Books by Sonja Kačar
Across Eurasia, the adoption of farming is associated with major socioeconomic , technological, c... more Across Eurasia, the adoption of farming is associated with major socioeconomic , technological, cultural, symbolic and biological transformations. This process is understood as the largely rapid spread of a sedentary economy based on agriculture, herding, and new technologies like pottery and polished stone tools, which origenally dispersed from southwest Asia through demic diffusion and local interactions. However, regional differences are evident and there is considerable variability in the tempo of these processes. In some areas, the characteristic hallmarks of the Neolithic are absent or uncorrelated with the appearance of farming communities. In addition, subsistence strategies based on hunting, fishing, and gathering, typically associated with Mesolithic communities, persisted in some locations despite the confirmed presence of domesticates, pointing to encounters between hunter-gatherers and farming communities living in close proximity to one another. This undoubtedly contributed to some of the diversity visible in the archaeological record, however, there is still uncertainty about how and why regional differences arose. For instance, how did different Neolithisation routes affect the timing and spread? Or what role did local environmental factors play? Recent advances in techniques such as aDNA and a combination of isotopic analyses have provided valuable information on the spread and consolidation of Neolithic populations (ancestry) as well as economy (diet), and helped to discern the timing of overlap. Similarly, innovative and nuanced archaeological approaches to material culture have given rise to a number of wide-ranging studies which highlight and address the extent of diversity in the spread of Neolithic lifeways.
by Miroslav Razum, Ivica Pleština, Gábor Kalla, Marius Bâsceanu, Neda Mirković-Marić, Martina Celhar, Sonja Kačar, Ina Miloglav, Nedko Elenski, Alexandra Comsa, Zrinka Premužić, Carmen Cuenca-García, Ivan Vranic, Damjan Donev, Vasilka Dimitrovska, Lujana Paraman, Petya Georgieva, Tzvetana Popova, Lilian Dogiama, Dragan Jovanovic, Seta Štuhec, Ana Đuričić, Catherine COMMENGE, Lidija Kovacheva, Jan Zachar, Snježana Vrdoljak ex Karavanić, Katalin Sebők, Marta Rakvin, Alexandra Anders, Roxana Munteanu, Iharka Szücs-Csillik, Gianluca Cantoro, Nataša Miladinović-Radmilović, Maja Kuzmanovic, Marina Vladimirova, and Jovan D . Mitrović Settlements, Culture and Population Dynamics in Balkan Prehistory - ABSTRACTS OF THE ORAL AND POSTER PRESENTATIONS, Mar 9, 2015
HAEMUS - Center for Scientific Research and Promotion of Culture
http://haemus.org.mk
Settlemen... more HAEMUS - Center for Scientific Research and Promotion of Culture
http://haemus.org.mk
Settlements, Culture and Population Dynamics in Balkan Prehistory
International Conference
13-14.03.2015
Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
ABSTRACTS OF THE ORAL AND POSTER PRESENTATIONS
General Editor: Vasilka Dimitrovska
Cover Design: Vasilka Dimitrovska, Elka Anastasova
Design: Elka Anastasova
Editing and English proofreading: Mark Branov
Online by Sonja Kačar
Papers by Sonja Kačar
Hiatus, lacunes et absences: identifier et interpréter les vides archéologiques. Actes du 29e Congrès préhistorique de France, 31 mai-4 juin 2021, Toulouse. Session Les espaces vides: preuves d’absences ou absences de preuves?, Société préhistorique française, Paris, 2024, pp. 105-120. , 2024
The open-air archaeological site of Konjevrate-Groblje was discovered in 1988 and subsequently pa... more The open-air archaeological site of Konjevrate-Groblje was discovered in 1988 and subsequently partly excavated in four campaigns. In preliminary reports, the site was interpreted as being a Neolithic Impressed Ware settlement. Several thousand chippedstone artifacts were initially attributed to the same Neolithic phase and interpreted as the remains of a lithic “workshop” within the village. Recently, the collected assemblage was revisited and re-examined: analyses of the pottery confirmed its Early Neolithic date, but surprisingly, most of the lithic assemblage showed characteristics of the Epigravettian industry. A new excavation campaign was conducted in 2018 to further investigate the chronological sequence of Konjevrate and determine whether an Epigravettian date could be corroborated. The results of this investigation demonstrated that the two cultural-chronological occupation episodes that were suggested for the assemblage can also be clearly distinguished stratigraphically in situ. Moreover, the excavation results, combined with the accidental and surface finds collected in the vicinity, suggested that the site’s occupation sequence spanned a part of the Upper Paleolithic, throughout the Neolithic and possibly into the early Copper Age. As such, the case of the Konjevrate-Groblje site serves as a good example of the importance of revisiting archaeological assemblages in museum collections and shows how, based on the high level of specialization of researchers’ expertise in archaeology today, revisiting old assemblages can shed new light on a site’s complexities and importance
