- Departamento de Prehistoria y Arqueología
Facultad de Geografía e Historia
Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 28
46010- Valencia (Spain) - +34963983896
Teresa Orozco-Köhler
Universitat de València, Prehistòria i Arqueologia, Faculty Member
- Neolithic Transition, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Gender Archaeology, Iberian Prehistory (Archaeology), Lithics, Neolithic flint procurement, and 19 moreSocial Archaeology, Mediterranean prehistory, Chiefdoms (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Complex Adaptive Systems, Complex Networks, Prehistoric Ditched Enclosures, Material Culture Studies, Archaeology of Ritual, Stone Bracelets, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic enclosures, Development of complex societies, Prehistoric Archaeology, Bell Beaker Culture, Bell Beakers, Campaniforme, and Bell Beakers (Archaeology)edit
- Teresa Orozco-Köhler is Senior Lecturer of Prehistory at the University of Valencia since 2001, teaching European Pre... moreTeresa Orozco-Köhler is Senior Lecturer of Prehistory at the University of Valencia since 2001, teaching European Prehistory and Iberian Prehistory. Her research interest focuses in the development of social complexity from Neolithic to Bronze Age in Iberia; prehistoric exchange; ground stone tools and gender archaeology. She has directed excavations in several locations of the mediterranean Spain; among the fieldwork highlights the early neolithic open air site “Mas d’Is”, still in progress.edit
In this paper we present recent research concerning the neolithization process in the East of Spain, evaluating the time span between the last hunther-gatherer groups and the first farmers (c. 5950 e5150 cal. BC). To do that we have... more
In this paper we present recent research concerning the neolithization process in the East of Spain, evaluating the time span between the last hunther-gatherer groups and the first farmers (c. 5950 e5150 cal. BC). To do that we have compiled and filtered current information about radiocarbon dates and sites in order to discuss the state of the art relating to the models used to explain the Neolithic spread in the region. In this sense we compare archaeological data with recent results of virtual model (ABM) in accordance with the scenarios and mechanisms proposed. On this basis we evaluate the empirical data relating to the current model for explaining the Neolithic spread at the region, a mixed model that consider the coexistence between demic and cultural diffusion processes. Finally, the evaluation proposed considers the benefit of introducing the theoretical approaches relating to the Evolutionary Theory and Complex Adaptative Sistems in order to better understand this crucial process in human evolution.
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A methodology based on the determination of mineral analysis has been developed to identify the origin of dolerite stone outcrops that were collected to fabricate lithic objects during Late Prehistory. Rare earth elements (REE) and trace... more
A methodology based on the determination of mineral analysis has been developed to identify the origin of dolerite stone outcrops that were collected to fabricate lithic objects during Late Prehistory. Rare earth elements (REE) and trace elements were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was also employed for the analysis of major elements. Samples from different natural outcrops and archaeological sites located in the Mediterranean area of Spain were studied to test the proposed methodological approach.
The employed REE/PAAS ratios allow us to establish geochemical differences between dolerites collected from different areas in this geographical framework.
The employed REE/PAAS ratios allow us to establish geochemical differences between dolerites collected from different areas in this geographical framework.
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This article presents three new radiocarbon dates in two structures documented in the site of Camí de Missena (La Pobla del Duc, València). The results provide information on the temporality of the ditches, confirming the speed of their... more
This article presents three new radiocarbon dates in two structures documented in the site of Camí de Missena (La Pobla del Duc, València). The results provide information on the temporality of the ditches, confirming the speed of their amortization, and expand the empirical basis for the knowledge of the ditches in the valencian region.
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Archaeological works at the site of Mas d’Is (Penàguila, Alacant) have revealed important deposits dating back to the Early Holocene. The 2010 and 2011 field seasons at the Neolithic site is one of the key projects that the Department of... more
Archaeological works at the site of Mas d’Is (Penàguila, Alacant) have revealed important deposits dating back to the Early Holocene. The 2010 and 2011 field seasons at the Neolithic site is one of the key projects that the Department of Prehistory and Archaeology at the University of Valencia carries out in the region. Previous campaigns had revealed the existence of some huge structures at the northern end of the site; the most recent work was focused in the so-called “Foso 4”. There results were better than expected.
