Capdenac-le-Haut (Lot): Le néolithique moyen quercinois stratifié

Abstract

The site of Capdenac-le-Haut (Lot) is located under a spur dominating the valley of the river Lot. The excavation brought to light a stratigraphic sequence composed of two superimposed layers, both dating from the Middle Neolithic. A refitting study of the pottery sherds allowed taphonomic analysis of the deposition process and a reconstitution of the accumulation levels. Three principal levels could be distinguished; the top one could even be subdivided into six horizons. The sequence thus obtained makes it possible to recognize a marked evolution in the style of the ceramic productions. Four stages document the progressive installation of the Chassey characters (carinated vases, multi-perforated lugs, cross-hatched decoration) and their evolution. During the initial stage, the repertory consists of undecorated vessels with slightly segmented forms. The multiperforated lugs are already present. In a second phase, the sharp carinations, as well as the first decorations, of the cross-hatched type, make their appearance. These characteristics still mark the following stage, better documented and which shows the coexistence of open bowls and decorated dishes. The last stage, which is prior to the end of the Middle Neolithic, presents a simplification of the decorations and a sharp change of the morphology of the carinated bowls. This sequence shows the importance of the chronological variability of the ceramic style during the Middle Neolithic, which, we hope, will in the long term allow detailed periodisation of the Southern Chassey culture.