Juan Carlos López Quintana
Independent Researcher, Asociación de Arqueología AGIRI, Department Member
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A stratigraphic review of the Santimamiñe Cave strata was performed between 2004 and 2006 as part of an overall study, conservation and dissemination programme of this archaeological site. The stratigraphic survey conducted affected the... more
A stratigraphic review of the Santimamiñe Cave strata was performed between 2004 and 2006 as part of an overall study, conservation and dissemination programme of this archaeological site. The stratigraphic survey conducted affected the innermost section of the antechamber and provided a 6 metre deep sequence with 27 stratigraphic units, divided into four sets based on geoclimatic and palaetnologic criteria. The lower set accommodates two levels with palaeontological content (Arb-o and Arg-o), developed during MIS 3-MIS 2, and dating from c. 27000 to 20000 BP. Above sits the flood level, a powerful layer of sterile silt and clay, deposited in all likelihood, during GI-2. The upper-meso level is characterised by the significant presence of cryoclastic processes, referring to Csn-Camr, Slnc and Arcp levels, formed during the Late Glacial Period (GS-2, GI-1d and GS-1). These three phases of climate worsening saw the first human occupation of the cave of Santimamiñe: late lower Magdalenian, late upper Magdalenian and Azilian, between c. 14700 and 10000 BP. Finally, the top level was deposited during the first half of the Holocene, with Mesolithic (very mild), Neolithic and Chalcolithic-Bronze occupation, between c. 7600 and 3700 BP. The present study rules out, at least in the area assessed, the existence of human occupation from the early and middle Upper Palaeolithic.
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El nº 7 de la revista Illunzar recoge el contenido de las XIX JORNADAS DE ARQUEOLOGÍA DE URDAIBAI (“El Conjunto Monumental de Katillotxu: una mirada al Megalitismo cantábrico”), celebradas los días 26 y 27 de noviembre de 2009 en el... more
El nº 7 de la revista Illunzar recoge el contenido de las XIX JORNADAS DE ARQUEOLOGÍA DE URDAIBAI (“El Conjunto Monumental de Katillotxu: una mirada al Megalitismo cantábrico”), celebradas los días 26 y 27 de noviembre de 2009 en el Centro de la Biodiversidad de Euskadi (Busturia). A través de un Seminario Científico, se presentaron los resultados del estudio pluridisciplinar del monumento megalítico de Katillotxu V y del proyecto de conservación y difusión del Conjunto Monumental de Katillotxu. El Seminario se estructuró en tres partes: a) una serie de 3 ponencias sobre el Megalitismo cantábrico y el Arte Megalítico del Norte de la Península Ibérica; b) una presentación preliminar de la excavación arqueológica y estudio pluridisciplinar del dolmen de Katillotxu V; y c) dos comunicaciones, desde el ámbito de la Administración, sobre protección legal y gestión del Patrimonio Megalítico de Bizkaia.
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Presentamos el nº 6 de la revista Illunzar, volumen monográfico sobre el área de Portuzarra (Gernika-Lumo, Bizkaia), presunta ubicación del puerto medieval de la villa de Gernika. El estudio que publicamos corresponde al proyecto de... more
Presentamos el nº 6 de la revista Illunzar, volumen monográfico sobre el área de Portuzarra (Gernika-Lumo, Bizkaia), presunta ubicación del puerto medieval de la villa de Gernika. El estudio que publicamos corresponde al proyecto de evaluación arqueológica del trazado de obra del Vial Urbano Perimetral en Errenteria. Es, por tanto, una memoria resultada de un programa de “arqueología de intervención”.
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El nº 5 de la revista Illunzar incluye siete artículos sobre Arqueología de Urdaibai y entorno próximo: desde los primeros testimonios de ocupación humana en el Musteriense, localizados en la cueva de Atxagakoa (Forua), hasta un... more
El nº 5 de la revista Illunzar incluye siete artículos sobre Arqueología de Urdaibai y entorno próximo: desde los primeros testimonios de ocupación humana en el Musteriense, localizados en la cueva de Atxagakoa (Forua), hasta un interesante hallazgo carlista en la cueva de Abittaga (Amoroto), con un estudio histórico de contextualización. Se presenta un artículo sobre el Inventario de Patrimonio Cultural de Urdaibai (I); dos estudios sobre la cueva de Kobeaga II (referentes a la microfauna y a un diente humano); una revisión de los estudios de la Edad del Hierro en Urdaibai; y un trabajo sobre las alfarerías postmedievales en Bizkaia, elaborado a raíz del examen de un lote cerámico localizado en superficie en la isla de Izaro (Bermeo).
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The Cave of Santimamiñe is located in the eastern part of the Cantabrian region in the Oka River basin between the town of Guernica and the Bay of Biscay coast. Paleolithic cave art was discovered in it in 1916 and archeological... more
The Cave of Santimamiñe is located in the eastern part of the Cantabrian region in the Oka River basin between the town of Guernica and the Bay of Biscay coast. Paleolithic cave art was discovered in it in 1916 and archeological excavations were conducted between 1918-1926 by Aranzadi, Barandiarán and Eguren and in 1960-1962 by Barandiarán. The stratigraphic restudy of Santimamiñe (2004-2006) obtained a 6-m deep sequence, with 27 stratigraphic units that contain evidence of 7 phases of human occupation of the cave, between the latter part of the Tardiglacial and the mid-Holocene. The Magdalenian sequence includes an occupation by humans who conducted specialized red deer hunting during the late Cantabrian Lower Magdalenian (Level Csn), a period of abandonment of the cave (Level Balm), a new period of ephemeral human occupation within a layer attesting to stratigraphic disturbances (Level Almp), a more intensive, longer occupation in which Santimamiñe became the main locus of human settlement in the Oka River basin in the Upper-Final Magdalenian (Level Slnc). The Magdalenian sequence is capped by an Azilian level (Arcp), which, like Slnc, attests a more diversified subsistence economy including red deer, ibex, roe deer, fish (salmonids) and other marine resources. Despite the cave’s proximity to excellent flysch flint sources, there are consistently small amounts of flints from SW France (Chalosse) and the trans-Cordilleran interior of the Basque Country, attesting to indirect or direct human contacts/social relations. The sequence is dated by six AMS assays on bone collagen ranging from 14,670 to 10,100 uncal. BP. This article also includes an overview of the recent, thorough restudy of the rich Magdalenian (probably Upper-Final) cave art of Santimamiñe, one of the key sites of this period in the Basque Region. (traslation: L.G. Straus)
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After the discovery of very deteriorated and faded red cave paintings in Ondaro Cave (Nabarniz, Biscay) in 2014, an archaeological trial excavation was carried out at the foot of the decorated wall. The fill, with a thickness of 40cm, has... more
After the discovery of very deteriorated and faded red cave paintings in Ondaro Cave (Nabarniz, Biscay) in 2014, an archaeological trial excavation was carried out at the foot of the decorated wall. The fill, with a thickness of 40cm, has been divided into two stratigraphic groups: the lower group (Units Sla and Slab-o) did not yield any evidence of human activity, but a discreet paleontological ensemble dominated by remains of hyena (Crocuta crocuta); 2) the upper group (Units Slac, H-Clsn and Lsac) displayed evidence of human occupation in all its units and in Unit H-Clsn, archaeological remains dated to 27,500 ± 120 BP may well correspond to the time when the cave art was painted.
