Posters by Laia Macià
XVII International Congress of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Sciences, Burgos, 1-7 Septiembre, 20... more XVII International Congress of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Sciences, Burgos, 1-7 Septiembre, 2014
Session: A15d The educational activities of archeology and socialization of knowledge
Laia Macià Plaza, Agata Rodríguez Cintas, Mónica Alonso Eguíluz, Irene Esteban, May 2013
Los fitolitos son microrrestos silíceos de origen vegetal. El ácido monosilícico (Si (OH)4) es ab... more Los fitolitos son microrrestos silíceos de origen vegetal. El ácido monosilícico (Si (OH)4) es absorbido a través de las raíces y transportado a las partes aéreas de la planta, donde se solidifica adoptando la morfología de las células. Debido a su naturaleza inorgánica se preservan en buen estado durante largos periodos de tiempo y en condiciones extremas, cuando otros restos vegetales desaparecen del registro, lo que convierte su estudio en una valiosa herramienta para la paleobotánica y la arqueología.
El Grupo de Estudios Paleoecológicos y Geoarqueológicos (GEPEG, Universitat de Barcelona) tiene como objetivo el estudio de fitolitos y del análisis mineralógico de los sedimentos con el fin de comprender los diversos modos de explotación de los recursos vegetales por las poblaciones humanas del pasado, así como de la reconstrucción del clima y la vegetación del pasado, teniendo en cuenta los procesos postdeposicionales que pudieron afectar los fitolitos en el momento de su deposición en suelos y sedimentos. Este póster pretende dar a conocer las líneas de investigación de las que forman parte nuestros proyectos de tesis doctoral y máster que se enmarcan dentro de las líneas generales de investigación del GEPEG: reconstrucción del paleoambiente durante la evolución de los primeros Homo; la explotación de los recursos vegetales y el uso del fuego por los primeros humanos modernos y por poblaciones neandertales en la Península Ibérica, así como el desarrollo de las primeras sociedades de agricultores y ganaderos.
Papers by Laia Macià
Munibe Antropologia-Arkeologia, 2014
In this work we present a study of a Neolithic mill from Atxoste (Álava, Basque Country). The set... more In this work we present a study of a Neolithic mill from Atxoste (Álava, Basque Country). The settlement is a rock-shelter with long stratigraphy (about six meters): in the base we have identified a Magdalenian level, followed by several Mesolithic occupations and, finally, the Neolithic one. Atxoste represents the most common type of settlement documented along the Ebro Valley in the early stages of the Holocene, revealing the general patterns of land occupation pursued by human communities in the North of the Iberian Peninsula.
Journal of Mammology, Oct 2014
Sika deer (Cervus nippon) in the Japanese archipelago are cervids known to have high ecological p... more Sika deer (Cervus nippon) in the Japanese archipelago are cervids known to have high ecological plasticity, which is reflected in latitudinal variation in their feeding habits. The northern populations are grazers that depend on dwarf bamboos, whereas the southern ones feed on browse and fruits. These differences in plant composition of the diet should affect the tooth wear patterns because the different plants have different concentrations and morphologies of phytoliths (microscopic silica bodies that precipitate in and around cells in many plants). We studied 2 mainland populations (Mt. Goyo and Oshika Peninsula) and 1 island population (Kinkazan Island) of sika deer from northern Japan to understand how dwarf bamboo (Sasa nipponica and Sasamorpha borealis) affects tooth wear on the mainland populations in comparison to the lawn grass (Zoysia japonica) consumed by the island population. Fruits are not considered in this study because only northern populations are examined. The combined analyzes of tooth mesowear and microwear permitted us to detect seasonal differences in the feeding habits of sika deer. The tooth wear pattern also reflected differences directly related to the type of plant ingested. The grass Zoysia japonica, available on Kinkazan Island, had a highly abrasive effect on sika deer enamel. The bamboo species S. nipponica and S. borealis, more abundant on the Mt. Goyo and Oshika Peninsula areas, respectively, were less abrasive than Z. japonica. Differences also were detected in the wear patterns produced by the 2 species of bamboo. Tooth mesowear suggests that S. nipponica is more abrasive than S. borealis, which was confirmed by the high phytolith content found in the plant, especially in the stem of S. nipponica, the part consumed by the sika deer in late winter.
MUNIBE (Antropologia-Arkeologia), 2014
In this work we present a study of a Neolithic mill from Atxoste (Álava, Basque Country). The set... more In this work we present a study of a Neolithic mill from Atxoste (Álava, Basque Country). The settlement is a rock-shelter with long stratigraphy (about six meters): in the base we have identified a Magdalenian level, followed by several Mesolithic occupations and, finally, the Neolithic one.
Atxoste represents the most common type of settlement documented along the Ebro Valley in the early stages of the Holocene, revealing the general patterns of land occupation pursued by human communities in the North of the Iberian Peninsula.
