Maria Sana | Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (original) (raw)

Papers by Maria Sana

Paléorient, 1999

... VON DEN DRIESCH Institut fiir Palaeoanatomie und Geschichte der Tiermedizin Tierarztliche Fak... more ... VON DEN DRIESCH Institut fiir Palaeoanatomie und Geschichte der Tiermedizin Tierarztliche Fakultat Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen D-80539 Munchen Germany Daniel HELMER UPR 7537, CNRS IPO Jalès F-07460 Berrias France Maria SANA SEGUI UPR 7537 ...

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2019

Sheep were the most important species in the first domestic flocks in the Early Neolithic in the ... more Sheep were the most important species in the first domestic flocks in the Early Neolithic in the Iberian Peninsula. However, their study has tended to stress their role as a fossil guide of the neolithization process rather than their economic importance. The process of their introduction and the initial sheep management and exploitation practices in the Pyrenean sector of the Ebro river basin are studied here based on two sites in this region (Cueva de Chaves and Espluga de la Puyascada). The age and sex composition of the flocks and comparative biometric analysis are the main variables used, and the data obtained are contextualized within the general panorama in the Iberian Peninsula and the western Mediterranean. The results show that sheep were rapidly introduced and included in subsistence strategies and that they maintained homogenous metrical characteristics during the Early Neolithic. The implications of the data for the debate on the neolithization process in the Iberian Peninsula are then discussed.

The socio-economic relevance of domesticated animals during the Early Neolithic in the Iberian Pe... more The socio-economic relevance of domesticated animals during the Early Neolithic in the Iberian Peninsula is indisputable, yet we essentially know little about the way they were managed. Among domesticated animals, pig (Sus domesticus) was a common food source and previous studies have shown the potential of stable isotopes for assessing variability in pig diet in relation to husbandry practices. Nevertheless, this approach has never been applied to the earliest pigs in the Iberian Peninsula. We analyzed the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope composition of pig bone collagen from several Early Neolithic sites in the NE Iberian Peninsula. While pig δ13C values were similar across different populations, there were significant differences in δ15N values between sites. These are attributed to different pig husbandry systems, which may reflect distinct social and spatial organization and interaction with environmental conditions during the Early Neolithic in this region.

We examine the third millennium cal. BC levels from the small rockshelter of Bauma del Serrat del... more We examine the third millennium cal. BC levels from the small rockshelter of Bauma del Serrat del Pont. The site was settled by a small group, building a perishable structure except in the II. 5 level. Some evidence suggests a seasonal occupation of the site. Multidisciplinary research shows a broad spectrum of local resources involved in the dairy life of this people, including those related to metallurgical activity. We find very old tin alloys, plain or bell beaker decorated pot-furnaces (used to smelt copper ores) and clay tuyeres.Se presentan los resultados de la excavación en los niveles del III milenio cal. AC del pequeño abrigo rocoso de la Bauma del Serrat del Pont. El yacimiento fue ocupado por un grupo pequeño que organizó el espacio interno con una estructura de material perecedero, excepto en el nivel II.5. Algunos datos indican que las ocupaciones pudieron tener un carácter estacional. Los estudios multidisciplinares reconstruyen un aprovechamiento diversificado de rec...

Diversity of Sacrifice. Form and function of sacrificial practices in the ancient world and beyond, 2016

In the early-Holocene, animal domestication processes entailed important changes to the subsisten... more In the early-Holocene, animal domestication processes entailed important changes to the subsistence strategies of Neolithic populations. Among the first domestic species, pigs played a key role as they soon came to be one of the main sources of meat. Several methodological approaches have been followed in archaeology to differentiate between wild and domestic forms in the faunal remains found at early Neolithic sites. Among these, biometry is essential. The biometric analysis applied to a significant sample of Sus domesticus and Sus scrofa remains from 53 sites in the Iberian Peninsula dated between 10,000 and 800 cal. BC reveals differential dynamics between the wild and domestic forms resulting from changes in the climate during that time and the increasingly systematic selective pressure of husbandry. Whereas the wild animals increased in size, the inverse tendency is documented in the domestic population, which gradually decreased in size after the early Neolithic. The point of greatest divergence is seen in the Bronze Age. Significant differences are also documented in different geographic areas, which corroborates the influence of climate on the physical characteristics of wild populations. The range of variability in each population also differs chronologically as it is relatively greater in the Neolithic, which may be connected with the existence of different ways of adopting and breeding domestic pig among the first Neolithic communities, some of which may have involved continuous cross-breeding between the two populations. The results are an initial point of reference for the classification of archaeological remains of prehistoric pig in the Iberian Peninsula, a key area for the study of the dynamics of neolithisation.

