The Mesolithic and Neolithic sequence at Trou Al'Wesse (Belgium): Multidisciplinary results

Authors: Miller, R., Zwyns, N., Otte, M., Stevens, C. and Stewart, J.

Journal: Anthropologie

Volume: 116

Issue: 2

Pages: 99-126

ISSN: 0003-5521

DOI: 10.1016/j.anthro.2012.03.004

Abstract:

The site of Trou Al'Wesse has been interpreted as a site of possible contact between Mesolithic and Neolithic populations, given the discovery of Neolithic ceramics and Mesolithic tools in stratum 4. However, recent excavations have also revealed the presence of three Early Mesolithic facies overlain by a Neolithic layer, while a Late Mesolithic presence is suggested for a fourth facies at the base of the terrace slope. Lithic and faunal analyses, as well as spatial analysis of the stratigraphic position of material recovered, indicate a clear separation of Mesolithic and Neolithic occupations. We present a new interpretation of the sequence of Holocene human occupations at Trou Al'Wesse in light of these data, arguing that the site was regularly occupied during the Early Mesolithic, forming a palimpsest of these visits, followed by an occupational hiatus and then reoccupation during the Late Mesolithic. The Early Neolithic is a separate occupation clearly unrelated to the Early Mesolithic underlying it, but ongoing fieldwork may recover data concerning the Final Mesolithic and its relation to the Early Neolithic at the site. © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS.

Source: Scopus

Preferred by: John Stewart