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El análisis arqueométrico de un hacha de color verde recuperada en los años 20 del pasado siglo en el entorno de Monte Aberto-Elviña (A Coruña), que probablemente habría formado parte del ajuar de uno de los tres túmulos que componían la necrópolis homónima, ha permitido determinar que se trata de un hacha tipo Durrington “goutte d’eau”, fabricada en jadeíta de origen alpino proveniente posiblemente de las formaciones existentes en San Front (Cuneo, Piamonte). Esta circunstancia la convierte –tras el hacha de Vilapedre (Lugo)– en la segunda pieza de procedencia alpina documentada en territorio gallego. En este artículo se intenta determinar el origen arqueológico del hacha de Monte Aberto-Elviña con la mayor exactitud posible, al tiempo que se ofrecen los resultados del análisis arqueométrico y se reflexiona sobre el cómo y el cuándo esta pieza habría llegado al Noroeste Ibérico.

The existence of a fire event at the Iron Age hillfort of Nabás, which is located on the southern bank of the Ría de Vigo (Galicia, NW of the Iberian Peninsula), favoured an extraordinary preservation of carbonised plant remains and offered an unusual opportunity to focus our research on the study of the final episode of a house life-cycle. The archaeobotanical approach focused on perishable materials combining charcoal, with carpology and pollen analysis, in tandem with a taphonomic assessment. The charcoal assemblage includes charcoal without signs of working, and wooden manufactures although the former group was probably related to the roof and timber of the round-house. This interpretation is based on the size and concentration of charcoal fragments, as well as the short taxonomic list (deciduous and evergreen Quercus sp., Fabaceae, Corylus avellana, Rosaceae/Maloideae, Salix/Populus, Alnus sp., Frangula alnus, Betula sp., Phragmites/Arundo and Ulmus sp.), and the recurrence of biological alterations such as xylophages’ galleries and hyphae. Aggregated grains and chaff of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) were found in several samples suggesting their storage, probably inside an organic container. Finally, pollen analysis offered clues about the uses of plants such as Ericaceae during the occupation phase of the round-house., María Martín-Seijo was funded by a Post-Doc Grant Plan I2C mod. B with the project “MATERIAL-Materiality and Material Culture: Wood and Other Plant-based Materials in Archaeological Contexts” and Andrés Currás was funded by the Xunta de Galicia under the GAIN Postdoctoral Program. The excavation of Nabás, led by MMS in 2006, was funded by the Consellería de Cultura-Xunta de Galicia (2006-CP035). Charcoal and carpological analyses were undertaken at the Laboratory of the Study Group for the Prehistory of NW Iberia-Archaeology, Antiquity and Territory (GEPN-AAT) and pollen analysis at the SERP-Universitat de Barcelona.

En este artículo se describen los resultados del análisis preliminar de la pintura y de la excavación arqueológica del abrigo de Cova dos Mouros (Baleira, Lugo). En esta pequeña cavidad se han identificado varios paneles de arte esquemático representando motivos tanto geométricos (zigzags, chevrons,…) como naturalistas (antropomorfos) realizados con pintura roja. Esto convierte a Cova dos Mouros en el primer ejemplo de este tipo de arte detectado y excavado en la comunidad gallega. La intervención realizada en el interior de este abrigo ha evidenciado la presencia de ocupaciones humanas episódicas que se habrían prolongado entre, al menos, el IV y el II Milenios cal a.C. Fueron identificadas varias estructuras (un muro a base de tierra y piedras y una zanja conteniendo restos carbonizados de pequeños postes o estacas) así como señales reiteradas de la presencia de fuego intenso en el interior de la cavidad que habrían tenido lugar a lo largo de varios milenios In this paper, we deal with the archaeological excavation carried out in Cova dos Mouros rock-shelter (Baleira, Lugo) and a preliminary analysis of its results. This is a small cavity where Schematic Art consisting of red paintings displaying both geometric (zig-zags, chevrons…) and naturalistic (anthropomorphs) motifs have been detected. Cova dos Mouros constitutes the first example of this type of art ever detected and excavated in Galician territory. The archaeological excavation inside the rock-shelter has uncovered evidences of episodic human activity along, at least, the IVth and IInd Millennia cal. BC. These included the identification of several structures (a low wall made of earth and stones and a ditch containing the burned remains of several small posts or stakes) and also repeated signs of intense fire inside the cave that would have spanned over several millennia Artikulu honetan daude jasota Cova dos Mouros-eko (Baleira, Lugo) harpeko indusketa arkeologikoaren eta pinturaren aurretiazko azterketaren emaitzak. Barrunbe txiki horretan pintura gorriz egindako arte eskematikoko hainbat panel identifikatu da eta irudi geometrikoak (sigi-sagak, chevron izenekoak...) zein naturalistak (antropomorfoak) ikus ditzakegu. Hori guztia dela eta, Cova dos Mouros da Galizia komunitatean detektatutako eta induskatutako arte mota horren lehen adibidea. Harpe honen barruan egindako lanetan agerian geratu da gizakia bertan bizi izan zela noizean behin gutxienez K.a. IV eta II. milurtekoen artean. Hainbat egitura (lurrarekin eta harriekin egindako horma eta zutoin edo hesola txikien ikaztutako hondarrak zituen zanga bat) eta hainbat milurtez, barrunbearen barruan su bizia izan zutela behin eta berriro erakusten duten zantzuak identifikatu zituzten SI

