Cova De Research Articles

New ichnofossil discovery in Mallorcan caves: Linking ancient and moden bat-ectoparasites coporolites.

Bat ectoparasitic ichnofossils can be useful to elucidate microbial mediation in mineralization processes of organic material, supplying valuable information on ancient parasitology and palaeoecology, among other topics. Rod-shaped features found in Cova des Pas de Vallgornera (Mallorca, Spain) are described for the first time. They are related to an ancient bat colony inhabiting the cave in the Early Pleistocene. These micro-morphologies are cylindrical in shape with sizes of a few hundred microns in length and less than one hundred microns in diameter. They are composed by a mash of microscopic calcite particles of different sizes and shapes, lying on deposits that contain phosphates and clay minerals. Some of these rod-shaped morphologies are covered in microscopic crystals, whose mineralogy is composed mainly of calcite, associated with dolomite, quartz and clays, These deposits are interpreted as fecal droplets of bat ectoparasites (probably Nycteribiidae), that infested an ancient bat colony living in the cave before the collapse blocking of its natural entrances; from 2.4 Ma to present, the cave has remained sealed, preserving these deposits as a new ichnofossil related to invertebrate's coprolites. The observation of similar micro-structures in Cova de sa Guitarreta, another Mallorcan cave nowadays used for breeding by bats, allowed to study a present-day analogue; in this case, the rod-shaped structures are composed by organic detritus with lenticular concave forms (red blood cells?) and minute mineral particles. Therefore, these cylindrical features could be envisaged as excreta from bloodsucking bat flies, being represented by present-day deposits (Cova de sa Guitarreta) as well as fossil coprolites in the case of Cova des Pas de Vallgornera.

Eating through time: Understanding dietary practices across late prehistory in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula.

This study seeks to contribute to the current understanding of dietary variation in the late Prehistory of the northeastern Iberian Peninsula by examining buccal dental microwear patterns alongside archeological data from the same populations. Teeth from 84 adult individuals from eight distinct samples spanning the Middle-Late Neolithic to the Middle Bronze Age (Cova de l'Avi, Cova de Can Sadurní, Cova de la Guineu, Cova Foradada, Cova del Trader, Roc de les Orenetes, Cova del Gegant, Cova dels Galls Carboners) were analyzed using optical microscopy to examine buccal dental microwear patterns. The analysis did not reveal clear chronological contrasts in the dietary habits of these samples. Nevertheless, significant differences emerged among the samples, leading to their classification into two distinct sets based on the abrasiveness of the diet informed by the microwear patterns. These findings offer similarities and differences among samples in the Iberian Peninsula, shedding light on the diverse lifestyles of these individuals. Integrating our new results with other available proxies points to a multifaceted specialization in dietary patterns among these samples, influenced by factors such as habitat, resource selection, and available technology. By contextualizing the results within the broader context of the Iberian Peninsula, this research discerns shared characteristics and distinctive adaptations in the dietary practices and subsistence strategies of these groups. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between culture and environment in shaping human diets throughout late Prehistory.

Cultural placemaking in the black suburbs of the tourist city

ABSTRACT This article examines how non-institutional(ized) street art tours and DIY parties in two racialized, lower-class neighborhoods in the outskirts of Lisbon generate different results. In the neighborhood of Quinta do Mocho, these street art tours and DIY parties arise as playfulness and multicultural experiences of opening up the communities to local white middle-class visitors and tourists. In the neighborhood of Cova da Moura, these actions culminate in a cultural festival that celebrates African and Afro-diasporic cultures, promoting the visibility of the talented artists of the neighborhood. In both cases, positive representations about these territories are produced, linked to a strengthening of the sense of belonging to Quinta do Mocho’s and Cova de Moura’s communities. The article concludes by suggesting that non-institutional(ized) street art tours and DIY parties arise as pioneering actions toward challenging and decolonizing urban thinking on contemporary Lisbon.

Environmental changes in eastern Iberia during the Solutrean: Contribution of isotopic analysis (δ13C) of charcoal from l'Abrigo de la Boja and la Cova de les Cendres

During the coldest periods of the Pleistocene, parts of the Iberian Peninsula were favorable to the establishment of forest refuges. It is therefore essential to characterize them and study their evolution, in order to gain a better understanding of the territories occupied by prehistoric societies during these same periods. In this article, we propose to revisit the regional study of environmental changes in eastern Spain around the LGM, through the analysis of the isotopic signal (δ13C) of Solutrean charcoal from Abrigo de la Boja and Cova de les Cendres (ca. 24,500–19,500 cal. BP). The first application of this approach to the Iberian Pleistocene will not only allow us (i) to clarify environmental changes at the two sites and their synchronicity with the North Atlantic influences of this period, but also (ii) to discuss the presence of more or less marked forest refuges in relation to the evolution of regional climatic contrasts.