Es permet la generació d'obres derivades sempre que no s'en faci un ús comercial. Tampoc es pot u... more Es permet la generació d'obres derivades sempre que no s'en faci un ús comercial. Tampoc es pot utilitzar l'obra original amb finalitats comercials. En qualsevol explotació de l'obra autoritzada per la llicència caldrà reconèixer l'autoria.

In the absence of any direct evidence, the relative importance of meat and dairy productions to N... more In the absence of any direct evidence, the relative importance of meat and dairy productions to Neolithic prehistoric Mediterranean communities has been extensively debated. Here, we combine lipid residue analysis of ceramic vessels with osteo-archaeological age-at-death analysis from 82 northern Mediterranean and Near Eastern sites dating from the seventh to fifth millennia BC to address this question. The findings show variable intensities in dairy and nondairy activities in the Mediterranean region with the slaughter profiles of domesticated ruminants mirroring the results of the organic residue analyses. The finding of milk residues in very early Neolithic pottery (seventh millennium BC) from both the east and west of the region contrasts with much lower intensities in sites of northern Greece, where pig bones are present in higher frequencies compared with other locations. In this region, the slaughter profiles of all domesticated ruminants suggest meat production predominated. Overall, it appears that milk or the by-products of milk was an important foodstuff, which may have contributed significantly to the spread of these cultural groups by providing a nourishing and sustainable product for early farming communities.

This paper presents the multi-disciplinary sampling strategy that has been applied at the archaeo... more This paper presents the multi-disciplinary sampling strategy that has been applied at the archaeological site of La Draga during the last three fieldwork campaigns (2010–2012). A preliminary evaluation of the results is presented in order to discuss the efficiency of the strategy in answering the outlined scientific questions. The strategies applied for faunal remains (one hundred per cent recovery), wood remains (selective sampling) and charcoal remains (random sampling of twenty-five fragments per square) proved to be
successful. The anticipated levels for ichthyofauna, entomofauna and nonligneous plant macroremains were not attained using this sampling strategy. Some explanations for this are proposed (e.g. high degree of erosion of the archaeological layer). Further guidelines for future work are established. This strategy could be applied to other Mediterranean wetland sites.

The most significant characteristic of the Neolithic site of La Draga is, undoubtedly, the superb... more The most significant characteristic of the Neolithic site of La Draga is, undoubtedly, the superb preservation of organic matter. The characteristics of the site make it necessary to develop a protocol that begins during the excavation. Wooden objects are registered by photogrammetry and a systematic documentation which involves determining the species, the record of technological and functional traces, 3D scanning and sampling is done. The methods for the conservation of organic materials involve preventive treatment in the field, lyophilization and monitoring the subsequent post-preservation.

El hecho más relevante del yacimiento neolítico de La Draga es sin duda la magnífica conservación de la materia orgánica. Las características del yacimiento hacen necesario desarrollar un protocolo de actuación que se inicia ya durante la excavación. Se lleva a cabo una exhaustiva documentación de los objetos de madera que comporta el registro por fotogrametría, la determinación de la especie, el registro de huellas tecnológicas y funcionales, escaneado 3D y toma de muestras. Los métodos utilizados para la conservación implican el tratamiento preventivo en el campo, la posterior liofilización y seguimiento post-conservación de los materiales orgánicos.

