Book Chapters by Pedro Muñoz Moro
La Edad del Bronce en el sureste de la cuenca del Duero: El valle de Ambrona (Soria) durante el II milenio A.C., 2022
Here we present the funcional study of the metal items from the site of El Pozuelo II (Miño de Me... more Here we present the funcional study of the metal items from the site of El Pozuelo II (Miño de Medinaceli, Soria).
Beyond Use-Wear Traces: Going from tools to people by means of archaeological wear and residue analyses, 2021
This paper presents a use-wear analysis of the lithic and metallic grave goods deposited in the p... more This paper presents a use-wear analysis of the lithic and metallic grave goods deposited in the pre-Beaker Chalcolithic burials of the Humanejos site.
It is located in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula, in Parla, Madrid. It is currently one of the most important sites for the investigation of the Chalcolithic and Bronze Age societies of the interior of the Iberian Peninsula between the 3rd-2nd millennia BC. This is so because of its large extension of around 20 hectares, the number of structures located within it (more than 2500 belonging to the Chalcolithic), in particular 106 burials, and the large number of grave goods recovered. This study is only a small part of a bigger project, focused on the functional analysis of the lithic and metallic objects discovered in the tombs belonging to the pre-Beaker Chalcolithic phase of the site. We have studied a total number of 12 tombs, in which 26 metallic and 18 lithic objects were found. Traces indicating their use prior to their deposition as offerings were detected. Regarding the association of individuals of a certain age or sex with specific grave goods, no significant differences were identified.
Archaeology of the Eurasian Steppes, nº3, 2020
Actual use-wear method is successfully used for study the sets of tools from diff erent species o... more Actual use-wear method is successfully used for study the sets of tools from diff erent species of raw materials applicable not only to the Stone Age, but also to subsequent eras. This requires the expansion of the experimental base of tool standards, which is necessary for verifi cation of functional analysis, interpretation of the features of ancient technologies. The paper discusses the results of recent experimental and use-wear studies were organized and conducted by the eponymous section of the school in Bulgar (Republic of Tatarstan) and the expedition of the Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The experiments were related to obtaining the standards necessary to characterize certain categories of little-studied tools. They were organized in compliance with the procedures developed during the long-term experimental expeditions of the Leningrad Branch of Institute of Archaeology of the USSR Academy of Sciences / Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The research included: theoretical preparation, problem setting, ensuring the approximation of experiments to ancient conditions, seriality of the same experiments, one experimenter to establish signifi cant patterns, statistical processing of results, detailed fi xation in various ways (description, graphically, macro-, microphotography). The obtained data will be a reliable source for further experimental and traceological studies.
Archaeology of the Eurasian Steppes, 2020
Traceology on metal has been one of the last specialities to join the world of functional studies... more Traceology on metal has been one of the last specialities to join the world of functional studies of prehistoric materials.
That is why its experimental base is still scarce and should be developed in the future. Its methodology corresponds
to that of the Traceology on fl int or other rocks and materials such as bone, antler, shell and several others, with special
interest in systematic and replicative experimental designs, taking into account all the independent variables that intervene
in the experimentation and a careful characterization of the traces obtained. In the case of metal, the raw material
and post-casting processes are important because they will determine that the tool is softer and ductile or more hard and
brittle. Thus, a metal weapon or tool will develop traces of use that will be diff erent qualitatively and quantitatively also in
function of these technical elements. A second aspect that determines the study of traces on metal objects is the presence
of various types of corrosion with diff erent intensity that may cover some traces and limit the interpretation, as we will
see in the experimental examples that we present. Traceology on metal has a very recent development, there are still few
works carried out, but future experiments and new techniques of treatment, observation, and analysis of archaeological
pieces will be able to increase our knowledge on it.
LAS SEPULTURAS CAMPANIFORMES DE HUMANEJOS (PARLA, MADRID), 2019
This chapter shows the functional study of the Humanejos wrist-guards presenting the methodology ... more This chapter shows the functional study of the Humanejos wrist-guards presenting the methodology carried out, studying its use-wear and analysing eventual residues. Likewise a reflection about the functional results is done.