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The Neolithic in the River Oka drainage basin (Urdaibai, Bizkaia): state of the art and proposals for future study The Neolithic record in the River Oka drainage basin has been enriched considerably by research programmes in the last two... more
The Neolithic in the River Oka drainage basin (Urdaibai, Bizkaia): state of the art and proposals for future study
The Neolithic record in the River Oka drainage basin has been enriched considerably by research programmes in the last two decades. The open-air settlement of Pareko Landa, the caves of Kobaederra, Santimamiñe, Kobeaga II and Morgota, and the dolmen of Katillotxu I have been excavated in this time, generally with a similar methodological approach, providing a varied series of data on subsistence strategies of human groups and climate and vegetation changes in the Oka basin in the Middle Holocene. Between ca. 5300-4700 BP, cave occupations, open-air settlements and megalithic tombs were all in use in the Urdaibai area, as Neolithic farmers developed new ways of organising the territory. The current state of knowledge is described, noting the main issues in the subject and proposing lines of research.
The Neolithic record in the River Oka drainage basin has been enriched considerably by research programmes in the last two decades. The open-air settlement of Pareko Landa, the caves of Kobaederra, Santimamiñe, Kobeaga II and Morgota, and the dolmen of Katillotxu I have been excavated in this time, generally with a similar methodological approach, providing a varied series of data on subsistence strategies of human groups and climate and vegetation changes in the Oka basin in the Middle Holocene. Between ca. 5300-4700 BP, cave occupations, open-air settlements and megalithic tombs were all in use in the Urdaibai area, as Neolithic farmers developed new ways of organising the territory. The current state of knowledge is described, noting the main issues in the subject and proposing lines of research.
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The archaeological excavation at Santimamiñe by José Miguel de Barandiaran: an exemplary early twentieth century excavation The teaming up of T. de Aranzadi, J. M. de Barandiaran and E. de Eguren marked the start of systematic prehistoric... more
The archaeological excavation at Santimamiñe by José Miguel de Barandiaran: an exemplary early twentieth century excavation
The teaming up of T. de Aranzadi, J. M. de Barandiaran and E. de Eguren marked the start of systematic prehistoric research in the Basque Country. After the exploration of the dolmen sites of Aralar, Aitzgorri, Ataun-Borunda, etc. from 1917 to 1921, Santimamiñe Cave would be the first prehistoric sequence they excavated and studied, from 1918 to 1926. Their study, well-organised thematically, was published in 1925, 1931 and 1935. After his return from exile, J. M. de Barandiaran carried out a second series of excavations in the cave (1960-1962).
Bearing in mind the general conditions at the time as regards knowledge and availability of technical and analytical resources, added to the complexity of the prehistoric deposit at Santimamiñe itself, these three researchers’ work must undoubtedly be considered exemplary. The methodology they used, their conclusions and diagnoses, the excavations reports, etc. are reviewed here and a stratigraphic correlation between the sequence they described and the results of the twenty-first century fieldwork is proposed.
Santimamiñe is an emblematic site in Basque Prehistory. It contains a large ensemble of Magdalenian cave art and a long sequence of prehistoric human occupation. At the historiographic level, it represents the first major sequence studied by Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren, and one of the main documentary sources for the first approach to the scientific construction of Basque Prehistory.
The teaming up of T. de Aranzadi, J. M. de Barandiaran and E. de Eguren marked the start of systematic prehistoric research in the Basque Country. After the exploration of the dolmen sites of Aralar, Aitzgorri, Ataun-Borunda, etc. from 1917 to 1921, Santimamiñe Cave would be the first prehistoric sequence they excavated and studied, from 1918 to 1926. Their study, well-organised thematically, was published in 1925, 1931 and 1935. After his return from exile, J. M. de Barandiaran carried out a second series of excavations in the cave (1960-1962).
Bearing in mind the general conditions at the time as regards knowledge and availability of technical and analytical resources, added to the complexity of the prehistoric deposit at Santimamiñe itself, these three researchers’ work must undoubtedly be considered exemplary. The methodology they used, their conclusions and diagnoses, the excavations reports, etc. are reviewed here and a stratigraphic correlation between the sequence they described and the results of the twenty-first century fieldwork is proposed.
Santimamiñe is an emblematic site in Basque Prehistory. It contains a large ensemble of Magdalenian cave art and a long sequence of prehistoric human occupation. At the historiographic level, it represents the first major sequence studied by Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren, and one of the main documentary sources for the first approach to the scientific construction of Basque Prehistory.
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(Vertebrates from the Dolmen of Errekatxuetako Atxa (Holocene) (Zeanuri, Bizkaia): During the excavation of the Dolmen of Errekatxuetako Atxa in 2006 several vertebrate remains were found. Mammals are represented in the site by one... more
(Vertebrates from the Dolmen of Errekatxuetako Atxa (Holocene) (Zeanuri, Bizkaia): During the excavation of the Dolmen of Errekatxuetako Atxa in 2006 several vertebrate remains were found. Mammals are represented in the site by one lagomorph, six rodents, three insectivores, three artiodactyls, two carnivores and one primate, the reptilians by one saurian and one ophidian and the amphibians by one urodele and three anuran. The amphibians and reptilies are the most abundant microvertebrate.which is not usual in other Holocene archeological and Paleontological sites of the Cantabrian Basin. This could result from the presence of a wetland near the studied site. The vertebrate assemblage indicates a humid temperate climate quite similar to that occurring in the area at present day. Palabras clave: Vertebrados, Holoceno, Dolmen, Cornisa Cantábrica, Parque Natural de Gorbeia.