The mill has been analyzed from a multidisciplinary perspective that includes morphological and cultural criteria. First of all, we are dealing with the morphological aspects; the large size and weight of the stone and his curved aspect indicate that it would be used as a mill for grinding vegetables (possibly cereals). According to the geological studies, the artefact was made on an exogenous sandstone coming from 20 Km away.
These data suggest a full control and exploitation of the land resources by the Neolithic communities and also, the need to incorporate these grinding tools into their production systems; probably because of the importance that domestic cereals have acquired in their diets.
Phytolith analyses (the first for the Neolithic of the Basque Country) support the processing of plants that are compatible with cereals (Graminiae). We have observed that both the grain and the straw of the cereals were brought to the settlement, (the straw probably for consumption for animals and/or preparation of the habitat). Furthermore, through the use-wear analysis we have recognised some macro and microscopic traces along the active surface of the mill, such as, striations, grain rounding and polishing and surface flattening. All these traces fit well with intense grinding activities.
Attending to the cultural aspects, we have revised the presence of this kind of instruments in the Mesolithic and Neolithic contexts along the Iberian Peninsula. Our research concludes that there is an evolution both in the morphology and size of these artefacts: while in the Mesolithic we find shorter mills related to the processing of wild plants, in the Neolithic we document larger stones normally used for grinding domestic cereals.
To conclude, we can assume that in the Mesolithic levels of Atxoste the diet of the human groups was based in the consumption of wild (animal and vegetal) resources. Nevertheless, in the Early Neolithic stages (dated on the last third of the sixth millennia BC) these communities introduced new resources in their economic base. Apart from the mill, in this level we have documented the presence of domestic animals (correspond to sheep/goat) and sickle blades for harvesting cereals. All these data indicate that agriculture and livestock were present in the Early Neolithic levels of Atxoste (and also in other contemporary sites), offering a more complex picture of the first Neolithic societies in this area.
Environ. Archaeol./Palaeoenviro. Reconstr. by Laia Macià
This study presents the results of a multi-proxy analysis conducted to improve our understanding ... more This study presents the results of a multi-proxy analysis conducted to improve our understanding of the palaeoenvironmental conditions of the freshwater and brackish marshes of Cal Maurici (Barcelona, Spain) and the human impact on them during the mid-Holocene (6171–3891 cal. yr BP). The study integrates data from pollen, phytolith, diatom, charcoal, seeds and malacological analyses and helps to reconstruct the ecological conditions during the early establishment of farming communities in western Mediterranean facade. The results indicate a landscape dominated by Mediterranean vegetation with aquatic plants in the shallow marshes and well-developed forests in the nearby area, providing for the first time in the Holocene of NE Iberian Peninsula the palaeoecological conditions of deltaic areas. Ecofactual evidence indicates an initial landscape dominated by brackish marshes (6171–5773 cal. yr BP) in which Ruppia cf. maritima was predominant and human impact was low. Between 5026 and 4839 cal yr. BP, freshwater conditions expanded with an increase in Potamogeton sp. and the presence of Typha angustifolia and Spirogyra sp. algae with well-developed oak woodlands and deciduous trees in nearby areas. The expansion of evergreen forest occurred later (from 4960 to 4825 cal. yr BP until 3712 cal. yr BP), with the decline of deciduous woodland and the expansion of evergreen oaks, pinewoods, wild olive trees and box, coinciding with a period of increased human activity in the area. Additionally, the presence of marine resources at several archaeological excavation sites and domestic plants at Cal Maurici provides an opportunity to evaluate the interaction between earlier farmers and marine or
deltaic ecosystems.
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Posters by Laia Macià
Session: A15d The educational activities of archeology and socialization of knowledge
El Grupo de Estudios Paleoecológicos y Geoarqueológicos (GEPEG, Universitat de Barcelona) tiene como objetivo el estudio de fitolitos y del análisis mineralógico de los sedimentos con el fin de comprender los diversos modos de explotación de los recursos vegetales por las poblaciones humanas del pasado, así como de la reconstrucción del clima y la vegetación del pasado, teniendo en cuenta los procesos postdeposicionales que pudieron afectar los fitolitos en el momento de su deposición en suelos y sedimentos. Este póster pretende dar a conocer las líneas de investigación de las que forman parte nuestros proyectos de tesis doctoral y máster que se enmarcan dentro de las líneas generales de investigación del GEPEG: reconstrucción del paleoambiente durante la evolución de los primeros Homo; la explotación de los recursos vegetales y el uso del fuego por los primeros humanos modernos y por poblaciones neandertales en la Península Ibérica, así como el desarrollo de las primeras sociedades de agricultores y ganaderos.
Papers by Laia Macià
Atxoste represents the most common type of settlement documented along the Ebro Valley in the early stages of the Holocene, revealing the general patterns of land occupation pursued by human communities in the North of the Iberian Peninsula.
The mill has been analyzed from a multidisciplinary perspective that includes morphological and cultural criteria. First of all, we are dealing with the morphological aspects; the large size and weight of the stone and his curved aspect indicate that it would be used as a mill for grinding vegetables (possibly cereals). According to the geological studies, the artefact was made on an exogenous sandstone coming from 20 Km away.