Solutrean macrofauna from Cova de les Cendres (Alicante, Spain): zooarchaeological and taphonomic analysis

Zooarchaeological and taphonomic analysis were performed on the macrofaunal remains from Solutrean levels XIII and XIV (ca. 17 and 20 ka cal BP) of Cova de les Cendres. The faunal assemblage shows predominance of red deer, followed by Spanish ibex and equids, among which wild ass (Equus hydruntinus) was identified. Carnivores are well represented in level XIII, especially the lynx, whereas they are very rare in level XIV. Different activities of the butchery process were documented in the main taxa, showing an intensive exploitation of different animal resources, such as meat, fur, and raw material for tools and ornaments. Our results provide new zooarchaeological data on the Solutrean hunting system and shed light on the human subsistence variations in response to late glacial climate changes in the central area of the Mediterranean Iberia.

Rediscovering Cova de la Sarsa (València, Spain): A Multidisciplinary Approach to One of the Key Early Neolithic Sites in the Western Mediterranean

Cova de la Sarsa (València, Spain) is one of the most important Neolithic impressed ware culture archaeological sites in the Western Mediterranean. It has been widely referenced since it was excavated in the 1920s, due partly to the relatively early excavation and publication of the site, and partly to the qualitative and quantitative importance of its archaeological remains. Unfortunately, as it was an older excavation and lacked present-day rigorous methodological approaches, this important site has been somewhat relegated to the background in the reviews about the Neolithic at the end of the 20th century. However, during the last few years, both the site itself and its archaeological remains have been the object of new studies that hopefully will return the site to the forefront of discussions about the Mediterranean Neolithic. We here present the most relevant results of the research carried out by our group (i.e., pottery study, radiocarbon dating, and isotope analysis), and contextualize them within the dense research history of the cave and the studies carried out by other colleagues with the purpose of revisiting its materials and increasing the knowledge available from the site. Radiocarbon dates on human remains show that the cave was used during prehistoric times as a funerary space longer than expected, and also sporadically afterwards. The characterization of the pottery assemblage concludes that most materials belong to the Early Neolithic. Isotopic analysis portrays an overall similar diet based on terrestrial C3 resources throughout prehistoric times, with a possible varied dietary protein input between individuals during the Early Neolithic.

Differences Between Right and Left Colon Cancer in Beira Interior.

Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in Portugal and worldwide, with a high mortality rate, especially in more advanced stages. In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in the distinction between right colorectal carcinoma (RCC) and left colorectal carcinoma (LCC) due to the different presentation, treatment, and prognosis. Studies show that RCC and LCC have different clinical and biological characteristics, being considered two distinct entities. Material and methods This cross-sectional, descriptive, and comparative retrospective study included data collection at the three hospitals of Beira Interior - Centro Hospitalar Cova de Beira, Hospital Amato Lusitano, and Hospital Sousa Martins - over a 6-year period. Results The proportion of RCC cases was higher. The proportion of women was higher in the RCC group compared to the LCC (46.2%, 121/262 vs. 39%, 76/195). Anemia was statistically higher in the RCC group (p <0.01). On the other hand, intestinal occlusion tends to appear in patients with LCC (p <0.001). The most frequent surgery was elective. The proportion of emergency surgery was higher in the LCC group (LCC vs RCC: 27.2% vs 18.3%; p = 0.03). Discussion and conclusion In both the RCC and LCC groups, the male sex is the most frequently observed in Beira Interior and in Portugal, opposite from the world population, in which the female sex predominates in patients with RCC. The RCC presents alterations in bowel habits more often (p> 0.05). On the other hand, anemia is more common in RCC and intestinal occlusion in LCC, following the current literature. Conducting targeted studies and optimizing the screening and treatment processes are key to reducing mortality associated with CRC.

PARADIGMS IN CRISIS: THE COVA DE MARCÓ (TIVISSA, TARRAGONA, CATALONIA) AND THE COEXISTENCE OF INCINERATION AND INHUMATION FUNERARY PRACTICES IN THE NORTHEASTERN IBERIAN PENINSULA DURING THE LATE BRONZE AGE

ABSTRACTParadigms such as the coexistence of incineration and inhumation funerary practices in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula during the Late Bronze Age are supported by the association of human remains with elements of material culture as guiding fossils. One example is the association established by Salvador Vilaseca in 1939 between the human remains and grooved pottery discovered in the Cova de Marcó in Tivissa (Ribera d’Ebre, Catalonia). This association has been accepted until today and even become a paradigm for the mixing of autochthonism (inhumation rites) with the introduction of material novelties such as grooved pottery and incineration rites during the first period of the Late Bronze Age. Direct radiocarbon (14C) dating of human remains from the Cova de Marcó shows that the remains originate from the Chalcolithic period. This indicates that there is no relationship between the sepulchral episode and the grooved pottery associated with it and used to date it. This disputes the paradigm regarding the coexistence of these two funerary practices during the Late Bronze Age and invites scholars to conduct a critical review using absolute dating techniques directly on the human remains of similar cases in order to verify or disprove the paradigm’s validity.

