DUPONT C., Marchand G., 2008 – Coastal exploitation in the Mesolithic of western France: la Pointe Saint-Gildas (Préfailles), Environmental Archaeology, 13 (2), pp.143-152.
publication / pdf
The peppery furrow shell Scrobicularia plana : witness of a past estuary
Abstract
Following surveys carried out over many years,
three Mesolithic sites have been identified at the “Pointe Saint-Gildas” near
the Loire estuary. They are situated in
proximity to more than twenty indications of the presence of Mesolithic
populations. Two of the three excavated stations provide the only evidence of
the subsistence of these Late Mesolithic populations. These excavations were carried
out in 1994 at station 1a, and in 2003 and 2004 at station 1b. These
archaeological sites are composed of a lithic industry based on blades and small
concentrations of shells. The dominant arrowhead types are large scalene
triangles, but we can also observe some asymmetrical trapeze-shaped points.
They are associated with industries based on blades and bladelets with non-parallel
edges. The analysis of shells indicates the exploitation of resources on a
muddy shore, whereas these sites currently overlook a rocky zone. The Holocene
transgression has masked the trace of a noticeable estuarine influence,
according to studies of the bathymetry and underwater sedimentary cores. Dating
of the shells yields ages between 6600 and 6400 BC at Saint-Gildas 1b. The marked
deterioration of these sites by erosion and the inaccurate calibration of the
dates lead to uncertainties in the interpretation. Nevertheless, these
assemblages are the first example of the emergence of Late Mesolithic industries
on the Armorican Massif.
Commentaires