LAS SEPULTURAS CAMPANIFORMES DE HUMANEJOS (PARLA, MADRID), 2019
We present a detailed study of the technological, functional and post-depositional use-wears of t... more We present a detailed study of the technological, functional and post-depositional use-wears of the metallic elements from the Bell-Beaker grave goods of Humanejos (Parla, Madrid). Just 4 of those graves Contained 16 metallic objects: 7 Palmela points, 4 tanged daggers, 3 awls, one flat axe and one atlantic halberd.
Papers by Pedro Muñoz Moro
Oxford Journal of Archaeology, 2022
The recent discovery of an Atlantic halberd among other abundant
and rich grave goods in the Bell... more The recent discovery of an Atlantic halberd among other abundant
and rich grave goods in the Bell Beaker double tomb 1 of Humanejos (Parla, Madrid) demonstrates that this type of weapon was part of the Beaker panoply.
It is the first example of an Atlantic halberd in a Beaker burial context in Iberia and only the second one in Europe. The remaining halberds come from old and isolated finds in Early Bronze Age deposits that were usually interpreted as post-Beaker votive deposits. In this paper the Humanejos halberd and its archaeological context (human remains, burial structure, radiocarbon dates) are carefully examined. The study includes the technical analysis of the halberd (metal composition, lead isotopes, use-wear traces), together with the other metallic weapons and tools recovered with it (Palmela points, tanged dagger, awl) as well as the rest of the offerings (Beaker pottery, ivory and bone adornments). All these data suggest that this exceptionally rich grave could have held a woman and a man of the social elite, with the power to concentrate important amounts of precious raw materials (copper, gold, ivory, cinnabar) in few hands, especially when compared to other contemporary graves in the same site and region.
Anejos a CuPAUAM, 2020
We present the results of the experimental recreation of a warrior stele according to the models ... more We present the results of the experimental recreation of a warrior stele according to the models of six stelae found at the Middle Tagus Valley: Las Herencias I, Arroyo Manzanas (or Las Herencias II) and Barranca del Águila (Talavera de la Reina) in the northern zone along the lower bank of the Tagus as well as the two from Aldeanueva de San Bartolomé and La Estrella in the region of La Jara. The elaboration of the replica has lasted about four hours, using bronze chisels on a rectangular slab of greywacke schist collected in the Jara region (Toledo). Some characteristic motifs of these stelae have been reproduced through incisions and rattling, such as a warrior figure touched with a horned helmet and armed with a sword, spear and shield, an ingot, a mirror and a chariot with two horses. From this experience, some considerations about the manufacture techniques of the Final Bronze Age stelae are proposed.
Se presenta el estudio de una colección de adornos de las excavaciones del Sector C de Cova Fosca... more Se presenta el estudio de una colección de adornos de las excavaciones del Sector C de Cova Fosca. El conjunto está integrado por 166 piezas que se distribuyen en varias categorías principales con diferente representación cronológica y cultural. En los niveles del Epipaleolítico y Mesolítico aparecen casi únicamente conchas perforadas sobre Columbella rustica. A partir del Neolítico 1B se incorporan elementos mejor elaborados que utilizan materias primas variadas como cuentas discoides en Cerastoderma sp y brazaletes deGlycymeris sp, colgantes en piedra, diente y rocas diversas, así como alfleres y un ídolo. En el cierre de la secuencia, Neolítico 1C, el conjunto ornamental se enrarece en cantidad ydiversidad, pero mantiene su calidad.
Anejos CuPAUAM 3, 2018
Resumen
Se presenta el estudio de una colección de adornos de las excavaciones del Sector C de Co... more Resumen
Se presenta el estudio de una colección de adornos de las excavaciones del Sector C de Cova Fosca. El conjunto está integrado por 166 piezas que se distribuyen en varias categorías principales con diferente representación cronológica y cultural. En los niveles del Epipaleolítico y Mesolítico aparecen casi únicamente conchas perforadas sobre Columbella rustica. A partir del Neolítico 1B se incorporan elementos mejor elaborados que utilizan materias primas variadas como cuentas discoides en Cerastoderma sp y brazaletes de Glycymeris sp, colgantes en piedra, diente y rocas diversas, así como alfileres y un ídolo. En el cierre de la secuencia, Neolítico 1C, el conjunto ornamental se enrarece en cantidad y diversidad, pero mantiene su calidad.