The discovery in 2012 of a complete yew bow (Taxus baccata) in the lakeside Neolithic site of La ... more The discovery in 2012 of a complete yew bow (Taxus baccata) in the lakeside Neolithic site of La Draga, together with two more fragmented bows from previous field seasons, are the oldest evidence of archery among farming communities in Europe. This group of bows has allowed different aspects of prehistoric archery to be considered. Firstly with regard to the manufacturing processes of these weapons, which show great uniformity in terms of the raw material used, but some variety in shapes and sizes. Secondly about the socioeconomic significance of weapons in societies which no longer based their economy on hunting and gathering

Animals have played and continue to play an important role in certain ceremonies and rituals. Dur... more Animals have played and continue to play an important role in certain ceremonies and rituals. During the course of such activities, the animal may be present in a living state and may or may not witness its own sacrifice, it may be dead, or it may serve as a raw material or product of a ceremony or rite. The abandonment of the remains as a result of such practices (sacrifices, offerings, banquets) can lead to the formation of samples of faunal remains with a given taxonomic and anatomic composition. In the case of excavation of the 362 pit of Iron Age “Mas Castellar de Pontós” site (Girona, Spain), the different associations of archaeological materials led us to consider that the faunal remains recovered at the different established levels may have formed part of the remains resulting from a collective ceremonial consumption. The study of the 1309 large mammal remains recovered is therefore essential if we are to understand the nature and dynamics of the ceremony and its significance and importance in the framework of the social and political relations that governed the life of the inhabitants of this settlement.

The change in cattle size during the late Iron Age and the Early Roman period is a widely known p... more The change in cattle size during the late Iron Age and the Early Roman period is a widely known phenomenon. However, hardly any information is available about this change and its causes in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula. In order to shed more light on this issue, variations of cattle size and shape through the analysis of Bos taurus remains from ten archaeological sites located in the northeast Iberia and occupied from the middle fifth century BC to the third century AD are examined in this paper. Osteometric postcranial and teeth analyses show a clear change in cattle size and shape during the Romanization period at newly founded sites. This change is documented at all the sites from the Early Roman period. Genetically, authenticated results from a short fragment of the mitochondrial d-loop were obtained from 6 cattle metacarpals out of 33 tested. They affiliate to the main European taurine haplogroup T/T3. The integration of the available data including the archaeological background suggests that the presence of these morphologically different cattle, introduced during the Romanization period, was more pronounced at sites interpreted as villas and trading posts, rather than at cities during the Early Roman period.

Animals have played an important role in certain ceremonies or rites in the past. During such act... more Animals have played an important role in certain ceremonies or rites in the past. During such activities, animals may have been alive, dead or been used as raw material. The disposal of detritus from these practices can lead to the formation of faunal assemblages with a particular taxonomic and anatomic composition. At the Iron Age 'Mas Castellar de Pontós' site (Girona, Spain), associations of archaeological materials excavated from Pit feature FS362 were suggestive of deposits arising from collective ceremonial consumption. Analysis of the 1309 mammal remains recovered from this feature is used to determine the nature and dynamics of the ceremony. At the same time, the relationship of these faunal remains with the other archaeological materials recovered in the pit will allow light to be shed on the significance and importance of these ceremonies in the framework of the social and political relations that governed the life of the inhabitants of this settlement.

Saguntum extra-9, 2010

The aim of this paper is to provide a state of the research on the eating habits concerning the I... more The aim of this paper is to provide a state of the research on the eating habits concerning the Iron Age populations of Catalonia, with particular attention to the Iberian period, under the Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya project "Eating and Drinking in the periphery of the Graeco-Roman world: cultural and food habits of the northern Iberian (6 th -2 nd cent. BCE)". The main goal of this project is the study of food habits in the Catalan Iberian world from a global and interdisciplinary approach that considers all aspects of the food phenomenon (technical, instrumental, social, cognitive) as an expression of a specific cultural reality.

This paper presents the interdisciplinary study of the recent prehistory occupations (Neolithic a... more This paper presents the interdisciplinary study of the recent prehistory occupations (Neolithic and Early Bronze) found during the construction of El Liceu's new conservatoire, In Barcelona's El Raval district. Occupational remains correspond to a settlement with traces of combustion structures and other support elements. It emphaises the preservation of some magnificent fireplaces and a set of archeological abiotic and biotic materials that can increase knowledge of tge first farming communities in the Barcleona plain.