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

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.

Multi-light photogrammetric survey applied to the complex documentation of engravings in Palaeolithic rock art: the Cova de les Meravelles (Gandia, Valencia, Spain)

The new phase of study and revision of the Palaeolithic art of the Cova de les Meravelles, as well as the advances made in the field of 3D documentation in recent years, have motivated a new documentation campaign on the main panel full of tiny engraved motifs. The difficulties involved in acquiring and processing data executed using fine and thin engraving techniques indoors, have been solved through a multi-light photogrammetric survey, photographing the main panel surface with five lighting directions, and applying principal component analysis (PCA). This procedure has allowed us to obtain a large corpus of two and three-dimensional data and to improve the documentation base produced 17 years ago after its discovery. In this paper, we present the procedure followed, the enhanced engraving results in the new documentation campaign, its most significant contributions to the complex archaeological survey, and the limits we have found along the procedure.

Subsistence activities and settlement dynamics of the first anatomically modern humans in the central–eastern Mediterranean Iberia: New insights from Cova de les Cendres (Alicante, Spain)

The Aurignacian is documented in a large number of sites on the Iberian Peninsula, but the chronologies and characteristics of the technocomplexes associated with the first anatomically modern humans (AMHs) varies depending on the region. In the central-eastern Iberian Mediterranean region the well-dated stratigraphic series from several sites confirm that the beginning of the Aurignacian sequence coincides with the Evolved Aurignacian. Lithic and bones industries, as well as chronological context, have been already well-published, however, data on subsistence activities and the occupation and mobility patterns from this human groups are still scarce. We present the results of the archaeozoological and taphonomic analysis of the macromammal assemblage from Cova de les Cendres, a site from this region with an extensive Palaeolithic stratigraphy, including several Aurignacian levels. Spanish ibex and red deer are the main species, and the presence of small-medium carnivores is noteworthy. Both carnivores and humans are responsible of the accumulations, but the changes observed between levels point to a process of intensification of human occupations, with a loss of carnivore modifications. There are similarities with the Neanderthal assemblages, and some differences with the later Upper Palaeolithic periods. In a framework with few data on the first AMHs behaviour, Cova de les Cendres provides new relevant information about the animal resource exploitation and enables the establishment of mobility dynamics during the Evolved Aurignacian of the Iberian Mediterranean region.

What about the buccal surfaces? Dental microwear texture analysis of buccal and occlusal surfaces refines paleodietary reconstructions

ObjectivesThis study analyzes and compares dental microwear textures on occlusal and buccal surfaces from the same tooth to determine if using these surfaces in tandem can provide complementary data for dietary reconstructions.Materials and methodsCova de la Guineu is a Late Neolithic‐Chalcolithic burial cave located in Font‐Rubí (Barcelona, Spain). The study sample consisted of 69 individuals represented by the lower left second molar. However, only 27 individuals had well‐preserved surfaces. Dental Microwear Texture Analysis was performed on both surfaces using a Sensofar® S Neox white‐light confocal profilometer following standard procedures. Toothfrax® software was used to quantify surface complexity and anisotropy.ResultsThe bootstrap resampling analysis shows significant differences in complexity and anisotropy between surfaces. There is no correlation between surfaces for complexity or anisotropy. The occlusal surfaces exhibit high complexities and low anisotropies, which are similar to values observed in Late Neolithic farming groups from Belgium.DiscussionThe combination of occlusal and buccal microwear signatures provided important inferences regarding the studied sample. First, occlusal complexity and anisotropy values indicate an abrasive dietary regime. Second, we propose that the higher anisotropy values found on buccal surfaces, compared to those on the occlusal ones, are attributed to the specific mechanisms of microwear formation for each surface. Finally, combining both surfaces may increase the number of samples suitable for analysis. Further studies, with greater intergroup sampling, will help to understand how buccal microwear reflects or complements DMTA signatures on the occlusal surfaces.

