The cultural project: formal chronological modelling of the Early and Middle Neolithic sequence in Lower Alsace

Denaire, A., Lefranc, P., Wahl, J., Bronk Ramsey, C., Dunbar, E. , Goslar, T., Bayliss, A., Beavan, N., Bickle, P. and Whittle, A. (2017) The cultural project: formal chronological modelling of the Early and Middle Neolithic sequence in Lower Alsace. Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory, 24(4), pp. 1072-1149. (doi: 10.1007/s10816-016-9307-x)

Abstract

Starting from questions about the nature of cultural diversity, this paper examines the pace and tempo of change and the relative importance of continuity and discontinuity. To unravel the cultural project of the past, we apply chronological modelling of radiocarbon dates within a Bayesian statistical framework, to interrogate the Neolithic cultural sequence in Lower Alsace, in the upper Rhine valley, in broad terms from the later sixth to the end of the fifth millennium cal BC. Detailed formal estimates are provided for the long succession of cultural groups, from the early Neolithic Linear Pottery culture (LBK) to the Bischheim Occidental du Rhin Supérieur (BORS) groups at the end of the Middle Neolithic, using seriation and typology of pottery as the starting point in modelling. The rate of ceramic change, as well as frequent shifts in the nature, location and density of settlements, are documented in detail, down to lifetime and generational timescales. This reveals a Neolithic world in Lower Alsace busy with comings and goings, tinkerings and adjustments, and relocations and realignments. A significant hiatus is identified between the end of the LBK and the start of the Hinkelstein group, in the early part of the fifth millennium cal BC. On the basis of modelling of existing dates for other parts of the Rhineland, this appears to be a wider phenomenon, and possible explanations are discussed; full reoccupation of the landscape is only seen in the Grossgartach phase. Radical shifts are also proposed at the end of the Middle Neolithic.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Dunbar, Dr Elaine
• Authors: Denaire, A., Lefranc, P., Wahl, J., Bronk Ramsey, C., Dunbar, E., Goslar, T., Bayliss, A., Beavan, N., Bickle, P., and Whittle, A.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
• Journal Name: Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 1072-5369
• ISSN (Online): 1573-7764
• Published Online: 09 January 2017
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2017 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory 24(4):1072–1149
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License