A series of burials dated to the second half of the Vth millennium cal BCE were discovered in cov... more A series of burials dated to the second half of the Vth millennium cal BCE were discovered in cova de Can Sadurní. These allow a first definition of a collective funerary model that could have been practiced in several caves of the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. The forced flexed position of the individuals indicates that the corpses must have been deposited inside a strongly-tied shroud. The individuals were not buried but deposited on the ground. It is calculated that this funerary episode lasted between 130 and 400 years.

The Early Neolithic site of La Draga (Banyoles, NE Iberian Peninsula) represents an exceptional e... more The Early Neolithic site of La Draga (Banyoles, NE Iberian Peninsula) represents an exceptional example of lacustrine setllement. As important characteristics, this site is relevant because the archaeological layer stayed partly under the water table until present times, thus allowing a good preservation of wood and other organic remains. A continued occupation of the settlement during ca. 300 years has been demonstrated. However, two phases of occupation with distinctive constructive traditions have been observed: Phase I (5324-4977 cal BC) and Phase II (5210-4796 cal BC). We present a preliminay ichtyoarchaeological study of the fish remains, which have been recovered during the 2010-2011 excavation campaign using a microsieving process (wash-over technique) in sector D, levels VII and VIII (both belonging to Phase I). This particular technique has enabled the recovery of fish remains which otherwise would have been very difficult to recover. To date a hundred of remains have been analysed and two species of freshwater fishes have been classified, Anguilla anguilla and Squalius cephalus. Both species have been studied from a taxonomic, taphonomic and resource management point of view to improve the knowledge about the fish as a food resource for farming societes.

Paléorient, 1999

... VON DEN DRIESCH Institut fiir Palaeoanatomie und Geschichte der Tiermedizin Tierarztliche Fak... more ... VON DEN DRIESCH Institut fiir Palaeoanatomie und Geschichte der Tiermedizin Tierarztliche Fakultat Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen D-80539 Munchen Germany Daniel HELMER UPR 7537, CNRS IPO Jalès F-07460 Berrias France Maria SANA SEGUI UPR 7537 ...

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2019

Sheep were the most important species in the first domestic flocks in the Early Neolithic in the ... more Sheep were the most important species in the first domestic flocks in the Early Neolithic in the Iberian Peninsula. However, their study has tended to stress their role as a fossil guide of the neolithization process rather than their economic importance. The process of their introduction and the initial sheep management and exploitation practices in the Pyrenean sector of the Ebro river basin are studied here based on two sites in this region (Cueva de Chaves and Espluga de la Puyascada). The age and sex composition of the flocks and comparative biometric analysis are the main variables used, and the data obtained are contextualized within the general panorama in the Iberian Peninsula and the western Mediterranean. The results show that sheep were rapidly introduced and included in subsistence strategies and that they maintained homogenous metrical characteristics during the Early Neolithic. The implications of the data for the debate on the neolithization process in the Iberian Peninsula are then discussed.

The socio-economic relevance of domesticated animals during the Early Neolithic in the Iberian Pe... more The socio-economic relevance of domesticated animals during the Early Neolithic in the Iberian Peninsula is indisputable, yet we essentially know little about the way they were managed. Among domesticated animals, pig (Sus domesticus) was a common food source and previous studies have shown the potential of stable isotopes for assessing variability in pig diet in relation to husbandry practices. Nevertheless, this approach has never been applied to the earliest pigs in the Iberian Peninsula. We analyzed the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope composition of pig bone collagen from several Early Neolithic sites in the NE Iberian Peninsula. While pig δ13C values were similar across different populations, there were significant differences in δ15N values between sites. These are attributed to different pig husbandry systems, which may reflect distinct social and spatial organization and interaction with environmental conditions during the Early Neolithic in this region.

