http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=629 Entrées d’index 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=1174 When other element are lacking, the presence of colouring matter concentrations in graves can be considered as a diagnostic criteria. It is so regularly present in Early Neolithic graves, that it is considered as a diagnostic feature for Northern France funerary rituals. However, its presence remains enigmatic and raises several questions. Firstly, the use of the term of « ochre » is problematic, as it only reflects a general assumption, not a definite identification. Indeed, it is attested in about 80 % of LBK graves of the Paris Basin, but the diversity of raw materials used in unknown. The same diversity is observed in BQY/VSG graves, but in different proportions (pigments are present in less than 30 % of the graves), although we usually use the term of powdering and we ignore the exact modalities of its making and use. An important diversity of situations is reported for its use in early Neolithic graves, suggesting that pigments can be used in different ways, some funeral, others not. About 170 LBK graves are known at present in the Paris Basin. There are no graveyards, but only settlement graves. We retained 108 graves, distributed between 31 sites in the main alluvial valleys, according to the reliability of chronological attributions and the quality of documentation. The geographical and chronological distribution of this sample is representative of the original corpus. Graves localisation is similar during BQY/VSG, but the corpus is more limited : only 45 graves, distributed between 19 sites. Our purpose here is to understand the presence of colouring matter in graves, that is the modalities of its use, but also its possible functions during burials. Combining the analysis of pigment localizations and the taphonomic analysis of the corpse allows for several hypothesis. At least three different situations are observed in LBK graves. In most cases, colouring matters are associated with the skeleton (57 %). It can also be present on objects, as pearls or ceramics (11 %). Finally, coloured spots in the filling sediment are also observed (11 %). The cases distribution is different in BQY/ VSG graves, where the most frequent situation is the presence of coloured spots (two thirds of graves). In addition, combining the colouring matter distribution and the taphonomic analysis we can suggests the use of different organic objects, such as clothes and soft material envelopes or mats, containers. In fact, colouring matters are sometimes the last trace these various coloured organic objects. Colouring matters are thus present at various moments of the burial, sometimes connected to the preparation and deposit of the body, or to the deposit of funeral objects. The traceologic analysis of coloured grinding tools shows that they were used to work hides, but their use with vegetable fibres is also attested for these periods. The presence or absence of colouring matter in these graves could testify to the use of different materials (animal skins vs vegetable fibers) for objects occurring at various moments of burial, during pre-sepulchral and sepulchral stages. In this paper we advocate for the development of analytical protocols dedicated to the characterization of colouring matter use in funerary contexts. Fri, 06 Dec 2024 09:26:29 +0100 Fri, 06 Dec 2024 09:26:40 +0100 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=1174 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=1163 La présence de pierres semi-précieuses sur les sites d’habitat et de sépultures rubanés a fait l’objet d’une étude dans le cadre d’un mémoire de Master qui explore la question de savoir si l’utilisation des pierres semi-précieuses au néolithique ancien a été un phénomène autant régional que chronologique. Pour réaliser cette enquête, 168 sites d’habitat et 41 sites de sépultures attribués à la culture rubanée ont été observés dans la région germanophone, ainsi que dans le Nord de la France et les pays du Benelux. Par rapport aux sépultures, l’habitat rubané, lui, renfermait plus de pierres semi-précieuses. L’étude de la répartition des pierres a révélé une plus forte concentration et une utilisation plus intense sur les sites se trouvant à l’ouest la zone de fouille par rapport aux sites se trouvant à l’est. Alors que la goethite est exclusivement associée à l’habitat rubané, les minéraux tels que l’hématite, la limonite, le graphite, le manganèse et autres roches sédimentaires sont tout aussi présents sur les lieux d’habitat que dans les sépultures. Fri, 06 Dec 2024 09:21:28 +0100 Fri, 06 Dec 2024 09:21:38 +0100 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=1163 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=623 L’exploitation de l’hématite durant le Néolithique ancien en Europe du Nord-Ouest (soit de la Linearbandkeramik à la fin du Blicquy/Villeneuve-Saint-Germain, 5200-4700 BC) est attestée sur des sites d’habitats et funéraires, en particulier à proximité des sources d’approvisionnement géologique. À partir d’une analyse technologique et fonctionnelle des fragments d’hématite et des outils macrolithiques portant des traces de colorants, il est possible de mieux appréhender l’usage des colorants dans le système technique. 