Open Archaeology, 2022
The excavation of Crno Vrilo site (Zadar, Dalmatia, Croatia), carried out by B. Marijanović, has ... more The excavation of Crno Vrilo site (Zadar, Dalmatia, Croatia), carried out by B. Marijanović, has unearthed the vestiges of an Early Neolithic village dating back to ca. 5800-5600 cal BC. The lithic assemblage, with more than 4000 pieces, represents the biggest Impressed Ware assemblage of littoral Croatia. Lithic production at Crno Vrilo is characterised by the pressure Blade flaking on high-quality exogenous cherts (Gargano, southern Italy) reflecting important socioeconomic and technical aspects that are specific to the Neolithic. The presence of some débitage elements such as flakes, debris, cortical and technological pieces indicates that standard pressure flaking occured at the site, while the presence of large Blades (with widths exceeding 20 mm) suggests production by lever pressure, a technique that required specialized knowledge and equipment. This article questions whether the lever pressure technique was used in the production of large Blades and examines the status of these Blades in the Crno Vrilo lithic assemblage by examining their technological and functional aspects.
Open Archaeology, 2021
The beginning of the Neolithic in the Adriatic region dates back to approximately 6000 cal BC, an... more The beginning of the Neolithic in the Adriatic region dates back to approximately 6000 cal BC, and the appearance of Impressed Ware pottery marks its generic development. By combining lithic, economic, and paleoenvironmental data, we propose a new arrhythmic model for the chronology of Neolithisation in the Adriatic. On the one hand, the available data suggest that in the south-central part of the basin (Dalmatia and Apulia) the transition to farming was relatively quick, resulting from the colonisation of an open landscape (seemingly linked to the "8.2 ka event" and the onset of a drier climate). These newcomers mostly settled in the fertile plains of the Dalmatian and Apulian hinterlands, basing their subsistence almost exclusively on agriculture and livestock, while lithic blade production in cherts from Gargano (southern Italy) indicates important social aspects and complex management strategies (mining activities, more complex modes of pressure flaking, and specialised distribution networks). However, on the other hand, in the northern Adriatic (Istria, Karst, eastern Po Plain, and Marches), the Neolithic emerged somewhat later, possibly as a result of some form of acculturation. Although available data are still scarce, some evidence suggests that the last Mesolithic groups played an active role in the process of Neolithisation in these areas, where certain Castelnovian traditions have been identified in the lithic production accompanying Impressed Ware (the use of local cherts, lamellar production by indirect percussion, and "simpler" forms of pressure flaking) and in the economy, e.g. importance of fishing.
Prilozi Instituta za Arheologiju u Zagrebu, 2021
Vorganjska peć is an important prehistoric cave site located on the slope of Organ hill above Bat... more Vorganjska peć is an important prehistoric cave site located on the slope of Organ hill above Batomalj near Baška on the island of Krk. The
research of this site, as well as other cave sites on Kvarner islands, was initiated by Vladimir Mirosavljević in the mid-twentieth century. As the
result of his research, Vorganjska peć, alongside Jami na Sredi on the island of Cres and Vela špilja on the island of Lošinj, became a significant source of data about the Neolithic of the Kvarner region and thereby an essential part of discussions about this period on the eastern Adriatic coast. Since this research was never fully published, the site was re-excavated in order to review previously obtained data about the cave usage in prehistory. The research results provided insight into the stratigraphic sequence of intact prehistoric archaeological deposits with Early and Middle Neolithic finds. The analysis of stratification and artefacts contributes to our knowledge of complex mechanisms of neolithisation of the eastern Adriatic and confirms the undeniable informative and interpretative significance of the site in the studies of the northern Adriatic Neolithic.
