Reconstruction of the Use of Space at Tianluoshan, China, Based on Palynological and Lipid Evidence

Abstract

ABSTRACT The spatial heterogeneity at archaeological sites associated with human arrangements has mostly been evidenced by the analyses of artefact assemblages and constructions. Here we test the potentials of - pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs and lipid biomarkers in indicating intra-site spatial patterns and uses of space at the waterlogged archaeological site of Tianluoshan, Lower Yangtze Region, China. Freshwater humid area and terrestrial residential space are identified from the western and eastern areas of the site, evidenced by the accumulations of algal and fern spores, and fungal spores, separately. The interior and exterior spaces of the pile dwellings are tentatively differentiated based on the assemblages of lignin- and cellulose-decomposing fungi. The presence of coprophilous fungal spores and pollen species from diverse origins further points to the organisation of different activity areas for food processing and disposal of waste. In lipid biomarkers, major spatial patterns of alcohol and fatty acid distributions are related to long chain homologues from terrestrial plant remains transported through water in the western area, and homologues with shorter chain lengths in the pile dwellings. It can be concluded that non-pollen palynomorphs best indicate the local environments and spatial patterns in the present study.