Woody and non-woody forest raw material at the early Neolithic site of La Draga (Banyoles, Spain)

Abstract

The early Neolithic site of La Draga (Banyoles, Spain) has provided a singular sample of plant-crafts, wooden tools, and other plant remains preserved in waterlogged conditions. This exceptional context of plant remains preservation provides an incomparable frame to study past botanical knowledge and the emergence and development of plant transformation technologies. The goal of this paper is to provide an integrated synthesis of the plant resources used by the inhabitants of La Draga, paying special attention to the main taxa used, the environments exploited and the plant acquisition strategies. Through the results of the analysis of plant-crafts, timber and wooden tools, charcoal remains, exudates, fungi, and microremains as pollen, we discuss types of forest and plants exploited to obtain raw materials and the human impact on vegetation. The plant raw materials identified at La Draga indicate the exploitation of local resources available in deciduous and riparian forests where an anthropic disturbance is documented contemporary with the occupation.