Guano-derived morphologies and associated minerals found in Cova de sa Guitarreta, Llucmajor, Balearics

Cova de sa Guitarreta is located in the southern part of Mallorca Island (western Mediterranean). It was formed presumably by hypogenic processes in Upper Miocene reefal calcarenites. The cave hosts an important breeding colony of bats during the end of spring and early summer. Its microclimate is influenced by the presence of a thermal phreatic water table (27.7ºC) as well as by bat populations remaining in the cave along the reproductive season. The morphological bat-related features include bat claws and thumb marks scratches, together with several morphologies linked to bat excreta and aggressive leachates from guano. From the mineralogical point of view, this cave outstands regarding the presence of cave minerals linked to guano: nine phosphates have been identified, comprising three of them that are reported for the first time in Mallorcan caves (newberyite, struvite and whitlockite). Particularly interesting is the dichotomy between struvite and newberyite: the first one occurs when the cave is occupied by bat colonies (spring-summer), whereas in the colder seasons would occur the transformation of metastable struvite into a more stable newberyite. Caves with seasonal cyclical occupation of bat colonies could provide a new arena for the study of the guano-related mineral assemblages.

Combustion Features and Use of Space. A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Neolithic Occupation at Cova De Les Pixarelles (Barcelona, Spain)

Combustion Features and Use of Space. A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Neolithic Occupation at Cova De Les Pixarelles (Barcelona, Spain)

Could the central‐eastern Iberian Mediterranean region be defined as a refugium? Fauna and flora in MIS 5–3 and their implications for Palaeolithic human behaviour

ABSTRACTNeanderthals and modern humans from the Early Upper Palaeolithic had a highly developed knowledge of their environment, where they found the essential resources for their subsistence. Therefore, changes in the local landscape and available resources should have influenced their behaviour, as indicated by faunal and plant remains recovered from archaeological sites. In the central‐eastern Iberian Mediterranean region, the archaeological sites of Cova Negra, Abrigo de la Quebrada, Cova de les Malladetes and Cova de les Cendres have provided wood charcoal, seeds and fauna. The combination of these data allows an accurate reconstruction of the regional landscape from MIS 5 to the beginning of MIS 2. The available evidence suggests that this region could be defined as a refugium in which biodiversity persisted. This type of refugium, containing a high diversity of biotopes and some endemic species, which has lasted until the present day, can be seen at a regional scale, but also locally, especially near the coast. These special characteristics of the region – relatively stable climatic conditions with oscillations mainly in aridity and humidity, and a high diversity of flora and fauna – could explain the high density of Palaeolithic sites throughout Middle and Upper Palaeolithic here.

New advances on the Aurignacian in the central Iberian Mediterranean basin

This study aims to obtain a chronological and cultural framework of the Evolved Aurignacian in the central Iberian Mediterranean basin and find agreement between this framework and other sequences of the Iberian southeast. Over the last few years, there has been remarkable progress in the research of the Evolved Aurignacian sites in the Valencian area, making a review of the main characteristics of the technocomplex on a regional scale necessary. The recent fieldwork carried out in Cova de les Malladetes (Valencia) and in Cova de les Cendres (Alicante) have been key to understanding the lithic, osseous and ornament assemblages ascribed to the Evolved Aurignacian. Several Bayesian modelled ages have been constructed from the large dataset of chronological dates obtained at Malladetes and Cendres, as well as in other sites. The Bayesian models have allowed us to chronologically place the characteristics of the analysed assemblages. The present research supports the importance of the Aurignacian as the first technocomplex of the Upper Palaeolithic in this area of the Iberian Peninsula.

Cova de les Malladetes (Valencia, Spain): New Insights About the Early Upper Palaeolithic in the Mediterranean Basin of the Iberian Peninsula

New excavations carried out at Cova de les Malladetes confirm and improve previous information on the archaeological sequence of this site. A total of 29 new dates allow to specify the chronology of the Aurignacian (levels XIVA–XII) and Gravettian (levels XI–VII). Furthermore, concerning the results obtained during the 1970 excavation, three new levels were identified: level XIVB, which represents a short temporal human occupation hiatus, and levels XV and XVI with some hearths and anthropic evidence, although the lithic material does not permit a cultural attribution. This paper presents data obtained from the analysis of archaeobotanical, micro- and macrofaunal assemblages and lithic and osseous industry. Results are relevant concerning the palaeoclimatic and palaeoenvironmental characterisation of the Early Upper Palaeolithic, as well as for assessing the human occupation patterns during the Gravettian and Aurignacian. Moreover, we evaluate the chronological implications of the basal levels (XIVB, XV and XVI), drawing attention to the absence of an important temporal gap between this phase and the start of the Early Upper Palaeolithic at the site. Finally, our new data extend the information provided by other sites in the Spanish Mediterranean region, allowing a more defined characterisation of the Early Upper Palaeolithic, especially regarding the Evolved Aurignacian chronology and its techno-typological structure, with the presence of Roc-de-Combe subtype Dufour bladelets.