496 fragments d’hématite issus de 22 sites dans trois régions différentes ont été analysés : la plaine de Caen (Normandie - 12 sites), le bassin de la Dendre (Hainaut - 3 sites), et la Hesbaye liégeoise (Liège - 7 sites). Les caractéristiques des fragments d’hématite utilisés sont comparables entre ces différentes régions et suggèrent une gamme commune d’usages. La combinaison de la morphologie et de la distribution des traces d’usure sur différents types d’objet permettent de proposer plusieurs interprétations fonctionnelles. Si la production de poudre et l’application de colorant sur différent types de matières semblent bien avoir été l’objectif principal de ces productions, les propriétés abrasives de l’hématite ont également été recherchées pour des opérations de façonnage d’objet ou d’assouplissement de matières semi-souples. Sur les sites d’habitat, les hématites ont été transformées et réduites en poudre à l’aide de meules, de percuteurs et de concasseurs. Les outils de percussion ont été employés pour le concassage d’hématite en fractions relativement grossières avec parfois une seconde étape de broyage plus fin. Les meules ont été réutilisées selon un geste circulaire (et non en va-et-vient) afin d’obtenir de la poudre. Il s’agit dans ce cas de réemplois de faible intensité et durée d’utilisation. Parallèlement, des outils opportunistes tels que des éclats façonnés ou retouchés ont été employés pour le broyage de colorants. L’usage de matières colorantes avec des polissoirs et de molettes à main est lié à leur utilisation respectivement pour le façonnage par abrasion de différents types d’objets et l’assouplissement de matières semi-souples. L’originalité du traitement de l’hématite durant le Néolithique ancien du nord-ouest de l’Europe réside ainsi dans l’importante variété de ses modes de transformation et de ses usages. The exploitation of hematite during the Early Neolithic of north-western Europe (from the Linearbandkeramik to the end of Blicquy/Villeneuse-Saint-Germain, 5200-4700 BC) is attested on settlements and funerary contexts, especially when located near geological sources. After the technological and use-wear analysis of fragments of hematite and macrolithic tools wearing traces of colorings, it is possible to better understand how the use of colouring materials is contributing to the technical system. 496 fragments of hematites from 22 sites in three different regions have been analyzed: the plain of Caen (Normandie – 12 sites), the Dendre basin (Hainaut – 3 sites), and Hesbaye (Liège - 7 sites). The characteristics of the fragments of hematites used is comparable between the different regions, suggesting a common range of uses. The combination of the morphology and of the distribution of the use-wear traces on the different types of objects allows the proposal of several functional hypotheses. If the production of powder and the application of color on different types of matters seems to have been one of the main goals of these productions, the abrasive properties of hematites have also been searched for some operations of shaping of objects and suppling of half hard matters. On settlements, hematites have been processed and reduced into powder with querns, hammerstones and crushing tools. Percussive tools have been employed for the crushing of hematites in quite coarse fractions, with sometimes a second stage of finer grinding. Querns have been reused in a circular motion (and not in a back-and-forth one) in order to obtain powder. In this case, it represents a reemployment of low intensity, and low duration. In parallel, opportunist tools such as shaping or resharpening flakes were used for the grinding of colorings. The use of colorings matters with polishers or handstones is linked to their use respectively for the shaping by abrasion of different kind of objects, and the suppling of half-rigid matters. The originality of hematite treatment in the early Neolithic of North-Western Europe is definitely linked to an important variety of the modes of transformation and uses of this matter. Fri, 29 Nov 2024 13:05:03 +0100 Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:25:44 +0100 http://popups.lib.uliege.be/3041-5527/index.php?id=623 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