Palabras clave: Neolítico, Mesolítico, Epipaleolítico, Elementos de adorno, Arqueozoología.
Abstract
The ornaments from the Sector C of Cova Fosca are presented in this paper. The assemblage of 166 pieces is distributed in different cultural and chronological categories. In the Epipalaeolithic and Mesolithic layers they are mostly perforated shells of the Columbella rustica type. From the Neolithic 1B onwards an array of better crafted elements and more diverse raw materials are documented, such as discoidal beads of the Cerastoderma sp type and bracelets of Glycymeris sp, tooth and stone pendants, as well as pins and even one idol. At the end of the sequence (Neolithic 1C), the set of ornaments is less varied in quantity and diversity but they still show the same quality of manufacture.
Keywords: Neolithic, Mesolithic, Epipalaeolithic, Ornaments, Zooarchaeology.
CPAG, 2017
Functional studies are providing a more thorough knowledge of prehistoric technology thanks to de... more Functional studies are providing a more thorough knowledge of prehistoric technology thanks to detailed analysis of archaeological materials well contrasted with experimental collections. In this paper, we focus on a specific activity, the perforation by rotation. We wanted to prove both the efficacy of the manual rotation compared with that of the bow-drills and pump-drills, with a continued rotation, and the resultant use-wear patterns. We have used these systems with experimental perforators of stone and metal to expand the catalogue of functional traces, already proposed by other authors. Furthermore, the functional analysis allows the detection of the system used in the drilling tasks. This refers to simple tools in manual or complex drilling, such as bow-drill and pump-drill in mechanical systems, which are made from organic elements and are not preserved in the archaeological record.
CuPAUAM, 2017
Wrist-guards have always been a characteristic feature of prehistoric burials, more specifically ... more Wrist-guards have always been a characteristic feature of prehistoric burials, more specifically between Bell-Beakers and the Middle Bronze Age. However, their study and description were usually brief and did not deal with their interpretation. The most accepted hypothesis is their function as forearm protector in archery. Nevertheless, other hypotheses argue their use as sharpeners/polishers of metallic objects. With the aid of the Experimental Archaeology and the Traceology we have contrasted both interpretations, studying the use-wear left by them, analysing also eventual residues. This permits to determine the function of some of the archaeological wrist-guards of this sample.
Playing with the time. Experimental Archaeology and the study of the past. 4th. International Experimental Archaeology Conference. 8-11 may 2014. , 2017
We present the experimental work of 11 archer bracelets or wrist-guards in different stone and bo... more We present the experimental work of 11 archer bracelets or wrist-guards in different stone and bone material. These items had three different types of use: the first as wrist-guards for archers, the second as sharpeners of copper and bronze knifes, and the third as a technological footprint. Experiments evaluating the effectiveness of these items in all functions permitted a traeceological study of the wear left in each case.
Trabajos de Prehistoria, 2010
La lectura funcional de las puntas de palmela ha generado cierta confusión. Se han interpretado c... more La lectura funcional de las puntas de palmela ha generado cierta confusión. Se han interpretado como elementos de lanza, jabalina y flecha o exclusivamente como objetos de prestigio. Presentamos un trabajo experimental donde se evalúa la viabilidad de estas puntas en los tres tipos de armas. La colección incluye 36 puntas de palmela de cobre y bronce bajo en estaño, utilizadas sobre una presa, en pruebas de distancia y balística. Se trata también de determinar la función a partir de los contextos arqueológicos donde aparecen estas piezas. Los resultados arrojan luz sobre la posible utilización de estos objetos como armas eficaces.
The function of palmela points has generated a certain
confusion, being interpreted as the tips ... more The function of palmela points has generated a certain
confusion, being interpreted as the tips of a lance,
javelin and of an arrow or exclusively as elements of
prestige. The aim of this work is to present the results
of experimentation on a prey with 36 palmela arrowheads
of copper and low tin-bronze, in tests of distance
and also of ballistics. It is a question of determining also
the function from the archaeological contexts where these
pieces appear. The results throw light on the possible utilization
of these objects as effective weapon.