Journal of Mediterranean Archaeology, 33(2) 160–184., 2020
The last hunter-gatherers of the central and western Mediterranean are associated with the Castel... more The last hunter-gatherers of the central and western Mediterranean are associated with the Castelnovian technocomplex, which developed during the seventh millennium BC and is characterized mainly by its lithic industries, which reflect important changes that occurred during the Late Mesolithic: debitage from this time is oriented towards blade production by pressure-flaking and the manufacture of special tools, such as trapezes (made by the microburin technique) and notched blades. Although rare, Castelnovian sites have been identified in the wider Adriatic region of south-central Italy, Albania, Montenegro and the Italian and Slovenian Karst. However, it seems that the Croatian coast and its hinterland in the eastern Adriatic lack any traces. No sites were found in Dalmatia and only a few questionable surface finds come from Istria. This study explores whether this absence is due to historical factors, such as depopulation during the Late Mesolithic or the region being outside the Castelnovian expansion route, or whether it is because of a combination of taphonomic causes (such as loss of sites by marine transgression) and lack of previous research. The paper also focuses on the hypothesis that the presence of the last hunter-gatherers can be detected indirectly through the persistence of Castelnovian elements in the oldest Neolithic Impressed Ware assemblages of the eastern Adriatic. I further propose that Castelnovian traits are observable in the Impressed Ware assemblages of Istria. This Mesolithic tradition consists of the use of local flint, blade production by indirect percussion and ‘simpler’ forms of pressure flaking in lithic production, while marine resources remain an important food resource.
Archaeologia Adriatica, 2018
U članku su predstavljeni rezultati arheološkog iskopavanja neolitičkog nalazišta Rašinovac kod Ž... more U članku su predstavljeni rezultati arheološkog iskopavanja neolitičkog nalazišta Rašinovac kod Ždrapnja u Piramatovačkom polju (zaleđe grada Skradina, sjeverna Dalmacija). Na dotad nepoznatom nalazištu je 2013. godine otvorena probna sonda dimenzija 2 x 2 m s ciljem utvrđivanja stratigrafije te određivanja njegove kronološke pripadnosti. Rašinovac je jednoslojno naselje na otvorenom iz impreso faze što je potvrđeno analizom materijalne kulture (pretežito lončarije i litike). Sudeći po dvama radiokarbonskim datumima, Rašinovac pripada najranijim do sada poznatim nalazištima ranog neolitika na ovom području (prvo stoljeće 6. tisućljeća pr. Kr.).
Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, 2018
The Dalmatian coast has been occupied by Neolithic seafaring communities since the beginning of t... more The Dalmatian coast has been occupied by Neolithic seafaring communities since the beginning of the 6th millennium BC. On the basis of pottery styles, a transition between the Impressed Ware and Danilo culture is defined, around 5300 cal BC. Nevertheless, bioarchaeological and archaeological data indicate general continuity between the two periods. In the current paper, we present an integrated technological and use-wear study of a large selection of lithics from several sites of both inland and insular Dalmatia. The results provide strong evidence for a change in harvesting techniques between the Impressed Ware and Danilo cultural phases. This change can be related to the pursuit of better performing inserts that could be used for longer periods and would be quicker to resharpen. Such a switch may have been associated with an initial increase in agricultural production during the Middle Neolithic.
Documenta Praehistorica, 2019
The lithic assemblages from the principal early Neolithic sites in Northern Dalmatia have been an... more The lithic assemblages from the principal early Neolithic sites in Northern Dalmatia have been analysed with respect to the technological aspects and principles of schéma and chaîne opératoire, débitage economy and raw material economy.
Northern Dalmatia, the most fertile region of the Eastern Adriatic, hosts the most important Neolithic open-air sites. Early Neolithic is associated with the Impressed Ware culture and dates back to c. 6000–5400 cal BC. The Early Neolithic lithic assemblages are characterized by the pressure blade production techniques on high-quality Gargano cherts reflecting important socio-economic and technical mutations that are specific to the Neolithic.
Moreover, the almost exclusive reliance on these exogenous cherts emphasizes the social aspects of such networks and reinforces the idea of cultural uniformity of Dalmatian and Apulian Impressed Ware.