We examine the third millennium cal. BC levels from the small rockshelter of Bauma del Serrat del... more We examine the third millennium cal. BC levels from the small rockshelter of Bauma del Serrat del Pont. The site was settled by a small group, building a perishable structure except in the II. 5 level. Some evidence suggests a seasonal occupation of the site. Multidisciplinary research shows a broad spectrum of local resources involved in the dairy life of this people, including those related to metallurgical activity. We find very old tin alloys, plain or bell beaker decorated pot-furnaces (used to smelt copper ores) and clay tuyeres.Se presentan los resultados de la excavación en los niveles del III milenio cal. AC del pequeño abrigo rocoso de la Bauma del Serrat del Pont. El yacimiento fue ocupado por un grupo pequeño que organizó el espacio interno con una estructura de material perecedero, excepto en el nivel II.5. Algunos datos indican que las ocupaciones pudieron tener un carácter estacional. Los estudios multidisciplinares reconstruyen un aprovechamiento diversificado de rec...

Diversity of Sacrifice. Form and function of sacrificial practices in the ancient world and beyond, 2016

In the early-Holocene, animal domestication processes entailed important changes to the subsisten... more In the early-Holocene, animal domestication processes entailed important changes to the subsistence strategies of Neolithic populations. Among the first domestic species, pigs played a key role as they soon came to be one of the main sources of meat. Several methodological approaches have been followed in archaeology to differentiate between wild and domestic forms in the faunal remains found at early Neolithic sites. Among these, biometry is essential. The biometric analysis applied to a significant sample of Sus domesticus and Sus scrofa remains from 53 sites in the Iberian Peninsula dated between 10,000 and 800 cal. BC reveals differential dynamics between the wild and domestic forms resulting from changes in the climate during that time and the increasingly systematic selective pressure of husbandry. Whereas the wild animals increased in size, the inverse tendency is documented in the domestic population, which gradually decreased in size after the early Neolithic. The point of greatest divergence is seen in the Bronze Age. Significant differences are also documented in different geographic areas, which corroborates the influence of climate on the physical characteristics of wild populations. The range of variability in each population also differs chronologically as it is relatively greater in the Neolithic, which may be connected with the existence of different ways of adopting and breeding domestic pig among the first Neolithic communities, some of which may have involved continuous cross-breeding between the two populations. The results are an initial point of reference for the classification of archaeological remains of prehistoric pig in the Iberian Peninsula, a key area for the study of the dynamics of neolithisation.

Es permet la generació d'obres derivades sempre que no s'en faci un ús comercial. Tampoc es pot u... more Es permet la generació d'obres derivades sempre que no s'en faci un ús comercial. Tampoc es pot utilitzar l'obra original amb finalitats comercials. En qualsevol explotació de l'obra autoritzada per la llicència caldrà reconèixer l'autoria.

In the absence of any direct evidence, the relative importance of meat and dairy productions to N... more In the absence of any direct evidence, the relative importance of meat and dairy productions to Neolithic prehistoric Mediterranean communities has been extensively debated. Here, we combine lipid residue analysis of ceramic vessels with osteo-archaeological age-at-death analysis from 82 northern Mediterranean and Near Eastern sites dating from the seventh to fifth millennia BC to address this question. The findings show variable intensities in dairy and nondairy activities in the Mediterranean region with the slaughter profiles of domesticated ruminants mirroring the results of the organic residue analyses. The finding of milk residues in very early Neolithic pottery (seventh millennium BC) from both the east and west of the region contrasts with much lower intensities in sites of northern Greece, where pig bones are present in higher frequencies compared with other locations. In this region, the slaughter profiles of all domesticated ruminants suggest meat production predominated. Overall, it appears that milk or the by-products of milk was an important foodstuff, which may have contributed significantly to the spread of these cultural groups by providing a nourishing and sustainable product for early farming communities.

This paper presents the multi-disciplinary sampling strategy that has been applied at the archaeo... more This paper presents the multi-disciplinary sampling strategy that has been applied at the archaeological site of La Draga during the last three fieldwork campaigns (2010–2012). A preliminary evaluation of the results is presented in order to discuss the efficiency of the strategy in answering the outlined scientific questions. The strategies applied for faunal remains (one hundred per cent recovery), wood remains (selective sampling) and charcoal remains (random sampling of twenty-five fragments per square) proved to be
successful. The anticipated levels for ichthyofauna, entomofauna and nonligneous plant macroremains were not attained using this sampling strategy. Some explanations for this are proposed (e.g. high degree of erosion of the archaeological layer). Further guidelines for future work are established. This strategy could be applied to other Mediterranean wetland sites.