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Among Humanities, Archaeology has always been ground-breaking in the use of technological advances when approaching historical knowledge, which has eased and improved subsequent work on registered data. Using software like gvSIG, not only... more
Among Humanities, Archaeology has always been ground-breaking
in the use of technological advances when approaching
historical knowledge, which has eased and improved subsequent
work on registered data. Using software like gvSIG, not only are
these studies able to be undertaken, but also other actions such
as georeferencing stratigraphical units, virtually rebuilding archaeological
structures or locating the different recoveries can be
done, thus providing a more complete meaning for the fieldwork.
Through this paper we mean to share our experience for archaeological
data treatment in the Neolithic site of Mas d’Is (Penàguila,
Alicante). Digitalizing geographical values, using the total station
Leica TCR 705, was thought from the very beginning of the 2015
campaign. Within this document we care about showing the first
impressions of the Mas d’Is 2015 intervention, as well as promoting
the advantages of this software.
in the use of technological advances when approaching
historical knowledge, which has eased and improved subsequent
work on registered data. Using software like gvSIG, not only are
these studies able to be undertaken, but also other actions such
as georeferencing stratigraphical units, virtually rebuilding archaeological
structures or locating the different recoveries can be
done, thus providing a more complete meaning for the fieldwork.
Through this paper we mean to share our experience for archaeological
data treatment in the Neolithic site of Mas d’Is (Penàguila,
Alicante). Digitalizing geographical values, using the total station
Leica TCR 705, was thought from the very beginning of the 2015
campaign. Within this document we care about showing the first
impressions of the Mas d’Is 2015 intervention, as well as promoting
the advantages of this software.
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Schist bracelets: an element of the Cardial identity. Schist bracelets are one of the elements of material culture associated with the archaeological record of the first agricultural and farmers communities in the Valencian area. Their... more
Schist bracelets: an element of the Cardial identity.
Schist bracelets are one of the elements of material culture associated with the archaeological record of the first agricultural and farmers communities in the Valencian area. Their concentration in some Early Neolithic sites with an exceptional record such as Cova de l’Or and Cova de la Sarsa are affecting the exceptional nature of these ornaments. Their high fragmentation and transformation that allows their reuse speak to us of the high social value of these objects.
Schist bracelets are one of the elements of material culture associated with the archaeological record of the first agricultural and farmers communities in the Valencian area. Their concentration in some Early Neolithic sites with an exceptional record such as Cova de l’Or and Cova de la Sarsa are affecting the exceptional nature of these ornaments. Their high fragmentation and transformation that allows their reuse speak to us of the high social value of these objects.
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RESUMEN Este trabajo en desarrollo busca estudiar la estructura del territorio durante la Edad del Bronce en la actual provincia de Teruel utilizando para ello herramientas SIG. En la primera fase, se ha procedido a localizar los... more
RESUMEN Este trabajo en desarrollo busca estudiar la estructura del territorio durante la Edad del Bronce en la actual provincia de Teruel utilizando para ello herramientas SIG. En la primera fase, se ha procedido a localizar los yacimientos más relevantes realizando una base de datos de los mismos, que se ha cruzado con los MDT 200 (Modelo digital del Terreno a una resolución de 200x200) del IGN correspondientes a la provincia de Teruel, para crear con QGIS y GVSIG un Sistema de Información Arqueológica de la zona. A partir del MDT se han calculado diversos mapas de fricción, con un doble objetivo: por un lado, definir una zona de costes isotrópicos alrededor de cada uno de los yacimientos y, por otro, establecer las vías de comunicación más efectivas entre ellos. El mapa de coste acumulado isotrópico ha servido para crear mapas isócronos de costes de desplazamiento, que proporcionan una aproximación al área de captación de los yacimientos. Estos mapas sirven para enriquecer la imagen obtenida con los polígonos Thiessen al tener en cuenta la variable topográfica. Palabras clave: Edad del Bronce, Teruel, SIG, arqueología del paisaje, coste acumulado isócrono, rutas de menor coste.