These data suggest a full control and exploitation of the land resources by the Neolithic communities and also, the need to incorporate these grinding tools into their production systems; probably because of the importance that domestic cereals have acquired in their diets.
Phytolith analyses (the first for the Neolithic of the Basque Country) support the processing of plants that are compatible with cereals (Graminiae). We have observed that both the grain and the straw of the cereals were brought to the settlement, (the straw probably for consumption for animals and/or preparation of the habitat). Furthermore, through the use-wear analysis we have recognised some macro and microscopic traces along the active surface of the mill, such as, striations, grain rounding and polishing and surface flattening. All these traces fit well with intense grinding activities.
Attending to the cultural aspects, we have revised the presence of this kind of instruments in the Mesolithic and Neolithic contexts along the Iberian Peninsula. Our research concludes that there is an evolution both in the morphology and size of these artefacts: while in the Mesolithic we find shorter mills related to the processing of wild plants, in the Neolithic we document larger stones normally used for grinding domestic cereals.
To conclude, we can assume that in the Mesolithic levels of Atxoste the diet of the human groups was based in the consumption of wild (animal and vegetal) resources. Nevertheless, in the Early Neolithic stages (dated on the last third of the sixth millennia BC) these communities introduced new resources in their economic base. Apart from the mill, in this level we have documented the presence of domestic animals (correspond to sheep/goat) and sickle blades for harvesting cereals. All these data indicate that agriculture and livestock were present in the Early Neolithic levels of Atxoste (and also in other contemporary sites), offering a more complex picture of the first Neolithic societies in this area.
Environ. Archaeol./Palaeoenviro. Reconstr. by Laia Macià
deltaic ecosystems.
Session: A15d The educational activities of archeology and socialization of knowledge
El Grupo de Estudios Paleoecológicos y Geoarqueológicos (GEPEG, Universitat de Barcelona) tiene como objetivo el estudio de fitolitos y del análisis mineralógico de los sedimentos con el fin de comprender los diversos modos de explotación de los recursos vegetales por las poblaciones humanas del pasado, así como de la reconstrucción del clima y la vegetación del pasado, teniendo en cuenta los procesos postdeposicionales que pudieron afectar los fitolitos en el momento de su deposición en suelos y sedimentos. Este póster pretende dar a conocer las líneas de investigación de las que forman parte nuestros proyectos de tesis doctoral y máster que se enmarcan dentro de las líneas generales de investigación del GEPEG: reconstrucción del paleoambiente durante la evolución de los primeros Homo; la explotación de los recursos vegetales y el uso del fuego por los primeros humanos modernos y por poblaciones neandertales en la Península Ibérica, así como el desarrollo de las primeras sociedades de agricultores y ganaderos.
Atxoste represents the most common type of settlement documented along the Ebro Valley in the early stages of the Holocene, revealing the general patterns of land occupation pursued by human communities in the North of the Iberian Peninsula.
The mill has been analyzed from a multidisciplinary perspective that includes morphological and cultural criteria. First of all, we are dealing with the morphological aspects; the large size and weight of the stone and his curved aspect indicate that it would be used as a mill for grinding vegetables (possibly cereals). According to the geological studies, the artefact was made on an exogenous sandstone coming from 20 Km away.
These data suggest a full control and exploitation of the land resources by the Neolithic communities and also, the need to incorporate these grinding tools into their production systems; probably because of the importance that domestic cereals have acquired in their diets.
Phytolith analyses (the first for the Neolithic of the Basque Country) support the processing of plants that are compatible with cereals (Graminiae). We have observed that both the grain and the straw of the cereals were brought to the settlement, (the straw probably for consumption for animals and/or preparation of the habitat). Furthermore, through the use-wear analysis we have recognised some macro and microscopic traces along the active surface of the mill, such as, striations, grain rounding and polishing and surface flattening. All these traces fit well with intense grinding activities.
Attending to the cultural aspects, we have revised the presence of this kind of instruments in the Mesolithic and Neolithic contexts along the Iberian Peninsula. Our research concludes that there is an evolution both in the morphology and size of these artefacts: while in the Mesolithic we find shorter mills related to the processing of wild plants, in the Neolithic we document larger stones normally used for grinding domestic cereals.
To conclude, we can assume that in the Mesolithic levels of Atxoste the diet of the human groups was based in the consumption of wild (animal and vegetal) resources. Nevertheless, in the Early Neolithic stages (dated on the last third of the sixth millennia BC) these communities introduced new resources in their economic base. Apart from the mill, in this level we have documented the presence of domestic animals (correspond to sheep/goat) and sickle blades for harvesting cereals. All these data indicate that agriculture and livestock were present in the Early Neolithic levels of Atxoste (and also in other contemporary sites), offering a more complex picture of the first Neolithic societies in this area.
deltaic ecosystems.