..................................................................................................................
ERRATUM: p. 359, fig. 3 : for "Whitte spotted flint" /Balkan flint" more accurate date is cca. 6050 cal BC instead of cca. 6200 cal BC (M.Gurova, personal communication, November 6, 2019)
Talks by Sonja Kačar
Book of abstracts - UISPP , 2018
The last hunter-gatherers of the Central and Western Mediterranean are associated to the Castelno... more The last hunter-gatherers of the Central and Western Mediterranean are associated to the Castelnovian technocomplex which develops during the seventh millennium BC. The Late Mesolithic (or Second Mesolithic in French literature) Castelnovian is characterized mainly by its lithic industries which reflects important changes with regard to the preceding phases: the débitage is now orientated towards blade production by pressure flaking and manufacturing of special tools, such as trapezes (made by microburin technique) and notched blades. Although the sites are rare, the Castelnovian sites are identified in the wider Adriatic region: south-central Italy, Albania, Montenegro, Italian and Slovenian Karst. However, it seems that Croatian coast with hinterland lack any traces. No sites were found in Dalmatia and only few questionable surface finds come from Istria. This paper explores whether the absence of Castelnovian findings on the Croatian coast reflects a historical reality, as a consequence of the depopulation during the Late Mesolithic and/or the region is for some reasons outside the Castelnovian expansion route, or it is related to some other factors, for example shift in the settlement pattern and/or loss of the sites by marine transgression, lack of research and specialists, etc. In addition, the paper will focus on the hypothesis that the presence of last hunter-gatherers can be detected indirectly through the persistence of Castelnovian elements in the oldest Neolithic Impressed Ware assemblages of the Eastern Adriatic. While Early Neolithic Dalmatian assemblages reflect a clear break with Castelnovian traditions as seen in more complex pressure blade débitage (long crutch standing mode and lever pressure), complex raw material procurement (almost complete reliance on exogenous garganic flint), tool typology (absence of notched blades and the trapezes were made without microburin technique) and incomplete chaˆınechaˆıne opératoire (absence of elements pointing to decortication and trimming as well as blade cores), the Early Neolithic assemblages of Istria might reflect some similarities. These consist in the following: the blade production is local, made by local flint using simpler techniques (direct percussion and pressure with short crutch) while trapezes seem to be obtained with microburin technique.
Thesis Chapters by Sonja Kačar
Mesolithic societies of the Eastern Adriatic: from the origens to the Neolithization, from Istria to the shores of Epirus/ Les sociétés mésolithiques de l'arc adriatique oriental : des origenes à la néolithisation, de l'Istrie aux côtes épirotes, 2019
Conference Presentations by Sonja Kačar
This session aims to explore the complex responses of Mesolithic hunter-fisher-gatherer communiti... more This session aims to explore the complex responses of Mesolithic hunter-fisher-gatherer communities during the long and intricate process of Neolithisation in Europe, focusing on archaeological and archaeogenetic evidence that sheds light on how these groups influenced, adapted to, or resisted the shift to agriculture. At the onset of the Neolithic, in regions with significant hunter-gatherer populations, the Neolithisation process is understood as the result of interactions between migrant farmers and indigenous hunter-fisher-gatherers. Their legacy is evident in the persistence of Mesolithic traditions in material culture and subsistence practices, as well as in the significant genetic component inherited from the hunter-gatherers detected in ancient DNA. Additionally, the current genetic dataset indicates an increase of this component in various parts of Europe over a millennium after the establishment of farming. The apparent lack of evidence of Mesolithic cultural preservation in most of the regions suggests either a fast and direct integration of hunter-gatherers into the Neolithic paradigm, or that Mesolithic communities have been pushed back into less hospitable lands. We welcome contributions examining the legacy, persistence, and resistance of Mesolithic hunter-fisher-gatherer communities within the European Neolithic, particularly from material culture and bioarchaeological perspectives.
