Combustion features and use of space. A micromorphological approach to the Neolithic occupation at Cova de les Pixarelles (Barcelona, Spain)

Abstract

Combustion structures are a key element in archaeology for understanding the articulation of the social spaces of past societies since they allow us to approach domestic activities, given their role in daily life production and consumption practices. In the last years, the study of hearths and other combustion features has been enriched by applying a set of new methodologies, which has made it possible to delve deeper into its study and know both the activities involved in its use and the management.In this article, we present the results of a micromorphological study carried out at the Cova de les Pixarelles site (Tavertet, Barcelona). The aim is to contribute to the knowledge of the use of space and rhythms of occupation of the Middle Neolithic societies in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula by studying combustion structures and their management. The exceptional conservation of the remains in strata of highly organic composition due to the formation of travertine layers in the periods when the cave is not occupied constitutes this cave as a benchmark for occupations in karst cavities during recent prehistory in the region. More specifically, we will focus on Level XXII, consisting of a thick accumulation of ashes and faunal remains, among other utilitarian elements. Therefore, the ethnographic vision of the use of the cavity in the economic and social cycle is deepened by the first results of the micromorphological analysis and the rest of the archaeological record, which points to an intense occupation with several episodes of use related to several combustion features and changes in space management with possible specific purposes.