As anywhere else around the world, GIS is an essential tool in Galician Archaeology (NW Spain) when examining and analysing spatial data. This is also true for the study of mounds in that area, since spatial analysis and statistics have become increasingly used for contrasting hypotheses regarding the locational preferences of these monuments, usually inferred from observations made during fieldwork or taken from studies conducted elsewhere. Drawing on this basis, in this paper, we have analysed the locational patterns of the tumuli of the upper tracts of the Serra do Barbanza (Galicia, NW Spain). Using a site-predictive modelling approach, several environmental covariates were analysed in order to explore their potential role in explaining the distribution of prehistoric mounds in the area. Subsequently, we studied the clustering of these monuments via second-order modelling. Our results suggest that tumuli in the Serra do Barbanza tended to cluster on a very local scale, a trend that can only be explained by intended site spacing strategies that may have taken place over millennia. Finally, by using significance testing via Monte Carlo Simulation, we have modelled both the effect of possible preferences regarding the location of mounds and the potential impact of tradition, with pre-existent megaliths possibly fostering the construction of more monuments in the nearby areas.

With the aim of offering a first approach to issues of such importance as the number of sites that make up the Galician rock art, their iconographic variability or geographical distribution, we have analysed the official archaeological inventory of the Galician autonomous government (Servizo de Arqueoloxía da la Dirección Xeral do Patrimonio Cultural de la Xunta de Galicia). The database obtained was subsequently analyzed by using Geographic Information System and statistical software. The results show how, nowadays, there is a total of 3,374 known petroglyphs unevenly distributed across the Galician territory. Our analysis shows an absolute predominance of geometric motifs over the naturalists, but it also hints at the existence of a remarkable heterogeneity, which becomes patent not only in the density of petroglyphs, but also in the relative frequency of motifs and their tendency to appear or not together on the same panels or with respect to the location of rock art sites on the landscape., Con el objetivo de ofrecer una primera aproximación a cuestiones tan fundamentales como el número de estaciones que conforman el fenómeno rupestre gallego, su composición temática o su distribución geográfica, hemos llevado a cabo un vaciado del Preinventario del Servizo de Arqueoloxía de la Dirección Xeral do Patrimonio Cultural de la Xunta de Galicia. La base de datos obtenida ha sido analizada posteriormente por medio de sistemas de información geográfica y software estadístico. En la actualidad, se conocen un total de 3.374 estaciones rupestres distribuidas de modo desigual a lo largo del territorio gallego. Su análisis evidencia el dominio absoluto de las figuras geométricas frente a las naturalistas, pero también la existencia de una considerable heterogeneidad que se manifiesta no sólo en la densidad de petroglifos, sino también en la frecuencia relativa de motivos, en su tendencia a comparecer o no de modo conjunto en los mismos paneles o en la propia implantación de las rocas grabadas en el paisaje.

