New insights from Neolithic pottery analyses reveal subsistence practices and pottery use in early farmers from Cueva de El Toro (Málaga, Spain)

摘要: Archaeological potsherds have become a valuable source of information about diet and economic practices past societies. We studied the organic residues in prehistoric pottery from Neolithic rock shelter La Cueva de El Toro (Malaga, Spain) that was continuously occupied second quarter sixth millennium to cal BC. The site is remarkable because it contains evidence its inhabitants possessed high technological level complex subsistence based on exploitation livestock agriculture. By applying gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) isotopic analysis (GC-IRMS), goal determine nature origin preserved lipids, thereby provide new insights into food preparation function. Detection fatty acids traces diterpene compounds originating plants suggested consumption meat, dairy products plants, as well pine resin utilisation. Furthermore, this work allows extending data faunal management Toro.