The most significant characteristic of the Neolithic site of La Draga is, undoubtedly, the superb... more The most significant characteristic of the Neolithic site of La Draga is, undoubtedly, the superb preservation of organic matter. The characteristics of the site make it necessary to develop a protocol that begins during the excavation. Wooden objects are registered by photogrammetry and a systematic documentation which involves determining the species, the record of technological and functional traces, 3D scanning and sampling is done. The methods for the conservation of organic materials involve preventive treatment in the field, lyophilization and monitoring the subsequent post-preservation.

El hecho más relevante del yacimiento neolítico de La Draga es sin duda la magnífica conservación de la materia orgánica. Las características del yacimiento hacen necesario desarrollar un protocolo de actuación que se inicia ya durante la excavación. Se lleva a cabo una exhaustiva documentación de los objetos de madera que comporta el registro por fotogrametría, la determinación de la especie, el registro de huellas tecnológicas y funcionales, escaneado 3D y toma de muestras. Los métodos utilizados para la conservación implican el tratamiento preventivo en el campo, la posterior liofilización y seguimiento post-conservación de los materiales orgánicos.

The discovery in 2012 of a complete yew bow (Taxus baccata) in the lakeside Neolithic site of La ... more The discovery in 2012 of a complete yew bow (Taxus baccata) in the lakeside Neolithic site of La Draga, together with two more fragmented bows from previous field seasons, are the oldest evidence of archery among farming communities in Europe. This group of bows has allowed different aspects of prehistoric archery to be considered. Firstly with regard to the manufacturing processes of these weapons, which show great uniformity in terms of the raw material used, but some variety in shapes and sizes. Secondly about the socioeconomic significance of weapons in societies which no longer based their economy on hunting and gathering

Animals have played and continue to play an important role in certain ceremonies and rituals. Dur... more Animals have played and continue to play an important role in certain ceremonies and rituals. During the course of such activities, the animal may be present in a living state and may or may not witness its own sacrifice, it may be dead, or it may serve as a raw material or product of a ceremony or rite. The abandonment of the remains as a result of such practices (sacrifices, offerings, banquets) can lead to the formation of samples of faunal remains with a given taxonomic and anatomic composition. In the case of excavation of the 362 pit of Iron Age “Mas Castellar de Pontós” site (Girona, Spain), the different associations of archaeological materials led us to consider that the faunal remains recovered at the different established levels may have formed part of the remains resulting from a collective ceremonial consumption. The study of the 1309 large mammal remains recovered is therefore essential if we are to understand the nature and dynamics of the ceremony and its significance and importance in the framework of the social and political relations that governed the life of the inhabitants of this settlement.

The change in cattle size during the late Iron Age and the Early Roman period is a widely known p... more The change in cattle size during the late Iron Age and the Early Roman period is a widely known phenomenon. However, hardly any information is available about this change and its causes in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula. In order to shed more light on this issue, variations of cattle size and shape through the analysis of Bos taurus remains from ten archaeological sites located in the northeast Iberia and occupied from the middle fifth century BC to the third century AD are examined in this paper. Osteometric postcranial and teeth analyses show a clear change in cattle size and shape during the Romanization period at newly founded sites. This change is documented at all the sites from the Early Roman period. Genetically, authenticated results from a short fragment of the mitochondrial d-loop were obtained from 6 cattle metacarpals out of 33 tested. They affiliate to the main European taurine haplogroup T/T3. The integration of the available data including the archaeological background suggests that the presence of these morphologically different cattle, introduced during the Romanization period, was more pronounced at sites interpreted as villas and trading posts, rather than at cities during the Early Roman period.