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Ancient mitochondrial lineages support the prehistoric maternal root of Basques in Northern Iberian Peninsula The Basque population inhabits the Franco-Cantabrian region in southwest Europe where Palaeolithic human groups took refuge... more
Ancient mitochondrial lineages support the prehistoric maternal root of Basques in Northern Iberian Peninsula
The Basque population inhabits the Franco-Cantabrian region in southwest Europe where Palaeolithic human groups took refuge during the Last Glacial Maximum. Basques have been an isolated population, largely considered as one of the most ancient European populations and it is possible that they maintained some pre-Neolithic genetic characteristics. This work shows the results of mitochondrial DNA analysis of seven ancient human remains from the Cave of Santimamiñe in the Basque Country dated from Mesolithic to the Late Roman period. In addition, we compared these data with those obtained from a modern sample of Basque population, 158 individuals that nowadays inhabits next to the cave. The results support the hypothesis that Iberians might have been less affected by the Neolithic mitochondrial lineages carried from the Near East than populations of Central Europe and revealed the unexpected presence of prehistoric maternal lineages such as U5a2a and U3a in the Basque region. Comparison between ancient and current population samples upholds the hypothesis of continuity of the maternal lineages in the area of the Franco-Cantabrian region.
The Basque population inhabits the Franco-Cantabrian region in southwest Europe where Palaeolithic human groups took refuge during the Last Glacial Maximum. Basques have been an isolated population, largely considered as one of the most ancient European populations and it is possible that they maintained some pre-Neolithic genetic characteristics. This work shows the results of mitochondrial DNA analysis of seven ancient human remains from the Cave of Santimamiñe in the Basque Country dated from Mesolithic to the Late Roman period. In addition, we compared these data with those obtained from a modern sample of Basque population, 158 individuals that nowadays inhabits next to the cave. The results support the hypothesis that Iberians might have been less affected by the Neolithic mitochondrial lineages carried from the Near East than populations of Central Europe and revealed the unexpected presence of prehistoric maternal lineages such as U5a2a and U3a in the Basque region. Comparison between ancient and current population samples upholds the hypothesis of continuity of the maternal lineages in the area of the Franco-Cantabrian region.
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This work described the characteristics in which a small polished axe, made of sillimanite-fibrolite, was discovered, within the context of Cave Morgota archaeological deposit (Kortezubi, Bizkaia). This object has been mineralogical and... more
This work described the characteristics in which a small polished axe, made of sillimanite-fibrolite, was discovered, within the context of
Cave Morgota archaeological deposit (Kortezubi, Bizkaia). This object has been mineralogical and chemically characterized by using different
archaeometric techniques. Hypotheses about its possible geological and geographical origin are proposed.
Cave Morgota archaeological deposit (Kortezubi, Bizkaia). This object has been mineralogical and chemically characterized by using different
archaeometric techniques. Hypotheses about its possible geological and geographical origin are proposed.
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The presence of Atlantic themes in the most Mediterranean area of the North of the Iberian Peninsulaserves as an invitation to reflect on the validity of the traditional boundaries which defined the Pyrenees as the border between the... more
The presence of Atlantic themes in the most Mediterranean area of the North of the Iberian Peninsulaserves as an invitation to reflect on the validity of the traditional boundaries which defined the Pyrenees as the border between the megalithic worlds of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Indeed, the territorialextension of the Iberian megalithic art coincides with that of the French megalithic art of which some of thebest examples can be found in the South-east. The metal weapons represented in Vizcaya and Navarra drawattention to the strong symbolic facet of an area traditionally considered as marginal, and coincide with themetal resources of these rich environments of great potential for herding and agriculture. The engravedPalmela point of KTV is the first of its kind identified in the South of Europe. Its integration within amegalithic construction confirms the long course of development of these tombs which underwent in themid-thirdmillenniumcalBConeoftheirgreatestmomentsofinflexion,atatimecontemporarytotheuseof the Beaker assemblage.
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This paper discusses the potential and limits of wood charcoal analysis in dolmen sites. For that purpose, we present the case of the study of plant macroremains from Mendigana dolmen in Gorbeia. The sampling strategy has considered all... more
This paper discusses the potential and limits of wood charcoal analysis in dolmen sites. For that purpose, we present the case of the study of plant macroremains from Mendigana dolmen in Gorbeia. The sampling strategy has considered all the areas in which there has been an archaeological intervention (chamber, frontal stratigraphic section, sondage) and there have been analyses of both, samples collected in situ and flotation processed samples. Other plant macroremains are very few, mostly fragments of hazelnut pericarp, a poorly represented taxon among wood charcoal. The main component of carbonized wood samples, are deciduous oaks with an important presence of bushy taxons of leguminous and heathers. Birch and beech are also significant taxons in some samples, while ash, hazel, alder and willow are present in low percentages. Thus, wood charcoal suggests the presence of several plant communities in the surroundings of the dolmen: a mixed oakwood, a beechwood and open formations of heathers. The diversity of results in the analyzed contexts will allow us to discuss some questions about the method and the potential of wood charcoal analysis as independent contextual evidence and to understand the dynamic of formation, use and alteration of the archaeological structures.
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An approach to the study of menhirs requires some preliminary questions, first a terminological one and, consequently, one about the conceptualization of the phenomenon and in relation to this, about the chronocultural and functional... more
An approach to the study of menhirs requires some preliminary questions, first a terminological one and, consequently, one about the conceptualization of the phenomenon and in relation to this, about the chronocultural and functional contexts of evidence. The theme could be reduced to three groups of questions: is this terminology adequate for the manifestations of the area? What monuments should we consider Menhires ?, and what human groups are responsible for their construction and what role did these structures play within their Ideological system?
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Archaeobotanical analyses of pollen and plant macroremains as seeds and wood charcoal have been carried out at the Estuary of Urdaibai (Bizkaia). They show a wooded environment developed from the Early Holocene with presence of mixed... more
Archaeobotanical analyses of pollen and plant macroremains as seeds and wood charcoal have been carried out at the Estuary of Urdaibai (Bizkaia). They show a wooded environment developed from the Early Holocene with presence of mixed decidious forests dominated by Quercus Robur and Corylus. Farming practices are present from at least 5500 BP.
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Palabras-clave: Arte parietal. Descubrimiento. Magdaleniense superior. Paleolítico. Pintura. Premagdaleniense.