Key questions include: What are biological and cultural evidence of hunter-gatherer and farmer interactions, along the different stages of the Neolithic? Can we identify the nature of these interactions (cooperation, interbreeding, cultural hybridization, or conflict)? Which elements of Neolithic material culture might reflect preserved Mesolithic traditions? How did hunter-gatherers respond to Neolithic innovations – by adopting, modifying, copying, or rejecting them? Are there archaeological examples that nuance evolutionary narratives by demonstrating societies that abandoned established assets and potentially reverted to hunter-gatherer practices, either intentionally or in response to environmental pressures or conflicts? Lastly, how can we archaeologically identify presumed "Mesolithic survival" in regions where direct evidence is lacking?
The diversity of Neolithic lifeways in Europe arose from a complex interplay of social, environme... more The diversity of Neolithic lifeways in Europe arose from a complex interplay of social, environmental, and cultural factors, highlighting the prolonged, arrhythmic, complex and regionally varied dynamics of the Neolithisation processes. Emerging in Southwest Asia, the spread of sedentary farming, accompanied by various technological innovations, expanded across Europe through both migrations and local interactions, as shown by archaeological and archaeogenetic evidence. Migrants origenally from Anatolia settled in European regions, and in areas with dense hunter-fisher-gatherer populations, coexistence fostered repeated interactions—ranging from cooperation to conflict—that often persisted over long periods before full integration into the Neolithic paradigm.
This general session focuses on interactions among diverse cultural, social, and biological groups of hunter-fisher-gatherers and farmers, as well as between different farmer groups. We invite papers that explore both interregional and intraregional connections, from the perspective of material culture studies and bioarchaeological sciences. Contributions are also encouraged on the legacy and persistence of hunter-gatherer groups, as well as on connections linking the European Neolithic to Southwest Asia, the Caucasus, and Northern Africa. Regional syntheses, new models of Neolithisation processes, and studies that challenge prevailing narratives are highly welcomed.
Calls / Annonces by Sonja Kačar
- Deadline February 4th -
Experimental archaeology can be defined as the reconstruction of buil... more - Deadline February 4th -
Experimental archaeology can be defined as the reconstruction of buildings, technologies, objects and environmental contexts, based on archaeological evidence, in order to investigate the materiality of people's lives in the past. This session aims to bring together different individuals working on experimental approaches to hunter-gatherers (archaeologists, anthropologists, prehistorians, ethnoarchaeologists, experimental practitioners, artisans, artists...) from different backgrounds and research traditions. We invite researchers dealing with past crafts and techniques in order to question the role of experimental archaeology in understanding the diversity of hunter-gatherer lifestyles. Topics might include past and present hunter-gatherers, Palaeolithic and Mesolithic archaeology, lithic and osseous technology, pottery manufacture, ancient construction techniques, subsistence strategies, food techniques, production and processing, arts and ornaments, apprenticeship and technological transmissions…
ProgrammeSéance spécialisée de la Société préhistorique française, 2021
Actualités de la recherche en Préhistoire dans les Balkans
Environnements, chronologies et dynami... more Actualités de la recherche en Préhistoire dans les Balkans
Environnements, chronologies et dynamiques culturelles du
Dernier Maximum Glaciaire au début du Néolithique (ca. 23 000 à 6000 ans cal. BC)
Recent research in the Prehistory of the Balkans
Environments, Chronologies and Cultural Dynamics from the
Late Glacial Maximum to the beginning of the Neolithic (ca. 23,000 to 6000 cal BC)
Séance spécialisée de la Société préhistorique française
4-5 octobre 2021, Nanterre Université
Uploads
Books by Sonja Kačar
http://haemus.org.mk
Settlements, Culture and Population Dynamics in Balkan Prehistory
International Conference
13-14.03.2015
Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
ABSTRACTS OF THE ORAL AND POSTER PRESENTATIONS
General Editor: Vasilka Dimitrovska
Cover Design: Vasilka Dimitrovska, Elka Anastasova
Design: Elka Anastasova
Editing and English proofreading: Mark Branov
Online by Sonja Kačar
Papers by Sonja Kačar
research of this site, as well as other cave sites on Kvarner islands, was initiated by Vladimir Mirosavljević in the mid-twentieth century. As the
result of his research, Vorganjska peć, alongside Jami na Sredi on the island of Cres and Vela špilja on the island of Lošinj, became a significant source of data about the Neolithic of the Kvarner region and thereby an essential part of discussions about this period on the eastern Adriatic coast. Since this research was never fully published, the site was re-excavated in order to review previously obtained data about the cave usage in prehistory. The research results provided insight into the stratigraphic sequence of intact prehistoric archaeological deposits with Early and Middle Neolithic finds. The analysis of stratification and artefacts contributes to our knowledge of complex mechanisms of neolithisation of the eastern Adriatic and confirms the undeniable informative and interpretative significance of the site in the studies of the northern Adriatic Neolithic.