Animals have played an important role in certain ceremonies or rites in the past. During such act... more Animals have played an important role in certain ceremonies or rites in the past. During such activities, animals may have been alive, dead or been used as raw material. The disposal of detritus from these practices can lead to the formation of faunal assemblages with a particular taxonomic and anatomic composition. At the Iron Age 'Mas Castellar de Pontós' site (Girona, Spain), associations of archaeological materials excavated from Pit feature FS362 were suggestive of deposits arising from collective ceremonial consumption. Analysis of the 1309 mammal remains recovered from this feature is used to determine the nature and dynamics of the ceremony. At the same time, the relationship of these faunal remains with the other archaeological materials recovered in the pit will allow light to be shed on the significance and importance of these ceremonies in the framework of the social and political relations that governed the life of the inhabitants of this settlement.

Saguntum extra-9, 2010

The aim of this paper is to provide a state of the research on the eating habits concerning the I... more The aim of this paper is to provide a state of the research on the eating habits concerning the Iron Age populations of Catalonia, with particular attention to the Iberian period, under the Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya project "Eating and Drinking in the periphery of the Graeco-Roman world: cultural and food habits of the northern Iberian (6 th -2 nd cent. BCE)". The main goal of this project is the study of food habits in the Catalan Iberian world from a global and interdisciplinary approach that considers all aspects of the food phenomenon (technical, instrumental, social, cognitive) as an expression of a specific cultural reality.

This paper presents the interdisciplinary study of the recent prehistory occupations (Neolithic a... more This paper presents the interdisciplinary study of the recent prehistory occupations (Neolithic and Early Bronze) found during the construction of El Liceu's new conservatoire, In Barcelona's El Raval district. Occupational remains correspond to a settlement with traces of combustion structures and other support elements. It emphaises the preservation of some magnificent fireplaces and a set of archeological abiotic and biotic materials that can increase knowledge of tge first farming communities in the Barcleona plain.

A series of burials dated to the second half of the Vth millennium cal BCE were discovered in cov... more A series of burials dated to the second half of the Vth millennium cal BCE were discovered in cova de Can Sadurní. These allow a first definition of a collective funerary model that could have been practiced in several caves of the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. The forced flexed position of the individuals indicates that the corpses must have been deposited inside a strongly-tied shroud. The individuals were not buried but deposited on the ground. It is calculated that this funerary episode lasted between 130 and 400 years.

The Early Neolithic site of La Draga (Banyoles, NE Iberian Peninsula) represents an exceptional e... more The Early Neolithic site of La Draga (Banyoles, NE Iberian Peninsula) represents an exceptional example of lacustrine setllement. As important characteristics, this site is relevant because the archaeological layer stayed partly under the water table until present times, thus allowing a good preservation of wood and other organic remains. A continued occupation of the settlement during ca. 300 years has been demonstrated. However, two phases of occupation with distinctive constructive traditions have been observed: Phase I (5324-4977 cal BC) and Phase II (5210-4796 cal BC). We present a preliminay ichtyoarchaeological study of the fish remains, which have been recovered during the 2010-2011 excavation campaign using a microsieving process (wash-over technique) in sector D, levels VII and VIII (both belonging to Phase I). This particular technique has enabled the recovery of fish remains which otherwise would have been very difficult to recover. To date a hundred of remains have been analysed and two species of freshwater fishes have been classified, Anguilla anguilla and Squalius cephalus. Both species have been studied from a taxonomic, taphonomic and resource management point of view to improve the knowledge about the fish as a food resource for farming societes.

Mountain sites are usually seen as sites connected to pastoral or transhumant activities. This pa... more Mountain sites are usually seen as sites connected to pastoral or transhumant activities. This paper proposes an alternative interpretation for Neolithic mountain sites found in the southern Pyrenean slopes. The archaeobotanical and archaeozoological record of highland and lowland sites from this region is compared in order to observe any differences in crop and animal husbandry. Available data indicate that mountain sites present a similar record to the one observed in the lowlands. Most sites show clear evidence of permanent activity, including agriculture, as well as other practices connected to medium- to long-term strategies like storage of plant products. We propose that more integrated analyses are needed in this and other regions to fully characterize mountain economy during the Neolithic, since no clear evidence of pastoralism or transhumance has been found.