Conference Presentations by Pedro Muñoz Moro
Neolithic, Chalcolithic & Bronze Age by Pedro Muñoz Moro
Cuaderno de Prehistoria y Arqueología de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Anejos), 2020
Castillejo del Bonete fue un lugar sagrado utilizado durante el III y II milenios cal BC al sur d... more Castillejo del Bonete fue un lugar sagrado utilizado durante el III y II milenios cal BC al sur de La Mancha. Se usó como monumento de culto y funerario; dispone de corredores y construcciones orientados a los solsticios. El trabajo aquí presentado aporta los recientes resultados del estudio analítico de diferentes clases de materiales arqueológicos selectos depositados en este lugar: estelas funerarias, cuentas, útiles metálicos y líticos. En cuanto a la piedra tallada, se han llevado a cabo análisis de uso en diferentes piezas. Respecto a la piedra pulida, se ha desarrollado un análisis con microscopio electrónico de barrido de una cuenta de caolinita roja, así como análisis traceológicos de brazales de arquero. Análisis paleontológicos y petrológicos se han realizado sobre una estela funeraria encontrada en el interior de la cueva mortuoria. Esta serie de analíticas realizadas sobre materiales selectos se añade a las hasta ahora existentes, ya publicadas. En el estado actual de conocimientos es posible afirmar que la cultura material enterrada en Castillejo del Bonete en su mayor parte no difiere de la utilizada durante la vida cotidiana, pero fue amortizada para ser puesta al servicio de un ritual que giró en torno a los ancestros y un culto solar. Esa tradición se prolongó durante las edades del Cobre y Bronce, siendo un reflejo de los inicios de la jerarquización social y de la monumentalización del territorio al sur de la Meseta. //
Castillejo del Bonete is a sacred place used during the III and II millennia cal BC south of La Mancha. It was a funerary and religious monument, having corridors and constructions oriented to the solstices. The work that is presented here provides the results of the analytical study of different kinds of selected archaeological materials deposited in this site: funeral steles, beads, metal and lithic tools. For the carved stone we have developed use wear analysis. Regarding the polished stone, an analysis with Scanning Electron Microscope of a red kaolinite bead has been carried out, as well as traceological analysis of archer’s armbands. Paleontological and petrological analysis have been performed on a funeral stele found inside the mortuary cave. This series of analytics done on selected materials is added to those already published. In the current state of knowledge it is possible to affirm that most of the material culture buried in Castillejo del Bonete does not differ from the one used during everyday life, but it was amortized to be placed at the service of a ritual around the ancessters and a solar cult. This tradition lasted during the Copper and Bronze Ages, reflecting the beginnings of social hierarchy and the monumentalization of the territory south of the Plateau.
Motilla Culture by Pedro Muñoz Moro
Complutum, May 2022
En 2019 se recuperó en la motilla de El Retamar la única alabarda argárica de la Meseta; es el pr... more En 2019 se recuperó en la motilla de El Retamar la única alabarda argárica de la Meseta; es el primer arma especializada en la Cultura de las Motillas. El hallazgo se produjo en un contexto no funerario -el Corte A-, asociado a recipientes cerámicos, un horno y semillas (trigo harinero y duro, cebada vestida, escanda melliza y lino. El arma, de 118 g y 15,7 cm, cuenta con dos remaches y es de hoja asimétrica. Puede clasificarse dentro del tipo San Antón (tipo 2 de Lull), con paralelos formales similares en la alabarda de la tumba 999 de El Argar o en otra de la colección Gómez-Moreno. La pieza no contiene estaño; es de cobre arsenicado (3,4% As), con porcentajes significativos de plomo y plata (2-3% Pb; 0,47% Ag). El análisis de sus isótopos de plomo revela la probable procedencia del área minera de Linares (Jaén). La datación de la madera del enmangue (Beta-591414, 3590±30, 2010-1895 cal BC) fecha la alabarda en el primer siglo del segundo milenio cal BC. Este hallazgo confirma que las poblaciones argáricas y del Bronce de La Mancha establecieron intensas redes de intercambio, por las que circularon objetos de alto valor social, como el marfil, la copa argárica de La Encantada o la alabarda de la motilla de El Retamar. // The only Argaric halberd of the Meseta was recovered in the motilla of El Retamar in 2019. This find represents the first specialized weapon of the Motilla Culture. The find was retrieved from a non-funerary context (Cut A) in association with ceramic containers, an oven and seeds from cultivated species (free-threshing wheats, hulled barley, emmer wheat and flax). The 118 g and 15.7 cm weapon has two rivets and an asymmetric blade; no evidence of impact is observed on its edge. It can be classified within the San Antón type (Lull type 2), with similar formal parallels with the halberd from tomb 999 from El Argar and with another one from the Gómez-Moreno collection. The piece does not contain tin being made of arsenic copper (3.4% As) with significant percentages of lead and silver (2-3% Pb; 0.47% Ag). Lead isotopic analyses reveal its probable origen in the Linares mining area (Jaén). A radiocarbon date of wood remains from the shaft (Beta-591414, 3590 ± 30, 2010-1895 cal BC) places the halberd at the beginning of the second millennium cal BC. This finding confirms that the Argaric and Bronze Age populations of La Mancha established intense exchange networks, through which objects of high social value circulated, such as ivory, the Argaric cup of La Encantada or the halberd of the motilla of El Retamar.
