Geoarchaeological insights into a Neolithic combustion feature from Abric del Xicotó (northeastern Iberia).

Abstract

The Neolithic was a period of important cultural transformations across different regions. Applying state-of-the-art geoarchaeological techniques to archaeological sites from this period has shown to contribute relevant data on site formation processes and occupation dynamics. Combined microcontextual and biomolecular analysis of archaeological combustion features helps us approach fuel use, often associated to dung residues in Neolithic contexts, which offer an insight into herding strategies. Here, we present micromorphological, microremains (fecal spherulites, ash pseudomorphs, and phytoliths), and biomarker data (<i>n</i>-alkanes, fecal sterols, and bile acids) obtained from a Neolithic combustion feature at Abric del Xicotó (Alòs de Balaguer, Lleida, Spain). Preliminary data shed light on the functionality of the combustion feature, the presence of husbandry activity at the rockshelter, and the nature of the animals and their diet. This research adds detail to the existing Neolithic archaeological record of the northeastern Iberian Peninsula.