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A methodology based on the mineral analysis determination has been developed to identify the origin of dolerite stone outcrops collected to fabricate lithic objects during the Prehistoric period. The method is based on the use of... more
A methodology based on the mineral analysis determination has been developed to identify the origin of dolerite stone outcrops collected to fabricate lithic objects during the Prehistoric period. The method is based on the use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to analyse rare earth elements (REE) and trace elements.
Additionally a no destructive geochemical analysis based on X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was employed for major elements analysis. The aforementioned methodologies were applied to samples from different archaeological fields or natural outcrops located in the Mediterranean area of Spain, between Valencia and Alicante. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to interpret the dolerite geological provenance. These preliminary results show that statistical analysis permits to distinguish stone sample origins according to their REE profile at regional level and that Ti/Fe major element relation perhaps shows just coarse differences between samples collected on the extreme north and south of the studied region. The proposed method could be useful to discriminate the regional origin of lithic objects belonging to dolerite rocks and to interpret the primary material transport and exchange of lithic materials in Valencian Prehistory.
Additionally a no destructive geochemical analysis based on X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was employed for major elements analysis. The aforementioned methodologies were applied to samples from different archaeological fields or natural outcrops located in the Mediterranean area of Spain, between Valencia and Alicante. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to interpret the dolerite geological provenance. These preliminary results show that statistical analysis permits to distinguish stone sample origins according to their REE profile at regional level and that Ti/Fe major element relation perhaps shows just coarse differences between samples collected on the extreme north and south of the studied region. The proposed method could be useful to discriminate the regional origin of lithic objects belonging to dolerite rocks and to interpret the primary material transport and exchange of lithic materials in Valencian Prehistory.
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El propósito principal de este artículo reside en la descripción e interpretación del registro arqueológico correspondiente al Neolítico final y al Horizonte Campaniforme documentado en los yacimientos de Quintaret (Montesa, Valencia) y... more
El propósito principal de este artículo reside en la descripción e interpretación del registro arqueológico correspondiente al Neolítico final y al Horizonte Campaniforme documentado en los yacimientos de Quintaret (Montesa, Valencia) y Corcot (l’Alcúdia de Crespins, Valencia). Las estructuras aquí reconocidas corresponden a fosas y silos, de cuyo relleno procede un interesante conjunto de materiales. Las dataciones radiométricas obtenidas sitúan el desarrollo de los yacimientos al menos entre el último siglo del IV milenio y los siglos centrales del III milenio cal AC. Cabe destacar la recuperación de varios vasos campaniformes de estilo regional en la estructura Q138 de Quintaret, así como la documentación en otras estructuras de un elevado número de restos de la fábrica de perlas de collar sobre lignito y caliza, que evidencian la existencia en el lugar de áreas de actividad relacionadas con estas artesanías.
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Archaeological works at the site of Mas d’Is (Penàguila, Alacant) have revealed important deposits dating back to the Early Holocene. The more recent field seasons at the Neolithic site are one of the key projects that the Department of... more
Archaeological works at the site of Mas d’Is (Penàguila, Alacant) have revealed important deposits dating back to the Early Holocene. The more recent field seasons at the Neolithic site are one of the key projects that the Department of Prehistory and Archaeology at the University of Valencia carries out in the region. Previous campaigns had revealed the existence of some huge structures at the North end of the site. We present here the results obtained in recent years.
Las diferentes actuaciones arqueológicas realizadas en el yacimiento del Mas d’Is (Penàguila, Alacant) han mostrado
depósitos que datan del Holoceno Antiguo - Medio. El trabajo de campo en este emplazamiento neolítico es uno de los proyectos que el Departament de Prehistòria i Arqueologia de la Universitat de València lleva a cabo en esta región.