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Morgota Cave (Morgotako Koba), 440m to the WNW of Santimamiñe Cave, was discovered in 1982, when a number of archaeological and palaeontological remains were found. On 23 May 2014, ADES Caving Club spotted a series of red paintings and... more
Morgota Cave (Morgotako Koba), 440m to the WNW of Santimamiñe Cave, was discovered in 1982, when a number of archaeological and palaeontological remains were found. On 23 May 2014, ADES Caving Club spotted a series of red paintings and stains in the cave entrance chamber. These were later confirmed as Palaeolithic graphic representations by specialist archaeologists. Two seasons of archaeological research in the cave have been carried out in 2014 and 2015, and two stratigraphic soundings have been excavated. This work has identified and dated by C14-AMS a Palaeolithic archaeological deposit probably associated with the production of the parietal ensemble.
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The anthropological record found in Cueva de Santimamiñe (old excavations and modern fieldwork) is apparently scanty, dispersed and disordered. The mortuary use of the cave has been interpreted as a series of very sporadic inhumations... more
The anthropological record found in Cueva de Santimamiñe (old excavations and modern fieldwork) is apparently scanty, dispersed and disordered. The mortuary use of the cave has been interpreted as a series of very sporadic inhumations during the Chalcolithic and Bronze Age. The modern reappraisal of the deposit has confirmed this hypothesis as it has revealed a long discontinuous mortuary sequence, with some significant uses, such as a burial in the late sixth millennium cal BC.
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The Katillotxu I Dolmen (Mundaka, Biscay) belongs to the Megalithic Station of Sollube within the Oka River basin in eastern Cantabria. C14-AMS dating has established the construction and main usage phase of KT-I during the Neolithic. The... more
The Katillotxu I Dolmen (Mundaka, Biscay) belongs to the Megalithic Station of Sollube within the Oka River basin in eastern Cantabria. C14-AMS dating has established the construction and main usage phase of KT-I during the Neolithic. The occasional use of the burial chamber during the Bronze Age has also been detected. This article presents an overview of the archaeological context and the results of the petrological analysis of flint and ornamental items, providing new data related to the study of complex abiotic resource exchange networks during the Neolithic.
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The mountainous massif of Gorbeia is located in the extreme east of the Cantabrian region, and acts as a division between the waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. It is situated between the valleys of the Rivers Arratia and... more
The mountainous massif of Gorbeia is located in the extreme east of the Cantabrian region, and acts as a division between the waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. It is situated between the valleys of the Rivers Arratia and Nervión-Altube, forming part of the provinces of Bizkaia and Araba (Basque Country). The characteristic landscapes of this geographic unit are made up of the valleys formed at the head of the Rivers Arratia and Nervión-Altube, and the areas of mountain where, from a lower to higher altitude, stratifications of deciduous forest and alpine grass appear. The highest peak is located on the Gorbeia Mountain at an altitude of 1,482m.
The Megalithic Period of Gorbeia incorporates 16 dolmens, 7 menhirs and 3 cists. The largest part of this group is found in the territory of Bizkaia, with 3 dolmens (Ganbidea, Oketa and Luberri) and 3 menhirs (Arlobi, Pagozarreta and El Gizon) found within Araba. The elements situated in Bizkaia were judged to be Heritage sites, within the category of Historical Monuments, by DECREE 25/2009 of 3rd February of the Department of Culture of the Basque Government.
Within the framework of the investigation project “La transición al Neolítico en el Cantábrico oriental: hábitat y megalitos en las áreas de Urdaibai y Gorbeia”, we have begun systematic works of archaeological excavation and multi-disciplinary studies of the following sites and/ or archaeological groups in Gorbeia:
1) The Archaeological Site of Larreder (Areatza-Bilaro, Bizkaia). The works began in the area of Larreder (2001-2003), located at an altitude of 736m, within the north-eastern sector of the Gorbeia Natural Park. The Mendigana dolmen (2001) and the open air Epipalaeolithic settlement of Sustrigi (2002-2003) were investigated, situated 200m to the SE of the Mendigana site.
2) The Archaeological Site of Arimekorta (Zeanuri, Bizkaia). In 2006 an intensive archaeological compaign was undertaken in the Arimekorta site, located in the eastern part of the Gorbeia Natural Park, at an altitude of 915m. This site includes a Megalithic monument, the Errekatxuetako Atxa dolmen; a series of 4 sites in the open air, Errekatxueta 1, 2, 3 and 4, with proofs of chalcolithic inhabitation in the areas immediately surrounding the dolmen; the area of outcrops and secondary deposits of Urgonian silex of Arimekorta-Aldaminape; and the cave of Legoaldai 1, with indications of a sepulchral site.
3) The Kurtzegan Menhir (Orozko, Bizkaia). In 2008 a series of stratigraphic surveys was carried out in the Kurtzegan menhir, located in the north-western sector of the Gorbeia Natural Park, at an altitude of 849m. These works permitted the identification of the implantation trench of the menhir, a block of Albian sandstone of 5.40m of length, which then itself secured some data relating to the relative chronology of the site.
In the current work, we reflect on the patterns of spatial distribution of the sites concerned, and propose a sequence of sepulchral use for the dolmens and cists. Complementing this, we offer testimonies (concerning symbolic components and access to determined prestigious heritage sites) which refute the idea of a marginal and backward facing Megalithism in the eastern Cantabrian region. In complete contrast we argue for a Megalithism that was well connected with the social universe, funerals and symbolic of the Iberian Peninsula and Southern Europe.
The Megalithic Period of Gorbeia incorporates 16 dolmens, 7 menhirs and 3 cists. The largest part of this group is found in the territory of Bizkaia, with 3 dolmens (Ganbidea, Oketa and Luberri) and 3 menhirs (Arlobi, Pagozarreta and El Gizon) found within Araba. The elements situated in Bizkaia were judged to be Heritage sites, within the category of Historical Monuments, by DECREE 25/2009 of 3rd February of the Department of Culture of the Basque Government.
Within the framework of the investigation project “La transición al Neolítico en el Cantábrico oriental: hábitat y megalitos en las áreas de Urdaibai y Gorbeia”, we have begun systematic works of archaeological excavation and multi-disciplinary studies of the following sites and/ or archaeological groups in Gorbeia:
1) The Archaeological Site of Larreder (Areatza-Bilaro, Bizkaia). The works began in the area of Larreder (2001-2003), located at an altitude of 736m, within the north-eastern sector of the Gorbeia Natural Park. The Mendigana dolmen (2001) and the open air Epipalaeolithic settlement of Sustrigi (2002-2003) were investigated, situated 200m to the SE of the Mendigana site.