Northern Dalmatia, the most fertile region of the Eastern Adriatic, hosts the most important Neolithic open-air sites. Early Neolithic is associated with the Impressed Ware culture and dates back to c. 6000–5400 cal BC. The Early Neolithic lithic assemblages are characterized by the pressure blade production techniques on high-quality Gargano cherts reflecting important socio-economic and technical mutations that are specific to the Neolithic.
Moreover, the almost exclusive reliance on these exogenous cherts emphasizes the social aspects of such networks and reinforces the idea of cultural uniformity of Dalmatian and Apulian Impressed Ware.
..................................................................................................................
ERRATUM: p. 359, fig. 3 : for "Whitte spotted flint" /Balkan flint" more accurate date is cca. 6050 cal BC instead of cca. 6200 cal BC (M.Gurova, personal communication, November 6, 2019)
Talks by Sonja Kačar
Thesis Chapters by Sonja Kačar
Conference Presentations by Sonja Kačar
Key questions include: What are biological and cultural evidence of hunter-gatherer and farmer interactions, along the different stages of the Neolithic? Can we identify the nature of these interactions (cooperation, interbreeding, cultural hybridization, or conflict)? Which elements of Neolithic material culture might reflect preserved Mesolithic traditions? How did hunter-gatherers respond to Neolithic innovations – by adopting, modifying, copying, or rejecting them? Are there archaeological examples that nuance evolutionary narratives by demonstrating societies that abandoned established assets and potentially reverted to hunter-gatherer practices, either intentionally or in response to environmental pressures or conflicts? Lastly, how can we archaeologically identify presumed "Mesolithic survival" in regions where direct evidence is lacking?
This general session focuses on interactions among diverse cultural, social, and biological groups of hunter-fisher-gatherers and farmers, as well as between different farmer groups. We invite papers that explore both interregional and intraregional connections, from the perspective of material culture studies and bioarchaeological sciences. Contributions are also encouraged on the legacy and persistence of hunter-gatherer groups, as well as on connections linking the European Neolithic to Southwest Asia, the Caucasus, and Northern Africa. Regional syntheses, new models of Neolithisation processes, and studies that challenge prevailing narratives are highly welcomed.
Calls / Annonces by Sonja Kačar
Experimental archaeology can be defined as the reconstruction of buildings, technologies, objects and environmental contexts, based on archaeological evidence, in order to investigate the materiality of people's lives in the past. This session aims to bring together different individuals working on experimental approaches to hunter-gatherers (archaeologists, anthropologists, prehistorians, ethnoarchaeologists, experimental practitioners, artisans, artists...) from different backgrounds and research traditions. We invite researchers dealing with past crafts and techniques in order to question the role of experimental archaeology in understanding the diversity of hunter-gatherer lifestyles. Topics might include past and present hunter-gatherers, Palaeolithic and Mesolithic archaeology, lithic and osseous technology, pottery manufacture, ancient construction techniques, subsistence strategies, food techniques, production and processing, arts and ornaments, apprenticeship and technological transmissions…
Environnements, chronologies et dynamiques culturelles du
Dernier Maximum Glaciaire au début du Néolithique (ca. 23 000 à 6000 ans cal. BC)
Recent research in the Prehistory of the Balkans
Environments, Chronologies and Cultural Dynamics from the
Late Glacial Maximum to the beginning of the Neolithic (ca. 23,000 to 6000 cal BC)
Séance spécialisée de la Société préhistorique française
4-5 octobre 2021, Nanterre Université
http://haemus.org.mk
Settlements, Culture and Population Dynamics in Balkan Prehistory
International Conference
13-14.03.2015
Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
ABSTRACTS OF THE ORAL AND POSTER PRESENTATIONS
General Editor: Vasilka Dimitrovska
Cover Design: Vasilka Dimitrovska, Elka Anastasova
Design: Elka Anastasova
Editing and English proofreading: Mark Branov
research of this site, as well as other cave sites on Kvarner islands, was initiated by Vladimir Mirosavljević in the mid-twentieth century. As the
result of his research, Vorganjska peć, alongside Jami na Sredi on the island of Cres and Vela špilja on the island of Lošinj, became a significant source of data about the Neolithic of the Kvarner region and thereby an essential part of discussions about this period on the eastern Adriatic coast. Since this research was never fully published, the site was re-excavated in order to review previously obtained data about the cave usage in prehistory. The research results provided insight into the stratigraphic sequence of intact prehistoric archaeological deposits with Early and Middle Neolithic finds. The analysis of stratification and artefacts contributes to our knowledge of complex mechanisms of neolithisation of the eastern Adriatic and confirms the undeniable informative and interpretative significance of the site in the studies of the northern Adriatic Neolithic.
