The emergence of the Neolithic in Dobrudja (Romania) reflected by the osseous industry

Monica Mărgărit; Adrian Irimia; Valentina Voinea; Valentin Radu; Adrian Bălășescu

doi:10.4312/dp.52.13

Authors

Monica Mărgărit Valahia University of Târgovişte, Romania
Adrian Irimia Valahia University of Târgovişte, Romania; Museum of National History and Archaeology, Constanţa, Romania
Valentina Voinea Museum of National History and Archaeology, Constanţa, Romania
Valentin Radu National Museum of Romanian History, Bucharest, Romania
Adrian Bălășescu Romanian Academy, "Vasile Pârvan" Institute of Archaeology, Bucharest, Romania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4312/dp.52.13

Keywords:

Neolithic, Dobrudja, osseous industry, cultural traditions, technological and typological innovations

Abstract

On the Lower Danube River basin, the oldest Neolithic assemblages appear around 6200 BC. However, the evolution of the Neolithic seems to have occurred later in the Dobrudja region between the Danube River and Black Sea. The archaeological evidence from the Dobrudja has shed light on subject long debated by specialists. At the current stage of knowledge, the oldest Neolithic archaeological finds belong to the Hamangia culture (c. 5300–4600 cal BC), although some recent discoveries come from the Prehamangia culture and seem to precede the previously analysed Neolithic settlements, being dated to beyond 5700–5400 cal BC. The archaeozoological study presented in this contribution confirms the pastoral character of the Prehamangia and Hamangia economies, as indicated by the high percentage of domestic animals, especially cattle and caprines. The osseous industry that has been recovered reflects the economic type of these communities, which was clearly oriented towards the exploitation of Ovis aries/Capra hircus and Bos taurus bones. Technologically processed bones were recovered from accumulations of household waste deposited after the slaughter and consumption of these animals. Antler or tooth working is sporadically attested. Unio sp. shells were used as tools in domestic activities, as well as tortoise carapace. There are also worked pieces from exotic raw materials (e.g., Spondylus sp.) that illustrate the existence of wider regional intercommunity and exchange networks. The functions of the bone tools recovered are correlated with the specific economies of these communities, being used in domestic activities for the processing of ceramics, vegetable fibres or wood. The archaeological assemblage from the Hamangia settlement of Cheia was chosen as a case study. Comparisons will be made with the Prehamangia assemblage of Palazu Mare – Malul Mare and the Hamangia assemblage of Techirghiol – Dealul Paloda-Minerva in order to identify technological trends and innovations across both chrono-cultural stages.

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