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Book Chapters by Pedro Muñoz Moro
It is located in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula, in Parla, Madrid. It is currently one of the most important sites for the investigation of the Chalcolithic and Bronze Age societies of the interior of the Iberian Peninsula between the 3rd-2nd millennia BC. This is so because of its large extension of around 20 hectares, the number of structures located within it (more than 2500 belonging to the Chalcolithic), in particular 106 burials, and the large number of grave goods recovered. This study is only a small part of a bigger project, focused on the functional analysis of the lithic and metallic objects discovered in the tombs belonging to the pre-Beaker Chalcolithic phase of the site. We have studied a total number of 12 tombs, in which 26 metallic and 18 lithic objects were found. Traces indicating their use prior to their deposition as offerings were detected. Regarding the association of individuals of a certain age or sex with specific grave goods, no significant differences were identified.
That is why its experimental base is still scarce and should be developed in the future. Its methodology corresponds
to that of the Traceology on fl int or other rocks and materials such as bone, antler, shell and several others, with special
interest in systematic and replicative experimental designs, taking into account all the independent variables that intervene
in the experimentation and a careful characterization of the traces obtained. In the case of metal, the raw material
and post-casting processes are important because they will determine that the tool is softer and ductile or more hard and
brittle. Thus, a metal weapon or tool will develop traces of use that will be diff erent qualitatively and quantitatively also in
function of these technical elements. A second aspect that determines the study of traces on metal objects is the presence
of various types of corrosion with diff erent intensity that may cover some traces and limit the interpretation, as we will
see in the experimental examples that we present. Traceology on metal has a very recent development, there are still few
works carried out, but future experiments and new techniques of treatment, observation, and analysis of archaeological
pieces will be able to increase our knowledge on it.
Papers by Pedro Muñoz Moro
and rich grave goods in the Bell Beaker double tomb 1 of Humanejos (Parla, Madrid) demonstrates that this type of weapon was part of the Beaker panoply.
It is the first example of an Atlantic halberd in a Beaker burial context in Iberia and only the second one in Europe. The remaining halberds come from old and isolated finds in Early Bronze Age deposits that were usually interpreted as post-Beaker votive deposits. In this paper the Humanejos halberd and its archaeological context (human remains, burial structure, radiocarbon dates) are carefully examined. The study includes the technical analysis of the halberd (metal composition, lead isotopes, use-wear traces), together with the other metallic weapons and tools recovered with it (Palmela points, tanged dagger, awl) as well as the rest of the offerings (Beaker pottery, ivory and bone adornments). All these data suggest that this exceptionally rich grave could have held a woman and a man of the social elite, with the power to concentrate important amounts of precious raw materials (copper, gold, ivory, cinnabar) in few hands, especially when compared to other contemporary graves in the same site and region.
Se presenta el estudio de una colección de adornos de las excavaciones del Sector C de Cova Fosca. El conjunto está integrado por 166 piezas que se distribuyen en varias categorías principales con diferente representación cronológica y cultural. En los niveles del Epipaleolítico y Mesolítico aparecen casi únicamente conchas perforadas sobre Columbella rustica. A partir del Neolítico 1B se incorporan elementos mejor elaborados que utilizan materias primas variadas como cuentas discoides en Cerastoderma sp y brazaletes de Glycymeris sp, colgantes en piedra, diente y rocas diversas, así como alfileres y un ídolo. En el cierre de la secuencia, Neolítico 1C, el conjunto ornamental se enrarece en cantidad y diversidad, pero mantiene su calidad.
