The Ancient Neolithic in Sierra Morena. Geoarchaeological analysis of an occupation deposit in cueva del Ocho (Cazalla de la Sierra, Seville, SW of Spain)

Abstract

The Geoarchaeological study of Profile A of the Sala del Lago de la cueva del Ocho (karstic complex of cuevas de Santiago, Cazalla de la Sierra, Seville, SW of Spain) is carried out. The aim of characterizing sequence of anthropic occupation of this sector of the cave, from the analysis of a deposit by means of archaeological, pedo-sedimentary and geo-chronological analysis techniques has been characterized. The results obtained have allowed to identify a geo-archaeological series units from which the sequence of the anthropic occupation of this sector of the cavity. It is an Ancient Neolithic occupation, short but intense, of chronology ca.5300 cal. BC, which is formed in a period of just 500 years and which it is sealed and amortized around the change of Era by a stalagmite deposit. Different anthropic uses characterize the conformation of this deposit, from an occupational activity (habitat) and initial fold, which is later transformed into a landfill area, recognizing fumier type deposits, although displaced from their original place. The high levels of organic matter present in the sediments, as well as other parameters associated like phosphorus and magnetic susceptibility reinforce the idea of the anthropic genesis for this deposit. In this sense, the study of ceramics shows that no typological or technological change has been recorded in throughout any sequence, its type and characteristics being compatible with radiocarbon chronologies contributed in the present work. At the same time the archaeofauna study shows some results the presence and management of domestic fauna, typical of deposits corresponding to the chronologies and use offered through the cueva del Ocho.