2) The Archaeological Site of Arimekorta (Zeanuri, Bizkaia). In 2006 an intensive archaeological compaign was undertaken in the Arimekorta site, located in the eastern part of the Gorbeia Natural Park, at an altitude of 915m. This site includes a Megalithic monument, the Errekatxuetako Atxa dolmen; a series of 4 sites in the open air, Errekatxueta 1, 2, 3 and 4, with proofs of chalcolithic inhabitation in the areas immediately surrounding the dolmen; the area of outcrops and secondary deposits of Urgonian silex of Arimekorta-Aldaminape; and the cave of Legoaldai 1, with indications of a sepulchral site.
3) The Kurtzegan Menhir (Orozko, Bizkaia). In 2008 a series of stratigraphic surveys was carried out in the Kurtzegan menhir, located in the north-western sector of the Gorbeia Natural Park, at an altitude of 849m. These works permitted the identification of the implantation trench of the menhir, a block of Albian sandstone of 5.40m of length, which then itself secured some data relating to the relative chronology of the site.
In the current work, we reflect on the patterns of spatial distribution of the sites concerned, and propose a sequence of sepulchral use for the dolmens and cists. Complementing this, we offer testimonies (concerning symbolic components and access to determined prestigious heritage sites) which refute the idea of a marginal and backward facing Megalithism in the eastern Cantabrian region. In complete contrast we argue for a Megalithism that was well connected with the social universe, funerals and symbolic of the Iberian Peninsula and Southern Europe.
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The presence of Atlantic themes in the most Mediterranean area of the North of the Iberian Peninsula serves as an invitation to reflect on the validity of the traditional boundaries which defined the Pyrenees as the border between the... more
The presence of Atlantic themes in the most Mediterranean area of the North of the Iberian Peninsula serves as an invitation to reflect on the validity of the traditional boundaries which defined the Pyrenees as the border between the megalithic worlds of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Indeed, the territorial extension of the Iberian megalithic art coincides with that of the French megalithic art of which some of the best examples can be found in the South-east.
The metal weapons represented in Vizcaya and Navarra draw attention to the strong symbolic facet of an area traditionally considered as marginal, and coincide with the metal resources of these rich environments of great potential for herding and agriculture. The engraved Palmela point of KTV is the first of its kind identified in the South of Europe. Its integration within a megalithic construction confirms the long course of development of these tombs which underwent in the mid-third millennium cal BC one of their greatest moments of inflexion, at a time contemporary to the use of the Beaker assemblage.
The metal weapons represented in Vizcaya and Navarra draw attention to the strong symbolic facet of an area traditionally considered as marginal, and coincide with the metal resources of these rich environments of great potential for herding and agriculture. The engraved Palmela point of KTV is the first of its kind identified in the South of Europe. Its integration within a megalithic construction confirms the long course of development of these tombs which underwent in the mid-third millennium cal BC one of their greatest moments of inflexion, at a time contemporary to the use of the Beaker assemblage.
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En 2006, dans un programme d’investigation sur le transit des derniers chasseurs-collecteurs aux premiers agriculteurs et éleveurs dans les zones géographiques d’Urdaibai et Gorbeia (Biscaye), nous avons documenté des évidences d’art... more
En 2006, dans un programme d’investigation sur le transit des derniers chasseurs-collecteurs aux premiers agriculteurs et éleveurs dans les zones géographiques d’Urdaibai et Gorbeia (Biscaye), nous avons documenté des évidences d’art mégalithique en contexte. En premier lieu, dans le dolmen de Katillotxu V (Urdaibai) on a répertorié une chambre dolménique décorée, avec une représentation armée dans l’un des orthostats et une stèle tronquée à l’intérieur. D’autre part, dans le dolmen d’Errekatxuetako Atxa (Gorbeia) on a récupéré 3 sculptures anthropomorphes, l’une d’elles en contexte, dans la partie inférieure de la chambre dolménique. Aussi bien les techniques que les motifs graphiques documentés relient le mégalithisme basque-cantabrique avec le panorama symbolique de l’art mégalithique péninsulaire et du sud de l’Europe
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La práctica analítica en estratigrafía arqueológica es una creación original de G. Laplace, habiendo sido ensayada inicialmente en los depósitos pleistocénicos pirenaicos de Olha 2, Gatzarria y Poeymaïlh. En conexión directa con estos... more
La práctica analítica en estratigrafía arqueológica es una creación original de G. Laplace, habiendo sido ensayada inicialmente en los depósitos pleistocénicos pirenaicos de Olha 2, Gatzarria y Poeymaïlh. En conexión directa con estos primeros trabajos, su aplicación en Hego Euskal Herria comienza en 1989 en el yacimiento paleolítico de la cueva de Arrillor (Araba). Esta cavidad fue, por su complejidad estratigráfica, el marco idóneo para el aprendizaje y ensayo de este procedimiento de análisis e interpretación desde la dialéctica de los sucesos estratigráficos. Supuso, además, una escuela práctica para la definición del marco conceptual y operativo del método, que será experimentado y contrastado con posterioridad en contextos arqueológicos ampliamente diferenciados (cuevas de Santa Coloma y Antoliña, abrigo de Kanpanoste, asentamiento al aire libre de Pareko Landa, dolmen de Mendigana…). A partir de 1996, con la creación del Círculo de Estratigrafía Analítica (Gasteiz) y de su revista Krei como medio de difusión científica, se inicia un proceso de reflexión y debate sistemáticos de cara a la adecuación del marco metodológico e instrumental propios de la Estratigrafía Analítica. Exponemos en el presente trabajo una síntesis histórica y una actualización en relación al marco conceptual, a la jerarquización y articulación de los rasgos cualitativos definitorios, a los recursos gráficos de representación y al procedimiento de aproximación a la cuantificación de los componentes sedimentarios. Incluimos, finalmente, como ejemplos prácticos de aplicación, los casos de los depósitos estratigráficos de la cueva de Santimamiñe (Bizkaia) y del monumento megalítico de Katillotxu V (Bizkaia).
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The cave of Santimami~ne (Kortezubi, Bizkaia, Spain), on the southern slopes of the Ere~nozar Mountain (Urdaibai biosphere reserve), is one of the most famous prehistoric localities of the Cantabrian range. Between 2004 and 2006, a test... more
The cave of Santimami~ne (Kortezubi, Bizkaia, Spain), on the southern slopes of the Ere~nozar Mountain
(Urdaibai biosphere reserve), is one of the most famous prehistoric localities of the Cantabrian range.