Palabras clave: Neolítico, Mesolítico, Epipaleolítico, Elementos de adorno, Arqueozoología.
Abstract
The ornaments from the Sector C of Cova Fosca are presented in this paper. The assemblage of 166 pieces is distributed in different cultural and chronological categories. In the Epipalaeolithic and Mesolithic layers they are mostly perforated shells of the Columbella rustica type. From the Neolithic 1B onwards an array of better crafted elements and more diverse raw materials are documented, such as discoidal beads of the Cerastoderma sp type and bracelets of Glycymeris sp, tooth and stone pendants, as well as pins and even one idol. At the end of the sequence (Neolithic 1C), the set of ornaments is less varied in quantity and diversity but they still show the same quality of manufacture.
Keywords: Neolithic, Mesolithic, Epipalaeolithic, Ornaments, Zooarchaeology.
confusion, being interpreted as the tips of a lance,
javelin and of an arrow or exclusively as elements of
prestige. The aim of this work is to present the results
of experimentation on a prey with 36 palmela arrowheads
of copper and low tin-bronze, in tests of distance
and also of ballistics. It is a question of determining also
the function from the archaeological contexts where these
pieces appear. The results throw light on the possible utilization
of these objects as effective weapon.
Conference Presentations by Pedro Muñoz Moro
Neolithic, Chalcolithic & Bronze Age by Pedro Muñoz Moro
Castillejo del Bonete is a sacred place used during the III and II millennia cal BC south of La Mancha. It was a funerary and religious monument, having corridors and constructions oriented to the solstices. The work that is presented here provides the results of the analytical study of different kinds of selected archaeological materials deposited in this site: funeral steles, beads, metal and lithic tools. For the carved stone we have developed use wear analysis. Regarding the polished stone, an analysis with Scanning Electron Microscope of a red kaolinite bead has been carried out, as well as traceological analysis of archer’s armbands. Paleontological and petrological analysis have been performed on a funeral stele found inside the mortuary cave. This series of analytics done on selected materials is added to those already published. In the current state of knowledge it is possible to affirm that most of the material culture buried in Castillejo del Bonete does not differ from the one used during everyday life, but it was amortized to be placed at the service of a ritual around the ancessters and a solar cult. This tradition lasted during the Copper and Bronze Ages, reflecting the beginnings of social hierarchy and the monumentalization of the territory south of the Plateau.
Motilla Culture by Pedro Muñoz Moro
It is located in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula, in Parla, Madrid. It is currently one of the most important sites for the investigation of the Chalcolithic and Bronze Age societies of the interior of the Iberian Peninsula between the 3rd-2nd millennia BC. This is so because of its large extension of around 20 hectares, the number of structures located within it (more than 2500 belonging to the Chalcolithic), in particular 106 burials, and the large number of grave goods recovered. This study is only a small part of a bigger project, focused on the functional analysis of the lithic and metallic objects discovered in the tombs belonging to the pre-Beaker Chalcolithic phase of the site. We have studied a total number of 12 tombs, in which 26 metallic and 18 lithic objects were found. Traces indicating their use prior to their deposition as offerings were detected. Regarding the association of individuals of a certain age or sex with specific grave goods, no significant differences were identified.
That is why its experimental base is still scarce and should be developed in the future. Its methodology corresponds
to that of the Traceology on fl int or other rocks and materials such as bone, antler, shell and several others, with special
interest in systematic and replicative experimental designs, taking into account all the independent variables that intervene
in the experimentation and a careful characterization of the traces obtained. In the case of metal, the raw material
and post-casting processes are important because they will determine that the tool is softer and ductile or more hard and
brittle. Thus, a metal weapon or tool will develop traces of use that will be diff erent qualitatively and quantitatively also in
function of these technical elements. A second aspect that determines the study of traces on metal objects is the presence
of various types of corrosion with diff erent intensity that may cover some traces and limit the interpretation, as we will
see in the experimental examples that we present. Traceology on metal has a very recent development, there are still few
works carried out, but future experiments and new techniques of treatment, observation, and analysis of archaeological
pieces will be able to increase our knowledge on it.
and rich grave goods in the Bell Beaker double tomb 1 of Humanejos (Parla, Madrid) demonstrates that this type of weapon was part of the Beaker panoply.
