http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=593 Publications de Auteurs Éric Goemaere fr 0 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=744 The provenance of ferruginous coloring materials has long remained a poorly exploited research subject. However, as a result of various studies carried out at the end of the 19th century and in the past decade, different analytic approaches have enabled the reconstruction of the supply of these ferruginous rocks, in terms of management of the mineral resources, their mobility and the technological and cultural orientations underlying their implementation and further use. Different analytical protocols have been established, taking into account fundamental conservation constraints, e.g., whether it was possible or not to collect samples, to transport and alter archaeological remains or whether analyses should be exclusively non-invasive. Petrographical, mineralogical and chemical analyses, combined or separate, allowed the accurate identification of the raw materials and of their particularities within various chrono-cultural and geological contexts, subsequently leading to their differentiation. Only the links between the proved geological resources and the archaeological ferruginous artifacts still needed to be determined. Furthermore it had to be determined whether the supply, or even the extraction of the ferruginous materials reflected particular choices and whether the archaeological assemblages are representative of the outcrops or the result of an intentional selection. Moreover, if it is possible to demonstrate that such choices were made, research should focus on the reasons behind these choices: have these been triggered by the geological context or have they rather been driven by cultural (traditions, value of coloring materials), social (group organization) and economic (site function, trade networks and access to sources of raw materials) considerations ? The combined approach used in the framework of the collective research project ‘The origin of hematitic oolitic ironstones exploited during the late prehistory (Belgium, Normandy, Eifel)’ has allowed a high-resolution analysis, over a vast geographic area, of the exclusive sources of hematitic oolitic ironstones (OIS) available along the northern, northwestern and northeastern borders of the Paris Basin that were exploited by latest Mesolithic and Early Neolithic populations. This study has also allowed to locate the economic mineral areas and the regions of influence, as well as to identify OIS supply strategies and to suggest reasons for changes or continuity in the supply patterns of the raw materials. In particular, the research presented here supports the conclusion that Early Neolithic groups in Normandy were more selective than their latest Mesolithic predecessors, probably favouring the less weathered OIS layers. The OIS fragments recovered from the Early Neolithic sites in the Hesbaye-Dendre-Netherlands area, reflect a vast trade network between these 3 different regions, centered around outcrops near the Meuse river in the province of Liège. Inferred transport distances exceed 100 km, showing a possible control of the access to the raw material sources. Finally, our study has shown that there was no trade of hematitic oolitic ironstones between Normandy and the Belgium-Netherlands group. Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:41:31 +0100 Fri, 25 Jul 2025 11:29:09 +0200 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=744 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=708 A brief overview is given of the classification schemes and current terminology of Phanerozoic sedimentary iron deposits, particularly that of ironstones. Representative geological samples of oolitic ironstones (OIS) possibly used as raw materials for prehistoric red ochres have been petrographically investigated. Microfacies differences have been observed between Llanvirn OIS from Normandy (France), Famennian OIS from Belgium and Emsian-Eifelian OIS from the Eifel area (Germany). Petrographical differentiation is based upon contrasting grain size, mineralogy and typology of the ferruginous ooids, as well as differences in mineralogy, diagenetic history and lithologic nature of the host sediments or of the cement. Most conspicuous are the differences in ferruginous ooid typology, including “true” concentric ooids, superficial ooids, algal oncoids and pseudo-ooids (such as ferruginized cortoids and rounded bioclasts). “Flaxseed ore” facies and “fossil ore” facies can be identified, as well as transitional or mixed types. A selection of representative archeological objects (OIS) has been petrographically investigated as well: the first results point to a rather local provenance for the samples of Normandy and Hesbaye (Belgium). Un bref résumé de la classification et de la terminologie moderne des dépôts de fer phanérozoïque est présenté et plus spécialement celle des minerais de fer. Des échantillons géologiques représentatifs des minerais de fer oolithiques (OIS), susceptibles d’avoir été utilisés comme matière première pour la fabrication d’ocre rouge durant la préhistoire, ont fait l’objet d’une étude pétrographique. Des différences de microfaciès ont été mises en évidence entre les OIS d’âge Llanvirnien de Normandie (France), les OIS du Famennien de Belgique et les OIS d’âge Emsien-Eifelien de l’Eifel (Allemagne). La différenciation pétrographique se base sur les contrastes de tailles de grains, l’assemblage minéralogique et la typologie des ooïdes ferrifères ainsi que des différences de minéralogie, d’histoire diagénétique et de nature lithologique du sédiment hôte ou du ciment. Les différences les plus visibles se trouvent dans la typologie des ooïdes ferrugineux tels que les ooïdes « vraies » à structure concentrique, les ooïdes superficielles, les oncoïdes d’origine algaire et les pseudo-ooïdes (cortoïdes et les bioclastes roulés ferruginisés). Deux faciès peuvent être identifiés : “Flaxseed ore” (minerai dont les ooïdes sont en forme de graines de lin) et “fossil ore” (minerai riche en fragments de fossiles), ainsi que des faciès mixtes ou intermédiaires. Une sélection d’artéfacts représentatifs (OIS) a été investiguée pétrographiquement dont les premiers résultats démontrent une provenance locale pour le matériel archéologique de Normandie et de Hesbaye. Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:24:03 +0100 Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:24:06 +0100 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=708 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=703 The analysis of ochre archaeological artefacts could be realized without its destruction. The aim of this study is to identify macroscopic characteristics to distinguish on these artefacts oolitic ironstones (OIS) from different origins, in this case norman ordovician and belgian devonian ones. Despite frequent difficulties in observations, it shows that the only relevant criterion in order to determine correctly the origin of OIS lies in the form of the ooids. Other criterions, as the size or the sorting of ooids, or the colour of the cement, alone are not discriminating. The comparison of observations on several objects, both on raw materials or on polished surfaces, should enable to propose a differential diagnosis. Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:17:18 +0100 Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:28:46 +0100 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=703 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=689 Oolitic ironstones (OIS) are red raw materials producing a strong red pigment that are frequently encountered on LBK (Linearbandkeramic culture or Linienbandkeramische Kultur) sites from the Hesbaye (Liège province, Belgium), the Maastricht region (Limburg province, The Netherlands) and the Dendre springs area (Hainaut province, Belgium). Macroscopical, mesoscopical and microscopical investigations show a genetic relationship between all of the studied samples. The latter consist mainly of Clinton-type OIS with fine-grained hematitic ooids and a red clayey-sandy matrix, rarely enclosing carbonates within the cement or in the fossils. The observed variation inside the geological outcrops results from differences in the proportions of the detrital matrix and the carbonate content in comparison with the richness in hematitic ooids. The geochemical analyses carried out with HH-XRF and PIXE, also show strong analogies between all of the studied archaeological objects discovered in both of the studied areas. The diffractometric analysis resulted in poor information except for the mineralogical composition of the major phases. We do not observe differences between the pioneer sites and the older occupation sites. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between the OIS from one village to another. A comparison of geological samples from Belgium and Germany allowed to link archaeological samples to Lower Famennian OIS of the southern border of the Namur Synclinorium. The latter spots are most probably located between the towns of Loyable and Amay, along the Meuse river valley. We may therefore conclude that the early Neolithic people looked at the same spots (in a geographic area of about three kilometers along the Meuse river axis). Moreover, they have selected their primary raw materials using the richness in iron ooids and the scarcity in quartz and calcite as main selection criteria. This study is still in progress, now taking into account other types of (non-oolitic) red rocks from LBK sites in the Hesbaye area, The Netherlands and Lorraine, in order to trace the geographical and geological provenances of the raw materials. So far, we can already suggest that the sources are local to regional for the red sandstones and of German origin for the non-oolitic hematitic ores. Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:00:18 +0100 Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:28:13 +0100 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=689 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=673 Oolithic Ironstone (OIS) is an ubiquitous raw material in LBK (Linearbandkeramik) and Blicquy-VSG sites of Belgium (mainly Dendre river springs, Hainaut and Hesbaye regions), but in quantitative terms its presence remains discreet. This paper raises the questions of its use in the technical and symbolic spheres, the identification of potential outcrops and of the possible insertion of this material in an exchanges network which integrates Early Neolithic sites of Hainaut, Hesbaye and Dutch Limburg, this last region offering no geologic source of hematite. After an overview of these topics, the paper is dedicated to a presentation of the analyzed objects and sampled contexts (104 objects coming from nine sites in Hesbaye and four sites in Hainaut). Most of the objects are illustrated in color figures, as well as are provided the excavation plans of the archaeological sites with mention of pits from where analyzed objects are coming from. A short discussion about the eventual “precious” character of OIS closes the contribution. It should be noted that this article is integrated in the researches led by the workgroup (see introduction to this volume) and dedicated to the comparison by macroscopic and microscopic analysis of Belgian and Norman haematites (Billard et al., 2016 : this volume), to the use and the processing of this material (Hamon et al., 2016 : this volume) and to the