Charcoal analysis and dendrology: data from archaeological sites in north-western France |
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Authors: | Dominique Marguerie Jean-Yves Hunot |
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Institution: | 1. CNRS, Archaeology and Archaeosciences (UMR C2A), University of Rennes 1, Beaulieu, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France;2. Archaeological Service of Maine-et-Loire (SDA), 114 rue de Frémur, 49000 Angers, France |
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Abstract: | During the last 15 years, charcoal analysis of archaeological sites in north-western France has been carried out in conjunction with systematic and detailed dendrological examination. By considering these extrinsic criteria in association with the analytical results, palaeo-ethnographic and palaeo-environmental information can be obtained. The charcoals are classically identified under the microscope on the basis of their cellular structure. This examination is associated with an observation of the ligneous structure on transverse sections using a binocular lens. When charcoal fragments are large enough, the growth ring widths are measured. Tree ring curvature is also noted. Finally, alteration by fusion or radial cracks, the presence of fungal hyphae, and insect degradation are also recorded. Results are thus obtained on the nature of fuel used in domestic fireplaces and kilns. The selection of timbers and their catchment areas are also revealed. The average width of the growth rings in oak charcoal from domestic hearths coming from about forty sites in north-western France shows a significant increase from 6000 to 2000 BP. There is a similar increase in the number of heliophilic taxa used from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. This implies that the environment became more and more open because of use by society. The interpretation of the dendrology results applied to charcoal analyses is obtained through a convergence of criteria. Thus, charcoal analysis can provide more than just an identification of the species used, and can yield fundamental information on the interaction of society with the environment. |
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Keywords: | Charcoal Dendrological analysis Archaeology Palaeo-environment Palaeo-ecology Palaeo-ethnography North-western France |
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