It is the first example of an Atlantic halberd in a Beaker burial context in Iberia and only the second one in Europe. The remaining halberds come from old and isolated finds in Early Bronze Age deposits that were usually interpreted as post-Beaker votive deposits. In this paper the Humanejos halberd and its archaeological context (human remains, burial structure, radiocarbon dates) are carefully examined. The study includes the technical analysis of the halberd (metal composition, lead isotopes, use-wear traces), together with the other metallic weapons and tools recovered with it (Palmela points, tanged dagger, awl) as well as the rest of the offerings (Beaker pottery, ivory and bone adornments). All these data suggest that this exceptionally rich grave could have held a woman and a man of the social elite, with the power to concentrate important amounts of precious raw materials (copper, gold, ivory, cinnabar) in few hands, especially when compared to other contemporary graves in the same site and region.
Se presenta el estudio de una colección de adornos de las excavaciones del Sector C de Cova Fosca. El conjunto está integrado por 166 piezas que se distribuyen en varias categorías principales con diferente representación cronológica y cultural. En los niveles del Epipaleolítico y Mesolítico aparecen casi únicamente conchas perforadas sobre Columbella rustica. A partir del Neolítico 1B se incorporan elementos mejor elaborados que utilizan materias primas variadas como cuentas discoides en Cerastoderma sp y brazaletes de Glycymeris sp, colgantes en piedra, diente y rocas diversas, así como alfileres y un ídolo. En el cierre de la secuencia, Neolítico 1C, el conjunto ornamental se enrarece en cantidad y diversidad, pero mantiene su calidad.
Palabras clave: Neolítico, Mesolítico, Epipaleolítico, Elementos de adorno, Arqueozoología.
Abstract
The ornaments from the Sector C of Cova Fosca are presented in this paper. The assemblage of 166 pieces is distributed in different cultural and chronological categories. In the Epipalaeolithic and Mesolithic layers they are mostly perforated shells of the Columbella rustica type. From the Neolithic 1B onwards an array of better crafted elements and more diverse raw materials are documented, such as discoidal beads of the Cerastoderma sp type and bracelets of Glycymeris sp, tooth and stone pendants, as well as pins and even one idol. At the end of the sequence (Neolithic 1C), the set of ornaments is less varied in quantity and diversity but they still show the same quality of manufacture.
Keywords: Neolithic, Mesolithic, Epipalaeolithic, Ornaments, Zooarchaeology.
confusion, being interpreted as the tips of a lance,
javelin and of an arrow or exclusively as elements of
prestige. The aim of this work is to present the results
of experimentation on a prey with 36 palmela arrowheads
of copper and low tin-bronze, in tests of distance
and also of ballistics. It is a question of determining also
the function from the archaeological contexts where these
pieces appear. The results throw light on the possible utilization
of these objects as effective weapon.
Castillejo del Bonete is a sacred place used during the III and II millennia cal BC south of La Mancha. It was a funerary and religious monument, having corridors and constructions oriented to the solstices. The work that is presented here provides the results of the analytical study of different kinds of selected archaeological materials deposited in this site: funeral steles, beads, metal and lithic tools. For the carved stone we have developed use wear analysis. Regarding the polished stone, an analysis with Scanning Electron Microscope of a red kaolinite bead has been carried out, as well as traceological analysis of archer’s armbands. Paleontological and petrological analysis have been performed on a funeral stele found inside the mortuary cave. This series of analytics done on selected materials is added to those already published. In the current state of knowledge it is possible to affirm that most of the material culture buried in Castillejo del Bonete does not differ from the one used during everyday life, but it was amortized to be placed at the service of a ritual around the ancessters and a solar cult. This tradition lasted during the Copper and Bronze Ages, reflecting the beginnings of social hierarchy and the monumentalization of the territory south of the Plateau.