Between 2004 and 2006, a test trench revealed a 6 m-deep stratigraphic sequence in the inner vestibule
of the cave covering ~20,000 years, from the latest Late Pleistocene (MIS 2) to the middle Holocene (MIS
1). It comprises six chrono-cultural units: lower, middle and upper Magdalenian, Azilian, Neolithic, and
Chalcolithic/Bronze Age, plus seven lower purely palaeontological levels. More than 47,000 microvertebrate
elements (including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes) were recovered, of
which 1587 were identified to the genus and/or species levels. Of these, small mammals were used for
paleoenvironmental reconstruction since they are very sensitive to climatic conditions and their distributions
over time, measured in terms of relative abundance, serve as reliable proxies of habitat and
climatic change. The reconstruction of Santimami~ne past environments based on small mammals
roughly coincides with other proxies, such as the amphibian/reptile, large mammal/bird, palynological,
and cryoclastic records on the local scale; other paleoenvironmental reconstructions from north Iberia on
the regional scale; and the oxygen isotopic curve of an ice core from central Greenland on the global
scale. All Magdalenian levels from Santimami~ne were deposited during the Oldest Dryas, a mostly cold
and humid period including the Heinrich event 1. Small mammalian, palynological and cryoclastic evidence
likely document the shift from the cold Younger Dryas to the beginning of the Holocene Climatic
Optimum during Azilian times. The uppermost level, deposited during a moderate re-opening of the
landscape at the Subboreal, slightly postdates the Holocene Cooling Event 3.
(Urdaibai biosphere reserve), is one of the most famous prehistoric localities of the Cantabrian range.
Between 2004 and 2006, a test trench revealed a 6 m-deep stratigraphic sequence in the inner vestibule
of the cave covering ~20,000 years, from the latest Late Pleistocene (MIS 2) to the middle Holocene (MIS
1). It comprises six chrono-cultural units: lower, middle and upper Magdalenian, Azilian, Neolithic, and
Chalcolithic/Bronze Age, plus seven lower purely palaeontological levels. More than 47,000 microvertebrate
elements (including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes) were recovered, of
which 1587 were identified to the genus and/or species levels. Of these, small mammals were used for
paleoenvironmental reconstruction since they are very sensitive to climatic conditions and their distributions
over time, measured in terms of relative abundance, serve as reliable proxies of habitat and
climatic change. The reconstruction of Santimami~ne past environments based on small mammals
roughly coincides with other proxies, such as the amphibian/reptile, large mammal/bird, palynological,
and cryoclastic records on the local scale; other paleoenvironmental reconstructions from north Iberia on
the regional scale; and the oxygen isotopic curve of an ice core from central Greenland on the global
scale. All Magdalenian levels from Santimami~ne were deposited during the Oldest Dryas, a mostly cold
and humid period including the Heinrich event 1. Small mammalian, palynological and cryoclastic evidence
likely document the shift from the cold Younger Dryas to the beginning of the Holocene Climatic
Optimum during Azilian times. The uppermost level, deposited during a moderate re-opening of the
landscape at the Subboreal, slightly postdates the Holocene Cooling Event 3.
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The Kurtzegan menhir is located on Kurtzegan hill, in the western region of Gorbeia National Park, 850 metres above sea level. It is carved from sandstone and is (maximum) 5.40 m long, 1.12 m wide and 0.35 m thick. During the year 2008,... more
The Kurtzegan menhir is located on Kurtzegan hill, in the western region of Gorbeia National Park, 850 metres above
sea level. It is carved from sandstone and is (maximum) 5.40 m long, 1.12 m wide and 0.35 m thick. During the year
2008, a series of stratigraphic sondages were carried out in the vicinity of the menhir with three principal aims: (1) to
determine the stratigraphy and archaeological potential of the site; (2) to locate possible structures related to the
construction of the menhir (pits, stone structures, etc.); and (3) to chart the graphic potential of the monument.
sea level. It is carved from sandstone and is (maximum) 5.40 m long, 1.12 m wide and 0.35 m thick. During the year
2008, a series of stratigraphic sondages were carried out in the vicinity of the menhir with three principal aims: (1) to
determine the stratigraphy and archaeological potential of the site; (2) to locate possible structures related to the
construction of the menhir (pits, stone structures, etc.); and (3) to chart the graphic potential of the monument.
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The conservation and restoration of Sorbituaga-Arriatara (Busturia) menhir is located within the framework of a protection and dissemination programme run by the Sollube Megalithic Site and supported by the Basque Government Centre for... more
The conservation and restoration of Sorbituaga-Arriatara (Busturia) menhir is located within the framework of a
protection and dissemination programme run by the Sollube Megalithic Site and supported by the Basque
Government Centre for Cultural Heritage and the Busturia Local Council.
protection and dissemination programme run by the Sollube Megalithic Site and supported by the Basque
Government Centre for Cultural Heritage and the Busturia Local Council.
Research Interests:
The Kurtzegan menhir is located in the western part of the Gorbeia Nature Reserve, 850 m above sea level. In 2008, an archaeological intervention was carried out on the hill on which the menhir is located, with the pit associated with... more
The Kurtzegan menhir is located in the western part of the Gorbeia Nature Reserve, 850 m above sea level. In 2008,
an archaeological intervention was carried out on the hill on which the menhir is located, with the pit associated with
the monument being discovered. The archaeological data found have enabled us to propose and carry out a
project aimed at restoring and lifting the monolith (2011), adopting a multidisciplinary approach involving experts
from the fields of archaeology, architecture, restoration and geology.
an archaeological intervention was carried out on the hill on which the menhir is located, with the pit associated with
the monument being discovered. The archaeological data found have enabled us to propose and carry out a
project aimed at restoring and lifting the monolith (2011), adopting a multidisciplinary approach involving experts
from the fields of archaeology, architecture, restoration and geology.
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The stratigraphic review programme of the archaeological deposits of Santimamiñe (2004-2006) has brought to light a 6 metre deep sequence with 27 stratigraphic units hosting seven phases of human occupation between the second part of the... more
The stratigraphic review programme of the archaeological deposits of Santimamiñe (2004-2006) has brought to light a 6 metre deep sequence with 27 stratigraphic units hosting seven phases of human occupation between the second part of the Tardiglacial and middle Holocene periods. It presents a synthesis of the evolution of the landscape and exploitation strategies from the lower Magdalenian period to the Calcolithic-Bronze Age.
