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

Claire Delhon (1) , Lucie Esf Martin (2) , Jacqueline Argant (3) , Stéphanie Thiébault

1 CEPAM - Centre d'Études Préhistoire, Antiquité, Moyen-Age
2 ArScAn - Archéologies et Sciences de l'Antiquité
3 LAMPEA - Laboratoire méditerranéen de préhistoire Europe-Afrique

The 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).

Mots clés: Phytolith; Plant macroremains; Charcoal; Pollen; Neolithic; Fodder; Agro-pastoral practices; french Alps

Mots clés: La Grande Rivoire; Néolithique; Préhistoire; macroreste végétal; Vercors; phytolithe; Isère; paléobotanique; Rhône-Alpes; charbon; France; Europe du Sud; fourrage; Sassenage; agriculture; pastoralisme; économie de subsistance

Domaines: Archéologie et Préhistoire

Claire Delhon, Lucie Esf Martin, Jacqueline Argant, Stéphanie Thiébault. Shepherds and plants in the Alps : multi-proxy archaeobotanical analysis of neolithic dung from "La Grande Rivoire" (Isère, France). Journal of Archaeological Science, 2008, 35 (11), pp.2937-2952. ⟨halshs-00409204⟩