Las campañas previas han puesto de manifiesto la existencia de grandes estructuras negativas en el extremo norte del yacimiento. Presentamos aquí los resultados obtenidos en los ultimos años.
Las diferentes actuaciones arqueológicas realizadas en el yacimiento del Mas d’Is (Penàguila, Alacant) han mostrado
depósitos que datan del Holoceno Antiguo - Medio. El trabajo de campo en este emplazamiento neolítico es uno de los proyectos que el Departament de Prehistòria i Arqueologia de la Universitat de València lleva a cabo en esta región.
Las campañas previas han puesto de manifiesto la existencia de grandes estructuras negativas en el extremo norte del yacimiento. Presentamos aquí los resultados obtenidos en los ultimos años.
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The uniqueness of a polished tool discovered from the Neolithic levels of the prehistoric site of Costamar (Castellón, Spain) raised a detailed analysis of both the nature of the support, which has been identified as a sea shell... more
The uniqueness of a polished tool discovered from the Neolithic levels of the prehistoric site of Costamar (Castellón, Spain) raised a detailed analysis of both the nature of the support, which has been identified as a sea shell concerning the species Spondylus gaederopus, as well as traces of use preserved at the edge that allows us to define the tool as an adze.
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Since the sixth millennium cal B.C. some kind of excavated features of varying size and morphology are documented in Europe, commonly known as ditches. In the Iberian Peninsula, the development of field archeology has provided in the last... more
Since the sixth millennium cal B.C. some kind of excavated features of varying size and morphology are documented in Europe, commonly known as ditches. In the Iberian Peninsula, the development of field archeology has provided in the last two decades a significant increase in this kind of features associated with silos and pits, usually occupying large areas. Its morphology and timing are different; although they have been known ditches dating back to the sixth millennium cal BC, it is not clear that they can relate to classic ditched enclosures which appear to be characteristic of the fourth and third millennia cal BC
In this paper we try to reflect on the timing, variability and interpretation of these structures from the information provided by the findings in the east of the Iberian Peninsula and, especially, the Serpis Valley area.
In this paper we try to reflect on the timing, variability and interpretation of these structures from the information provided by the findings in the east of the Iberian Peninsula and, especially, the Serpis Valley area.
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In this paper we present some marks which have been observed in the polished stone axes from neolithic sites in the Valencia region. The systematization of these marks or signs, which can be seen at a macroscopic level in the objects,... more
In this paper we present some marks which have been observed in the polished stone axes from neolithic sites in the Valencia region. The systematization of these marks or signs, which can be seen at a macroscopic level in the objects, allows us to get some understanding about the hafting system in this prehistoric lithic industry, and also to consider the possibility that some of these marks be due to the manufacturing
process. The petrologic caracterization work about this lithic industry which has been done lets us study the relationship between the different marks and the lithology used as a support. Finally, on the basis ofthe ethnographic and archaeological data we have looked up, we suggest some possible hafting systems for these tools.
process. The petrologic caracterization work about this lithic industry which has been done lets us study the relationship between the different marks and the lithology used as a support. Finally, on the basis ofthe ethnographic and archaeological data we have looked up, we suggest some possible hafting systems for these tools.
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The aim of this paper is to present the characterisation of the siliceous rocks from the Neolithic mine of Casa Montero (5400-5200 cal. BC). It is located in Madrid (Spain) and it occupies 4 hectares with 3897 mapped shafts, out of which... more
The aim of this paper is to present the characterisation of the siliceous rocks from the Neolithic mine of Casa Montero (5400-5200 cal. BC). It is located in Madrid (Spain) and it occupies 4 hectares with 3897 mapped shafts, out of which 324 have been excavated throughout three field seasons.
This kind of study is essential in order to establish the diagnostic features of the raw material and to investigate the distribution of the mine’s products. An analysis of the relationship between different siliceous raw materials and the lithic operative chain has been carried out as well.
