding
l differences in composition
l spread of pottery composition types and
l use of raw materials.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
In the framework of the general theme proposed by the UISPP for its 18th World Congress, this session aims to explore the economic, demographic and social responses to climate change in North Africa during the final Pleistocene and... more
In the framework of the general theme proposed by the UISPP for its 18th World Congress, this session aims to explore the economic, demographic and social responses to climate change in North Africa during the final Pleistocene and Holocene, bringing together specialists involved in innovative multidisciplinary projects. The phase of political instability that some North African countries have experienced in recent years has unavoidably affected the archaeological research taking place there. Archaeologists have been pushed to rethink and reset their research agendas, often leading them to shift their interests towards stabler and safer regions. In the long run, this trend may have as a whole easily led to biased reconstructions of population patterns and sociocultural dynamics of the North African context. As has clearly emerged recently (Lucarini ed. 2016), Africanist archaeologists have been able to minimize this risk through a successful combination of fieldwork techniques-when possible-and multidisciplinary cutting-edge analytical works. Research programmes combining strong archaeological science approaches, applied not only to freshly excavated materials/samples, but also to " cold cases " , and the spatial analysis of easily-accessible geographical and satellite data, have proved to be particularly effective tools in overcoming the difficulties that have prevented fieldwork in some regions. They have also allowed a better re-evaluation of archaeological materials and samples from old excavations stored in museums and laboratories. At the same time, in the study of rock art, the analysis of photographic fieldwork archives-also through image-based modelling, photo enhancement software, and the creation of open-access digital rock art databases-have allowed researchers to monitor archaeological site conditions and design risk-assessment strategies to preserve sites facing degradation because of climatic change, and/or human agency.
The session will highly encourage a diachronic and multidisciplinary debate among scholars working in North African countries and using different research methodologies. We particularly welcome the participation of colleagues working on palaeoenvironmental and palaeoeconomic reconstruction; spatial analysis; demographic modelling; analysis of material culture elements (especially in terms of technology and function); and mapping, analysis and protection of rock art repertoires.
As we did for the session organized by our Commission for the 17 th UISPP Congress held in Burgos in September 2014 (Lucarini ed. 2016), it is our intention to publish the proceedings of this session as a special issue in an international peer-reviewed journal.
References
Lucarini G. (ed.) 2016. The Neolithic from the Sahara to the southern Mediterranean coast: A review of the most recent research. Quaternary International, 410 Part A.
The session will highly encourage a diachronic and multidisciplinary debate among scholars working in North African countries and using different research methodologies. We particularly welcome the participation of colleagues working on palaeoenvironmental and palaeoeconomic reconstruction; spatial analysis; demographic modelling; analysis of material culture elements (especially in terms of technology and function); and mapping, analysis and protection of rock art repertoires.
As we did for the session organized by our Commission for the 17 th UISPP Congress held in Burgos in September 2014 (Lucarini ed. 2016), it is our intention to publish the proceedings of this session as a special issue in an international peer-reviewed journal.
References
Lucarini G. (ed.) 2016. The Neolithic from the Sahara to the southern Mediterranean coast: A review of the most recent research. Quaternary International, 410 Part A.
Research Interests:
Panaf 2018
Research Interests:
THANKS to friends and collegues I have recently (1st Dec 2017) been invited to a conference at Wien-OREA, which involved certain research topics of much surprise, if only to everybody not previously informed, and that was me. Attached... more
THANKS to friends and collegues I have recently
(1st Dec 2017) been invited to a conference at Wien-OREA,
which involved certain research topics of much surprise, if only
to everybody not previously informed, and that was me.
Attached are the proceedings.
(1st Dec 2017) been invited to a conference at Wien-OREA,
which involved certain research topics of much surprise, if only
to everybody not previously informed, and that was me.
Attached are the proceedings.
Research Interests:
The following paper examines the climatic and cultural changes that occurred in the Eastern Sahara during the Holocene. The evidence is given from different areas of the absolute desert located on the Abu... more
The following paper examines the climatic and cultural changes that occurred in the Eastern Sahara during the Holocene. The evidence is given from different areas of the absolute desert located on the Abu Muhariq Plateau (Djara), in the Abu Ballas scarp-land (Eastpans) in the Great Sand Sea (Regenfeld) and in the Gilf Kebir (Wadi el Bakht, Wadi el Akhdar). Each area has also yielded an independent sequence of occupation patterns during the Holocene wet phase based on numerous 14C-dates from archaeological sites. Although the wider frame of climatic and environmental settings as well as the predominant cultural innovations was similar in all studied regions, the archaeological phenomena and thereby identified cultural processes were often quite different. Pottery played an important role during the entire period of occupation in the Gilf Kebir and is therefore the most important cultural marker in this area. The Regenfeld area yielded only a small amount of ceramic finds from the later occupation
phase, whereas the Djara region showed 'aceramic' settlement units. Plant utilisation apparently increased in all areas during the mid-Holocene period. Up to now, we have not observed the introduction of livestock before the 6th millennium BC (calibrated), while at the inner Great Sand Sea remains of domesticated animals are lacking.
phase, whereas the Djara region showed 'aceramic' settlement units. Plant utilisation apparently increased in all areas during the mid-Holocene period. Up to now, we have not observed the introduction of livestock before the 6th millennium BC (calibrated), while at the inner Great Sand Sea remains of domesticated animals are lacking.