Neolithic cordage-making implements at La Draga, Spain (5292-4729 cal BC): Analysis and experiment

IF 2.5 1区地球科学 Q1 ANTHROPOLOGY

Journal of Archaeological Science Pub Date : 2025-09-13 DOI:10.1016/j.jas.2025.106356

Miriam de Diego , Ignacio Clemente-Conte , Raquel Piqué , Xavier Terradas , Millán Mozota , Antoni Palomo

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Abstract

The finds of several remains of cordage in waterlogged conditions at the early Neolithic site of La Draga (5292-4729 cal BC) have conclusively shown that ropes were made with plant fibres there. Tools made from wood, bone, stone and even shells linked with the processing of plant fibres for their use in cordage and/or textiles, or for working with animal skins, have also been found. The present study focuses on a category of implement made from bovid bones that display two or three holes. We propose the hypothesis of a possible use of this type of implement as a tensioner to make cordage by twisting plant fibres. A morphometric study of the different specimens has been carried out and an experimental programme with replicas of the archaeological objects has been undertaken to produce a cord of similar attributes to one documented at La Draga. A use-wear analysis of the best preserved artefact has also been performed. The experimental study has enabled a better understanding of the cordage manufacturing process and provided evidence supporting the hypothesis of the function of those implements.

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西班牙德拉加（公元前5292-4729年）新石器时代的绳索制作工具：分析和实验

在新石器时代早期的德拉加遗址（公元前5292-4729 calbc），人们在淹水的环境中发现了一些绳子的遗迹，这些遗迹确凿地表明，那里的绳子是用植物纤维制成的。还发现了用木头、骨头、石头甚至贝壳制成的工具，这些工具与植物纤维的加工有关，用于绳索和/或纺织品，或用于处理动物皮。目前的研究集中在一类由牛骨制成的工具上，这些工具上有两个或三个洞。我们提出了一种可能的假设，即使用这种类型的工具作为张紧器，通过扭转植物纤维来制造绳索。对不同标本进行了形态计量学研究，并对考古物品的复制品进行了一项实验方案，以生产一根与在德拉加记录的一根具有相似特征的绳子。对保存最完好的文物也进行了使用磨损分析。实验研究使人们更好地了解了绳索的制造过程，并为这些工具的功能假设提供了证据。

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来源期刊

Journal of Archaeological Science 地学-地球科学综合

CiteScore

6.10

自引率

7.10%

发文量

112

审稿时长

49 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of Archaeological Science is aimed at archaeologists and scientists with particular interests in advancing the development and application of scientific techniques and methodologies to all areas of archaeology. This established monthly journal publishes focus articles, original research papers and major review articles, of wide archaeological significance. The journal provides an international forum for archaeologists and scientists from widely different scientific backgrounds who share a common interest in developing and applying scientific methods to inform major debates through improving the quality and reliability of scientific information derived from archaeological research.