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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Macrobotanical evidence (wood charcoal and seeds) from the Middle Palaeolithic site of El Salt, Eastern Iberia: Palaeoenvironmental data and plant resources catchment areas

subject

description

Despite the current growing number of studies that focus on macrobotanical remains from Middle Palaeolithiccontexts, plant use among hunter-gatherer societies remains unknown in many regions of Europe. Large-scaleflotation of archaeological sediments has made it possible to recover a large amount of plant remains (fruits,seeds and wood) from units VIII, IX, Xa and Xb at El Salt, Eastern Iberia (49.2–52.3 ka BP). The combination ofanthracological and carpological analyses has provided a more accurate picture of the Middle Palaeolithiclandscape in the Serpis valley, as well as significant information about other possible uses of plants, not only asfuel, but for woodworking or food, for instance. A minimum of twenty different taxa have been identified amongthe plant remains. Charcoal analysis suggested thatfirewood was gathered from nearby sources (< 1 km), with apredominance of black-scots pine woodlands (Pinus nigra-sylvestris) and maples (Acersp.). The carpological datareveal the use of some woody taxa not documented in the anthracological record (Taxus baccataor yew) and thepresence of few mineralised seeds whose origin remains unknown (Celtis australisor hackberry,Rubuscf.laci-niatusor evergreen blackberry). These data have significant implications for the interpretation of plant economyamong Neanderthal groups, reinforcing the importance of available woody resources in the surroundings for thesubsistence of the group.