Earth mortars use on neolithic domestic structures. Some case studies in Alentejo, Portugal

Abstract

Earth mortars were constructively used since Ancient Neolithic in Southwest Iberia prehistoric habitat settlements. According to archaeological information, these materials were applied on Neolithic Period to render pits; latter, on Copper and Bronze Age, earth mortars were also used binding stone masonry, covering and filling vegetable structures, in mudbrick masonry and probably in massive walls. This paper aims to show some specific information about earth constructive traces obtained in interior Alentejo neolithic settlements of Defesa de Cima 2, Lajinha 8, Horta do Albardão 3, Valada do Mato (Évora district) and Toca da Raposa (Portalegre district). The analysed materials were composed by samples of burned clayish mortars coming from renderings or small thickness walls of probable storage bins and combustion structures. The samples descriptions include the drawing, measurement and photographic record of the chosen traces and also structural and granulometric analysis. The authors believe these analyses can contribute to deepen the knowledge of prehistoric domestic structures and constructive techniques, making possible technological reproduction of habitat settlements.