Wood Procurement at the Early Neolithic site of La Draga (Banyoles, Barcelona)

Abstract

Wood is one of the most common raw materials for the prehistoric societies. Therefore sites were wood is preserved in waterlogged conditions are essential in order to understand those prehistoric societies. La Draga (Banyoles, Spain) is a lake dwelling dated 5300–4900 cal BC, which correspond to the firsts farming societies on the Iberian Peninsula. The site has provided an excellent sample of tools and architectonical remains made of wood. This work summarizes the results of the study of wood remains in order to characterize the wood acquisition strategies of Neolithic societies. The morphology and size of the wooden elements as well as the anatomical features provide an excellent picture of taxa selection. Quercus sp deciduous is the most important taxa according to the number of individuals identified between the piles and beams. However, other species were also used for specific purposes.