Investigating Neolithic caprine husbandry in the Central Pyrenees: Insights from a multi-proxy study at Els Trocs cave (Bisaurri, Spain).

Sheep remains constitute the main archaeozoological evidence for the presence of Early Neolithic human groups in the highlands of the Southern Pyrenees but understanding the role of herding activities in the Neolithisation process of this mountain ecosystem calls for the analysis of large and well-dated faunal assemblages. Cova de Els Trocs (Bisaurri, Huesca, Spain), a cave located at 1564 m a.s.l on the southern slopes of the Central Pyrenees, is an excellent case study since it was seasonally occupied throughout the Neolithic (ca. 5312-2913 cal. BC) and more than 4000 caprine remains were recovered inside. The multi-proxy analytical approach here presented has allowed us to offer new data elaborating on vertical mobility practices and herd management dynamics as has not been attempted up until now within Neolithic high-mountain sites in the Iberian Peninsula. For the first time, δ18O and δ13C stable isotope analyses offer direct evidence on both the regular practice of altitudinal movements of sheep flocks and the extended breeding season of sheep. Autumn births are recorded from the second half of the fifth millennium cal. BC onwards. Age-at-death distributions illustrate the progressive decline in caprine perinatal mortality together with the rising survival rate of individuals older than six months of age and the larger frequency of adults. This trend alongside the 'off-season' lambing signal at the implementation of husbandry techniques over time, probably aiming to increase the size of the flocks and their productivity. Palaeoparasitological analyses of sediment samples document also the growing reliance on herding activities of the human groups visiting the Els Trocs cave throughout the Neolithic sequence. In sum, our work provides substantial arguments to conclude that the advanced herding management skills of the Early Neolithic communities arriving in Iberia facilitated the anthropisation process of the subalpine areas of the Central Pyrenees.

Dental Variation in the Endemic Dormouse Hypnomys Bate 1918 and its Implications for the Palaeogeographic Evolution of the Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean) during the late Neogene-Quaternary

ABSTRACT In this paper, a revision is carried out on the dental evolution of the endemic dormouse Hypnomys Bate, 1918 in the late Neogene-Quaternary of the Balearic Islands. In Mallorca, we have reviewed material (upper and lower first and second molars) coming from the localities of Cap Ferrutx, Pedrera de s’Ònix, Cova de Canet, Cova de Llenaire, Cova de son Bauçà, Cova de son Maiol and Cova de sa Bassa Blanca, ranging from the Pliocene to the Holocene. In Menorca, a revision is done of the species H. mahonensis and H. eliomyoides. It is concluded that, while H. eliomyoides corresponds to an endemic lineage from Menorca, H. mahonensis should be considered as a descendant of H. morpheus from Mallorca which probably entered Menorca during the late Pleistocene. Finally, the presence of Hypnomys in Eivissa is not confirmed, since a large lower first molar previously assigned to this genus in the locality of Cova de ca na Reia could belong to a new endemic form.

Cultural continuities and discontinuities at the Neolithic transition in Eastern Iberia: an analysis of the morphometry of geometric microliths

The main goal of this paper is to explore possible cultural continuities and discontinuities at the Neolithic transition in Eastern Iberia. To address this issue, we introduce a twofold methodology, consisting of Geometric Morphometrics and the use of the self-developed Geomeasure system, to examine evolutionary patterns in geometric microliths. These are a specific type of arrowhead shared by both the last hunter-gatherers and the first farmers from two reference sites in the region: Cueva de la Cocina and Cova de l’Or (Eastern Iberia). Although advances in research have contributed to a better comprehension of this process, there are still unanswered questions, especially when the study is approached from a regional perspective. Such is the case for the Neolithisation of the Eastern Iberian Peninsula, and the way in which the previous Mesolithic population interacted—if they interacted at all—with the first farmers. In this case, some sites present archaeological contexts that have been catalogued as acculturation contexts. This has traditionally been the case for phase C of Cueva de la Cocina (Spain), although recent research points to the possibility that the content of this specific deposit is the result of post-depositional processes. Here we try first to understand the cultural evolutionary patterns and relations between the different geometric microlith technocomplexes and, second, to address the specific problem of the interpretation of taphonomic disturbances in the archaeological record. We use the Cueva de l’Or and the Cueva de la Cocina for comparison, and our conclusions raise serious doubts about the existence of an acculturation phase at the latter.