Shepherds and plants in the Alps: multi-proxy archaeobotanical analysis of neolithic dung from “La Grande Rivoire” (Isère, France)

Abstract

a b s t r a c tThe analysis of phytoliths, pollen, charcoal and other macroremains was carried out in the neolithic shelter of ''La Grande Rivoire'', Vercors massif (French Alps). The results show the predominance of tree species, in the form of phytoliths, clustered pollen, stomata, small branches charcoal, needles, bark, buds. The practice of leaf fodder is already known in the alpine and circum-alpine area from archaeological and historical sources. The analyses of the neolithic dung levels of ''La Grande Rivoire'' illustrate the use of leafy and flowering tree branches as fodder. The results also suggest that some species were used for special purpose in relation with the tending of livestock (litter, dietary supplement, veterinary practices).

Variability in 4th Millennium BC Livestock Management Practices in the Bronocice Region, Southeastern Poland

“…Other studies focus on the logistics of feeding animals supported through the analysis of dung samples and cereal and weed profi les (Akeret and Rentzel 2001;Bogaard 2004;Delhon et al 2008;Mainland and Halstead 2005) and seasonal shifts related to pasturage (Bentley and Knipper 2005).While all of these studies contribute to understanding of cultural behavior during this period, they are essentially limited to explanations on the regional scale or very specifi cally the site level, but and shed little light on the interactions between local communities or among households (Burchard and Eker 1964;Gregg 1988;Hatting 1978;Higham 1968;1969a;1969b;Kowalczyk 1962;Kulczycka--Leciejewiczowa 2002;Lasota-Moskalewska 1982;Lasota-Moskalewska et al 2008;Makowicz-Poliszot 2002).…”

Environmental context and the role of plants at the early medieval artificial island in the lake Paklicko Wielkie, Nowy Dworek, western Poland

“…In the dung pellets with an absolute predominance of Artemisia or Corylus, apart from pollen grains typical of these taxa, pollen aggregates and pollen grains of varying degrees of ripeness were observed. This indicates that the livestock was fed with flowering twigs of C. avellana and with flowering Artemisia (Delhon et al 2008).…”

Les dynamiques de la végétation et des anthroposystèmes d’altitude cernées par l’anthracologie pastorale et minière à l’échelle d’un haut vallon alpestre (Freissinières, France)

“…Le fourrage de feuilles est attesté au xiii e siècle par quelques rares mentions dans les textes du haut Dauphiné (FalqueVert, 1997, 68). Il est avéré par l'archéobotanique dès le Néolithique à la Grande Rivoire (Isère) (Delhon et al, 2008) et au x e siècle dans le Champsaur (Durand, 2004, I, 192-197). L'éventail des essences qui se prêtent à cette pratique est très vaste (hiébault, 2005) et leurs propriétés nutritives variables (Hejcmanová et al, 2014).…”