physico-chemical characterization of OIS of Belgium (Goemaere et al., 2016 : this volume). The latter proposes a conclusion common to both articles specific to Belgium, including this one. L’hématite oolithique (ou OIS pour Oolithic Ironstone) est un matériau ubiquiste dans les sites rubanés et Blicquy-VSG de Belgique (principalement sources de la Dendre, Hainaut et Hesbaye liégeoise), mais sa présence reste discrète en terme quantitatif. L’article pose les questions relatives à son utilisation dans les sphères techniques et symbolique, aux sources potentielles d’approvisionnement et à l’insertion éventuelle de ce matériau dans un réseau d’échanges qui inclurait les sites du Hainaut, de Hesbaye et du Limbourg néerlandais, cette région n’offrant aucune source géologique d’hématite. Après l’exposé de ces problématiques, l’article est consacré à la présentation des objets analysés et des contextes échantillonnés, soit 104 objets issus de neuf sites en Hesbaye et de quatre sites du Hainaut. La plupart des objets sont illustrés en couleur, de même que sont fournis les plans des sites permettant d’identifier les fosses d’où sont issus les objets. Une courte discussion sur le caractère précieux ou non de l’hématite clos la contribution. Il est à noter que cet article s’intègre dans l’ensemble des recherches menées par le Groupe de travail (voir l’introduction à ce volume) et consacrées à la comparaison par observations macroscopiques et microscopiques des hématites belges et normandes (Billard et al., 2016 : ce volume), à l’utilisation et la transformation de ce matériau (Hamon et al., 2016 : ce volume) et à la caractérisation physico-chimique des OIS de Belgique (Goemaere et al., 2016 : ce volume). Ce dernier propose une conclusion commune aux deux articles spécifiques à la Belgique, dont celui-ci. Fri, 29 Nov 2024 13:50:49 +0100 Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:27:16 +0100 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=673 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=650 Oolitic ironstones (OIS) disccovered at archaeological (Early Neolithic & Mesolithic) sites in the Caen region (Basse-Normandie, France) were analyzed and compared with Ordovician OIS sampled in geological sites in Basse-Normandie, in order to establish the source of the raw materials used in prehistory. Samples of OIS were analyzed and characterized by X-ray diffraction (whole rock and clay fraction), LA-ICP-MS, HH-XRF and PIXE. Ironstone objects from Colombelles (early Neolithic) show compositions that are different from those recovered at Biéville-Beuville (final Mesolithic). Those at Colombelles were initially extracted from slightly weathered ironstone layers and it is suggested here that their extraction required extra digging to reach less weathered hematite-rich material. In contrast, OIS from Biéville-Beuville have a mineralogical composition indicative of more intense weathering, which might indicate collection of surface material. The final Mesolithic raw material of Biéville-Beuville seems to have been obtained through a different mode of acquisition than that utilized during the early Neolithic. Our research allows us to conclude that all the archaeological OIS from the Plain of Caen are of local or regional origins and that Devonian (Lower Famennian, Frasnian) OIS from Belgium, Lower/Middle Devonian, OIS from the Eifel (Germany) or Mesozoic OIS from Lorraine (in the three border areas between the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Belgium and France) are totally lacking. Early Neolithic sites in Belgium contain no oolitic ironstone imported from Normandy. As a consequence, we can conclude that for this specific raw material, there is a lack of exchange between early Neolithic Belgian populations (Hesbaye and Dendre Springs) and the population of the Plain of Caen. Fri, 29 Nov 2024 13:21:49 +0100 Fri, 29 Nov 2024 13:21:57 +0100 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=650 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=598 Cet article décrit les différentes occurrences géologiques d’hématites oolithiques connues dans la partie nord-ouest de l’Europe. Les contextes géologiques, lithostratigraphiques, structuraux et paléoenvironnementaux de certaines couches de minerais de fer oolithique sont explicités pour les gisements belges (Lochkovien, Givetien, Frasnien et Famennien, Aalénien-Bajocien), normands (Ordovicien), grand-ducaux (Aalénien-Bajocien) et provenant de l’Eifel (Emsien-Eifelien). Des données chimiques générales ainsi que leur attribution à un des trois types d’hématites oolithiques complètent le tableau général. Ces données de base sont mises en perspective par rapport aux sites d’habitat du Néolithique ancien des régions concernées. This paper deals with the description of the different geological occurrences of oolitic ironstones known in northwestern Europe. The geological, lithostratigraphical, structural and paleoenvironmental settings of some particular oolitic iron ores weare discussed, in particular those of the Belgian Lochkovian, Givetian, Frasnian and Famennian stages, those of the Ordovician in Normandy (France), those of the Aalenian- Bajocian in the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg and those of the Emsian-Eifelian in the Eifel area (Germany). General available chemical data were provided as well as the assignment to one of the three OIS types in order to complete this general overview. Fri, 29 Nov 2024 12:55:21 +0100 Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:25:04 +0100 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=598 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=589 Fri, 29 Nov 2024 12:49:01 +0100 Fri, 29 Nov 2024 12:49:06 +0100 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=589