The characterisation has been performed using two methods: macroscopic description and petrological analysis. Seven macroscopic types (from 1 to 7) and four petrological groups (from A to D) have been established. The macroscopic classification has been found to be fundamental in the
analysis of the lithic remains, given the large volume of lithic material recovered in the site. The petrological classification provides a good method for identifying materials from the Casa Montero mine at other archaeological sites.
The observation of refits has suggested a preference for a certain raw material. In order to verify this, an statistical Factorial Analysis has been applied to study the representation of each phase of the lithic operative chain in each macroscopic type of raw material.
This kind of study is essential in order to establish the diagnostic features of the raw material and to investigate the distribution of the mine’s products. An analysis of the relationship between different siliceous raw materials and the lithic operative chain has been carried out as well.
The characterisation has been performed using two methods: macroscopic description and petrological analysis. Seven macroscopic types (from 1 to 7) and four petrological groups (from A to D) have been established. The macroscopic classification has been found to be fundamental in the
analysis of the lithic remains, given the large volume of lithic material recovered in the site. The petrological classification provides a good method for identifying materials from the Casa Montero mine at other archaeological sites.
The observation of refits has suggested a preference for a certain raw material. In order to verify this, an statistical Factorial Analysis has been applied to study the representation of each phase of the lithic operative chain in each macroscopic type of raw material.
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En este trabajo intentamos visualizar la estructura del territorio durante la Edad del Bronce en Teruel mediante herramientas SIG. Con ello se persigue un doble objetivo: establecer una zona de costes isotrópicos alrededor de cada uno de... more
En este trabajo intentamos visualizar la estructura del territorio durante la Edad del Bronce en Teruel mediante herramientas SIG. Con ello se persigue un doble objetivo: establecer una zona de costes isotrópicos alrededor de cada uno de los yacimientos y, establecer las vías de comunicación más efectivas entre ellos.
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Scholars who will study the historiography of the European Neolithic, more particularly with regards to the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century, will observe a progressive change in the core understanding... more
Scholars who will study the historiography of the European Neolithic, more particularly with regards to the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century, will observe a progressive change in the core understanding of this period. For several decades the concept of “culture” has been privileged and the adopted approach aimed to highlight the most significant markers likely to emphasise the character of a given culture and to stress its specificities, the foundations of its identity. In short, earlier research aimed primarily to highlight the differences between cultures by stressing the most distinctive features of each of them. The tendency was to differentiate, single out, and identify cultural boundaries. However, over the last few years this perspective has been universally challenged. Although regional originality and particularisms are still a focus of study, the research community is now interested in widely diffused markers, in medium-scale or large-scale circulation, and in interactions that make it possible to go beyond the traditional notion of “archaeological culture”. The networks related to raw materials or finished products are currently leading us to re-think the history of Neolithic populations on a more general and more global scale. The aim is no longer to stress differences, but on the contrary to identify what links cultures together, what reaches beyond regionalism in order to try to uncover the underlying transcultural phenomena. From culturalism, we have moved on to its deconstruction. This is indeed a complete change in perspective. This new approach certainly owes a great deal to all kinds of methods, petrographic, metal, chemical and other analyses, combined with effective tools such as the GIS systems that provide a more accurate picture of the sources, exchanges or relays used by these groups. It is also true that behind the facts observed there are social organisations involving prospectors, extractors, craftsmen, distributors, sponsors, users, and recyclers. We therefore found it appropriate to organise a session on the theme “Materials, productions, exchange networks and their impact on the societies of Neolithic Europe”.
How is it possible to identify the circulation of materials or of finished objects in Neolithic Europe, as well as the social networks involved? Several approaches exist for the researcher, and the present volume provides some examples.
How is it possible to identify the circulation of materials or of finished objects in Neolithic Europe, as well as the social networks involved? Several approaches exist for the researcher, and the present volume provides some examples.