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A stratigraphic review of the Santimamiñe Cave strata was performed between 2004 and 2006 as part of an overall study, conservation and dissemination programme of this archaeological site. The stratigraphic survey conducted affected the... more
A stratigraphic review of the Santimamiñe Cave strata was performed between 2004 and 2006 as part of an overall study, conservation and dissemination programme of this archaeological site. The stratigraphic survey conducted affected the innermost section of the antechamber and provided a 6 metre deep sequence with 27 stratigraphic units, divided into four sets based on geoclimatic and palaetnologic criteria. The lower set accommodates two levels with palaeontological content (Arb-o and Arg-o), developed during MIS 3-MIS 2, and dating from c. 27000 to 20000 BP. Above sits the flood level, a powerful layer of sterile silt and clay, deposited in all likelihood, during GI-2. The upper-meso level is characterised by the significant presence of cryoclastic processes, referring to Csn-Camr, Slnc and Arcp levels, formed during the Late Glacial Period (GS-2, GI-1d and GS-1). These three phases of climate worsening saw the first human occupation of the cave of Santimamiñe: late lower Magdalenian, late upper Magdalenian and Azilian, between c. 14700 and 10000 BP. Finally, the top level was deposited during the first half of the Holocene, with Mesolithic (very mild), Neolithic and Chalcolithic-Bronze occupation, between c. 7600 and 3700 BP. The present study rules out, at least in the area assessed, the existence of human occupation from the early and middle Upper Palaeolithic
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We have studied the evolutionary dynamics of carved stone artefacts recovered during the stratigraphic review campaigns of the Santimamiñe Cave strata (2004-2006), divided into five stratigraphic units: Slm-Lsm (Neolithic), Arcp (Azilian)... more
We have studied the evolutionary dynamics of carved stone artefacts recovered during the stratigraphic review campaigns of the Santimamiñe Cave strata (2004-2006), divided into five stratigraphic units: Slm-Lsm (Neolithic), Arcp (Azilian) Slnc (late-upper Magdalenian), Almp (middle/upper Magdalenian?) and Csn-Camr (late lower Magdalenian). The paper presents a first approach to nuclei and re-worked items and to gross carved products, focusing more specifically on the reworked group of objects, of which a typological analysis has been conducted according to G. Laplace's Analytical Typology (according to the grille of 1986). A series of statistical methods developed by G. Laplace (structural analysis and analysis of the lien) have been applied in order to analyse the similarities and differences between the different groups studied. These statistical procedures are applied to the Re-worked Modes and Typological Groups in the five individual stratigraphic sets.
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Four perforated shells and seven used shells were recorded during the recent excavations at Santimamiñe cave (Kortezubi, Bizkaia). The personal ornaments, belonging to the species, Littorina littorea, Littorina obtusata and Nucella... more
Four perforated shells and seven used shells were recorded during the recent excavations at Santimamiñe cave (Kortezubi, Bizkaia). The personal ornaments, belonging to the species, Littorina littorea, Littorina obtusata and Nucella lapillus, were found in the magdalenian levels and they are coherent with the patterns found in other magdalenian sites, while the used shells, Ostrea edulis, Ruditapes decussatus, Mytilus galloprovincialis and Patella sp., were identified in the neolithic levels. The case of the personal ornaments is usual as they have been recorded in the cantabrian region since the beggining of the archaeological research, however, the case of the used shells is very novel because these are the first evidence of this kind of tools in the region. Through the macro and microscopic anlaysis of the material we have establish the main features of both assemblages. Subsequently, we discuss the presence of this material in the regional context.
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In this work Upper Pleistocene and Holocene vertebrates microfauna study is shown. Samples were collected in Santimamiñe site in the stratigraphical review during 2004 and 2006 years. A total of 47.093 microvertebrates remains were... more
In this work Upper Pleistocene and Holocene vertebrates microfauna study is shown. Samples were collected in Santimamiñe site in the stratigraphical review during 2004 and 2006 years. A total of 47.093 microvertebrates remains were obtained from about 700 Kg of sediments and 20 taxons of microvertebrates (15 micromammals, 2 amphibians and 3 reptiles) were identified. Based on the influence of climate change on some microvertebrates groups, distinguished microfaunal assemblages allows to infer paleoenvironmental conditions along the Santimamiñe stratigraphical sequence. Two episodes were identified, a cold episode in the base of the sequence and, hot episode at the top. Additionally, within the cold episode small environmental variations were recognized.
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This study assesses bone diagenesis degree and chemical changes associated to burial processes by means of chemical techniques and mineralogical analysis. To evaluate bone collagen degradation and secondary phases formation during bone... more
This study assesses bone diagenesis degree and chemical changes associated to burial processes by means of chemical techniques and mineralogical analysis. To evaluate bone collagen degradation and secondary phases formation during bone diagenesis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are used. During diagenesis bone chemical and isotopic composition variations occur. However, correlation between bone degradation and the chemical and isotopic variation was not observed in studied samples.
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The stratigraphical review of the cave of Santimamiñe carried out in the last years, as well as the improvement in the field of Molecular Biology, allowed the analysis of mitochondrial DNA from the anthropological remains recovered from... more
The stratigraphical review of the cave of Santimamiñe carried out in the last years, as well as the improvement in the field of Molecular Biology, allowed the analysis of mitochondrial DNA from the anthropological remains recovered from this emblematic site. To date, two dental pieces have been analysed belonging to a jawbone retaining eight mandibular teeth dated by C14 in 3.710 ± 40 BP, in non-calibrated chronology, at the end of the Calcolithic period and the beginning of the Bronze Age. Our results indicate that this individual harbored the mitochondrial linage T2b. This linage has been observed in autochthonous populations from north of Navarre and Pas Valley. Bearing in mind its frequency and its coalescence age in present day populations, it has been proposed that individuals harboring this maternal linage could have participated in the processes of postglacial recolonization of the continent happened after the Youngest Dryas, approximately 10.000 years ago. Our results enable us to conclude that linage T2b already existed in the Basque Country in the Calcolithic.
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Presentation of a preview of the first phase (2011) of the multidisciplinary research project, "Palaeoenvironmental Study of the Goikoetxe cave-Malloku system (Busturia, Bizkaia) ". The goal is to study the chronological and... more
Presentation of a preview of the first phase (2011) of the multidisciplinary research project, "Palaeoenvironmental Study of the Goikoetxe cave-Malloku system (Busturia, Bizkaia) ". The goal is to study the chronological and palaeoenvironmental evolution of the cave through sediment and paleontological records
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Availability of current data about the Meso-Neolithic sequence in Eastern Cantabria (Pays Basque) reveals a natural resources management model showing high similarities between last hunter-gatherers and first food producers. Spatial... more
Availability of current data about the Meso-Neolithic sequence in
Eastern Cantabria (Pays Basque) reveals a natural resources management
model showing high similarities between last hunter-gatherers and
first food producers. Spatial analysis of human occupations
-settlement and necropolis-, as well as resources catchment area for
both biotic and petrologic ones, shows continuity in landscape management.