The stone of Saint-Samson is a Neolithic stele of 70 tons and 10 m of probable length. Its intriguing leaning position and its very regular morphology have aroused curiosity since medieval times. Three of its four faces—oriented towards the cardinal points—display engravings that were discovered in the 1970s. Now, a new recording protocol has combined 2D techniques for emphasizing the contrast of the engravings (oblique rotating lights) and 3D methods for restoring the volumes of the support (photogrammetry, structured-light scanner). The results obtained have made it possible to implement the first structural analysis of the stone. The north and west faces show an opposition between domestic (cattle, goats) and wild animals (suidae, cervidae, birds, cetaceans), depicted confronted and with their horns or tusks clearly visible. The south face was reserved for the human figure and for iconic artefacts (polished axe, throwing stick, ring disk, steering oar). The four faces have in common the presence of boats. The relationship linking the monument to waterways and the sea is approached by analysing both local legends and the phenomenon of the tidal wave.

This paper explores the basic characteristics affecting the mechanical behavior of non-flint rocks, such as quartz and slate, during knapping. The impact of some of these features, such as anisotropy, cleavage, and the morphostructure on the selection and exploitation processes of quartz and slate is addressed through the analysis of the flaked assemblages of five Late Prehistory sites from NW Iberia. We suggest that the presence of characteristics providing a more homogeneous and controllable mechanical behavior would have had a significant role on the selection and exploitation of these raw materials. Also, certain traits a priori considered as non-suitable might be contemplated as rather advantageous for the knapping.

Pits are the most common archaeological features in late prehistoric Europe, yet their function and formation dynamics remain obscure. This paper draws on stratigraphy, contextual observations, and a novel analytical protocol to address such topics. The article presents an interdisciplinary and comparative post-excavation procedure to evaluate some of the most abundant items found in prehistoric pits, combining a taphonomical approach to the analysis of ceramics, charcoal, and carpology. This procedure provided new insights into the use-lives of a selection of five pits from an open-air site in Galicia (NW Iberia), which was occupied intermittently during the second millennium cal. BCE. An early use as silos is posited, and their final closure entailed cultural practices and preferences whose material fingerprint has been identified via multivariate analysis., One of the radiocarbon dates of Monte das Cabanas was financed by GEPN-AAT and the other two by the Environmental Archaeology (ENVARCH) group of the CIBIO/InBio. María Martín-Seijo was funded by a Post-Doc Grant Plan I2Cmod. A with the project “Alén do bosque na Idade do Bronce do Noroeste da Ibéria. Estudo dos combustibles e das manufacturas en madeira a partir da cadea técnico-operativa”. Ana MS Bettencourt developed this work under the project Funerary and ceremonial practices between the Neolithic to the Bronze Age approached by Archaeometry (ARQUEOM Project Lab2PT Sept 2014)., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Ever since first published in 1970, Palazuelo de las Cuevas (Zamora) became known as “the va- riscite source” for nw Iberia. Later geological surveys and casual finds have shown this mineral to be much more widespread, including other localities in Zamora, Northern Portugal (Tras-os-Montes), Western León (Bierzo) and Eastern and Southwest Galicia (Ourense and Pontevedra). Still, the evidence of prehistoric mining is little known, perhaps due to the small size of the veins that otherwise are widely scattered, both circumstances possibly having a strong influence on the nature of the quarrying works and their archaeological visibility. With the aim of assessing the basic characteristics, regarding both the nature and intensity of the extractive works at Las Cercas / Teso del Diablo area, we have made use of high-resolution lidar data and gis tools for obtaining a sharper image of the present surface and revealing the sheer importance of the excavations carried on in earlier times. Also, some brief remarks are made on the chronology and distribution of this commodity across Western Iberia., Desde que se dio a conocer en 1970, Palazuelo de las Cuevas (Zamora) se convirtió en ‘la fuente de variscita’ para el no ibérico. Estudios geológicos posteriores y hallazgos casuales han demostrado que este mineral posee una distribución mucho más amplia, incluyendo otras localidades de Zamora, Norte de Portugal (Tras-os-Montes), el o de León (Bierzo) y del e y so de Galicia (Ourense y Pontevedra). Sin embargo, nuestro conocimiento sobre la minería prehistórica de este mineral es escaso todavía, tal vez debido al pequeño tamaño de las venas que, además, se encuentran ampliamente dispersas, lo que probablemente ha tenido una fuerte influencia en la naturaleza de las labores de extracción y su visibilidad arqueológica. Con el objetivo de evaluar los rasgos básicos, en cuanto a naturaleza e intensidad, de los trabajos de extracción en el área de Las Cercas/ Teso del Diablo, hemos hecho uso de datos lidar de alta resolución y herramientas sig para obtener una imagen más nítida de la superficie del terreno, lo que nos ha permitido identificar la enorme entidad de las excavaciones llevadas a cabo en el pasado. Finalmente, hacemos unas breves consideraciones sobre la cronología y pautas de distribución de la variscita en el área occidental de la Península Ibérica.

