Instrumentos líticos de las necrópolis neolíticas catalanas. Comunidades de inicios del IV milenio Cal BC Lithics tools in catalonian neolithic cemeteries. Early 4th millenium Cal BC communities

Abstract

In this paper we present the result of morphology, technology and use-wear analysis of the stone artefacts found in the Neolithic (Catalonian) burial-fields of Camí de Can Grau and Bòbila Madurell (beginnings of 4th Millennium cal BC). The main backdrop to this research was the possibility that funeral ceremony and tradition could be a reflection of the social, economic and ideological structure of the human group to which the buried individuals belonged. On the basis of the statistical tests we consider that these societies were organized in such a way that, despite the fact that some activities (for example agriculture) required the participation of the whole group (male and female individuals of different ages and children). Other activities (buchering, hunting, leather working, etc.) were carried out by a separate part of the group (depending on sex and/or age).