Examples from Urdabai -a little basin on the Bizkaia coast- and Gorbeia
-a mountainous area inland- sheds light to settlement patterns in the
transition from Mesolithic towards Neolithic times. In the Urdaibai
basin, both the open-air site of Pareko Landa and the cave of Kobeaga
II have stratigraphical series dating back to the Mesolithic and the
Ancient Neolithic sequences. Pareko Landa and Kobeaga II share
landscape and petrologic resources with later megalithic tombs
-usually grouped in little clusters-. In the Gorbeia region, 736
m.a.s.l, the open-air settlement of Sustrigi has Epipalaeolithic layers
with well preserved domestic structures and is located only two
hundred meters away of the Mendigana dolmen. This one has two
different occupation layers dated respectively in the Neolithic and
the Chalcolithic.
Eastern Cantabria (Pays Basque) reveals a natural resources management
model showing high similarities between last hunter-gatherers and
first food producers. Spatial analysis of human occupations
-settlement and necropolis-, as well as resources catchment area for
both biotic and petrologic ones, shows continuity in landscape management.
Examples from Urdabai -a little basin on the Bizkaia coast- and Gorbeia
-a mountainous area inland- sheds light to settlement patterns in the
transition from Mesolithic towards Neolithic times. In the Urdaibai
basin, both the open-air site of Pareko Landa and the cave of Kobeaga
II have stratigraphical series dating back to the Mesolithic and the
Ancient Neolithic sequences. Pareko Landa and Kobeaga II share
landscape and petrologic resources with later megalithic tombs
-usually grouped in little clusters-. In the Gorbeia region, 736
m.a.s.l, the open-air settlement of Sustrigi has Epipalaeolithic layers
with well preserved domestic structures and is located only two
hundred meters away of the Mendigana dolmen. This one has two
different occupation layers dated respectively in the Neolithic and
the Chalcolithic.
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Our study of the Neolithic Population in the basin of Urdaibai (Biscaya) shows a substantial departure from settlement patterns starting in the Advanced Neolithic, in relation with the development of Megalithism. The outdoors distribution... more
Our study of the Neolithic Population in the basin of Urdaibai (Biscaya) shows a substantial departure from settlement patterns starting in the Advanced Neolithic, in relation with the development of Megalithism. The outdoors distribution of the habitat as well as of the megalithic groups show a strong anthropization of the Landscape.
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Las intervenciones arqueológicas en las estructuras de Biroleo I, Biroleo II y Perutxote fueron planteadas con el propósito de confirmar o descartar su atribución como crómlech.
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This paper discusses the potential and limits of wood charcoal analysis in dolmen sites. For that purpose, we present the case of the study of plant macroremains from Mendigana dolmen in Gorbeia. The sampling strategy has considered all... more
This paper discusses the potential and limits of wood charcoal analysis in dolmen sites. For that purpose, we present the case of the study of plant macroremains from Mendigana dolmen in Gorbeia. The sampling strategy has considered all the areas in which there has been an archaeological intervention (chamber, frontal stratigraphic section, sondage) and there have been analyses of both, samples collected in situ and flotation processed samples. Other plant macroremains are very few, mostly fragments of hazelnut pericarp, a poorly represented taxon among wood charcoal.
The main component of carbonized wood samples, are deciduous oaks with an important presence of bushy taxons of leguminous and heathers. Birch and beech are also significant taxons in some samples, while ash, hazel, alder and willow are present in low percentages. Thus, wood charcoal suggests the presence of several plant communities in the surroundings of the dolmen: a mixed oakwood, a beechwood and open formations of heathers. The diversity of results in the analyzed contexts will allow us to discuss some questions about the method and the potential of wood charcoal analysis as independent contextual evidence and to understand the dynamic of formation, use and alteration of the archaeological structures.
The main component of carbonized wood samples, are deciduous oaks with an important presence of bushy taxons of leguminous and heathers. Birch and beech are also significant taxons in some samples, while ash, hazel, alder and willow are present in low percentages. Thus, wood charcoal suggests the presence of several plant communities in the surroundings of the dolmen: a mixed oakwood, a beechwood and open formations of heathers. The diversity of results in the analyzed contexts will allow us to discuss some questions about the method and the potential of wood charcoal analysis as independent contextual evidence and to understand the dynamic of formation, use and alteration of the archaeological structures.
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The presence of Atlantic themes in the most Mediterranean area of the North of the Iberian Peninsula serves as an invitation to reflect on the validity of the traditional boundaries which defined the Pyrenees as www.em-consulte.com... more
The presence of Atlantic themes in the most Mediterranean area of the North of the Iberian Peninsula
serves as an invitation to reflect on the validity of the traditional boundaries which defined the Pyrenees as
www.em-consulte.com
Disponible en ligne sur www.sciencedirect.com
doi:10.1016/j.anthro.2009.09.010
Author's personal copy
The border between the megalithic worlds of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Indeed, the territorial extension of the Iberian megalithic art coincides with that of the French megalithic art of which some of the
best examples can be found in the South-east. The metal weapons represented in Vizcaya and Navarra draw attention to the strong symbolic facet of an area traditionally considered as marginal, and coincide with the metal resources of these rich environments of great potential for herding and agriculture. The engraved Palmela point of KTV is the first of its kind identified in the South of Europe. Its integration within a megalithic construction confirms the long course of development of these tombs which underwent in the mid-third millennium cal BC one of their greatest moments of inflexion, at a time contemporary to the use ofthe Beaker assemblage.
serves as an invitation to reflect on the validity of the traditional boundaries which defined the Pyrenees as
www.em-consulte.com
Disponible en ligne sur www.sciencedirect.com
doi:10.1016/j.anthro.2009.09.010
Author's personal copy
The border between the megalithic worlds of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Indeed, the territorial extension of the Iberian megalithic art coincides with that of the French megalithic art of which some of the
best examples can be found in the South-east. The metal weapons represented in Vizcaya and Navarra draw attention to the strong symbolic facet of an area traditionally considered as marginal, and coincide with the metal resources of these rich environments of great potential for herding and agriculture. The engraved Palmela point of KTV is the first of its kind identified in the South of Europe. Its integration within a megalithic construction confirms the long course of development of these tombs which underwent in the mid-third millennium cal BC one of their greatest moments of inflexion, at a time contemporary to the use ofthe Beaker assemblage.