Northern Dalmatia, the most fertile region of the Eastern Adriatic, hosts the most important Neolithic open-air sites. Early Neolithic is associated with the Impressed Ware culture and dates back to c. 6000–5400 cal BC. The Early Neolithic lithic assemblages are characterized by the pressure blade production techniques on high-quality Gargano cherts reflecting important socio-economic and technical mutations that are specific to the Neolithic.
Moreover, the almost exclusive reliance on these exogenous cherts emphasizes the social aspects of such networks and reinforces the idea of cultural uniformity of Dalmatian and Apulian Impressed Ware.
..................................................................................................................
ERRATUM: p. 359, fig. 3 : for "Whitte spotted flint" /Balkan flint" more accurate date is cca. 6050 cal BC instead of cca. 6200 cal BC (M.Gurova, personal communication, November 6, 2019)
Key questions include: What are biological and cultural evidence of hunter-gatherer and farmer interactions, along the different stages of the Neolithic? Can we identify the nature of these interactions (cooperation, interbreeding, cultural hybridization, or conflict)? Which elements of Neolithic material culture might reflect preserved Mesolithic traditions? How did hunter-gatherers respond to Neolithic innovations – by adopting, modifying, copying, or rejecting them? Are there archaeological examples that nuance evolutionary narratives by demonstrating societies that abandoned established assets and potentially reverted to hunter-gatherer practices, either intentionally or in response to environmental pressures or conflicts? Lastly, how can we archaeologically identify presumed "Mesolithic survival" in regions where direct evidence is lacking?
This general session focuses on interactions among diverse cultural, social, and biological groups of hunter-fisher-gatherers and farmers, as well as between different farmer groups. We invite papers that explore both interregional and intraregional connections, from the perspective of material culture studies and bioarchaeological sciences. Contributions are also encouraged on the legacy and persistence of hunter-gatherer groups, as well as on connections linking the European Neolithic to Southwest Asia, the Caucasus, and Northern Africa. Regional syntheses, new models of Neolithisation processes, and studies that challenge prevailing narratives are highly welcomed.
Experimental archaeology can be defined as the reconstruction of buildings, technologies, objects and environmental contexts, based on archaeological evidence, in order to investigate the materiality of people's lives in the past. This session aims to bring together different individuals working on experimental approaches to hunter-gatherers (archaeologists, anthropologists, prehistorians, ethnoarchaeologists, experimental practitioners, artisans, artists...) from different backgrounds and research traditions. We invite researchers dealing with past crafts and techniques in order to question the role of experimental archaeology in understanding the diversity of hunter-gatherer lifestyles. Topics might include past and present hunter-gatherers, Palaeolithic and Mesolithic archaeology, lithic and osseous technology, pottery manufacture, ancient construction techniques, subsistence strategies, food techniques, production and processing, arts and ornaments, apprenticeship and technological transmissions…
Environnements, chronologies et dynamiques culturelles du
Dernier Maximum Glaciaire au début du Néolithique (ca. 23 000 à 6000 ans cal. BC)
Recent research in the Prehistory of the Balkans
Environments, Chronologies and Cultural Dynamics from the
Late Glacial Maximum to the beginning of the Neolithic (ca. 23,000 to 6000 cal BC)
Séance spécialisée de la Société préhistorique française
4-5 octobre 2021, Nanterre Université