The systematic survey of rock art in the area of the town council of Porto do Son (A Coruña) has allowed us to find nearly two hundred carved surfaces, two of them located within rock shelters. Two other examples in the Western regions of Galicia must be added to those. The motifs inside the rock shelters are exactly the same as those found in the open-air petroglyphs, which can be roughly dated to the third millennium BC. These finds attest to the existence of an intentional constraint on the visibility of these graphic manifestations. The coexistence of motifs inside cavities and others located outdoors, even on fairly conspicuous vertical friezes, shows the variability of this phenomenon and allows us to reflect on the different audiences at which the rock sites would have been aimed., La prospección sistemática de arte rupestre en el Ayuntamiento de Porto do Son (A Coruña) ha permitido la localización de casi dos centenares de grabados, dos de ellos en abrigos graníticos. A estos últimos se suman otros dos casos en las comarcas occidentales de Galicia. La temática presente es idéntica a la del arte galaico al aire libre, datado grosso modo en el III milenio a.C. Estos hallazgos plantean, por otra parte, la intencionada restricción física sobre la visualización de este fenómeno. La convivencia de motivos en el interior de cavidades con otros situados al aire libre e incluso en frisos verticales fácilmente perceptibles demuestra la variabilidad de estas manifestaciones y nos permite reflexionar sobre la audiencia a la que habrían estado destinadas las diferentes estaciones rupestres.

Although there are many archaeological and ethnographic evidences for the use of slate and similar rocks for flaking purpose, they raised little interest among specialists, leading to a general ignorance of specific problems associated with these raw materials. Starting from the study of several Neolithic and Chalcolithic slate collections of the Western Iberia, the mechanical properties of slate and its impact on knapping process has been defined; subsequently, manufacturing and use of slate and phyllite projectiles have been undertaken. The results show that the ease with which these materials break into sheets of uniform thickness and morphology would provide an ideal basis for a fast and easy manufacture of arrowheads. In addition, these projectiles have shown a penetration capability and resistance statistically equivalent to those made on more standard materials (i.e. chalcedony or rock crystal). Therefore, slate and other rocks with a high degree of fissility would have been very attractive to prehistoric knappers endeavouring to make arrowheads.

The goal of this paper is to make known the first results of the excavations in Valdavara Cave (Becerreá, Lugo), paying special attention to the radiometric dating that places this cave among the few Galician sites with Upper Palaeolithic dates. During the excavation carried out in 2007, two archaeological locations were documented in the same karstic system (Valdavara 1 and Valdavara 2). The test pit initiated in Valdavara 1 allowed us to identify so far two stratigraphic units: an upper unit corresponding to Recent Prehistory and a lower unit (level 4) that yielded the Upper Palaeolithic dates. An assemblage of human remains from the Bronze Age was found in Valdavara 2., El objetivo de este artículo es dar a conocer los primeros resultados de las excavaciones en la cueva de Valdavara (Becerreá, Lugo), prestando especial atención a las dataciones radiométricas que la sitúan entre los pocos yacimientos gallegos que han arrojado fechas correspondientes al Paleolítico Superior. La excavación realizada en el año 2007 permitió documentar dos localizaciones arqueológicas en el marco del mismo sistema cárstico (Valdavara 1 y Valdavara 2). El sondeo iniciado en Valdavara 1 ha permitido identificar hasta el momento dos conjuntos estratigráficos: un conjunto superior correspondiente a la Prehistoria reciente y un conjunto inferior (nivel 4) en el que se han obtenido las fechas del Paleolítico Superior final. En Valdavara 2 se encontró un conjunto de restos humanos de la Edad del Bronce.

The analysis of the lithic artifacts from the “Santuario” sector of El Pedroso has allowed us to determine a strategy of exploitation of the local raw materials, mainly quartz and slate. The specific mechanical properties of those materials led the prehistoric people to the adoption of technical solutions such as bipolar flaking, with the aim of overcoming the structural difficulties posed by this type of rocks.