THE STUMBLE (SITE 28A, BLACKWATER ESTUARY, ESSEX): CARBONISED NEOLITHIC PLANT REMAINS.

Author(s): P Murphy

Results from samples collected in the 1986 season are presented. The cereal remains are of emmer (Triticum dicoccum) with small amounts of einkorn (Triticum monococcum) and naked barley (Hordeum sp. var. nudum). Carbonised hazel nut shells (Corylus avellana) are frequent and remains of rosaceous fruits present. Carbonised tubers, roots, rhizomes etc. are common. Despite the evidence for agriculture it appears that wild plant foods were important. Immature Tilia fruits may be related to the collection of leaf fodder. Sample composition suggests that the assemblages mostly represent accidental charring of semi-clean products, though there was one sample with a high proportion of straw, spikelet fragments and weed seeds. The distribution of plant material across the site is not uniform, but it will be necessary to examine samples from a larger area for the significance of concentrations to become clear.

Report Number:
157/1988
Series:
AML Reports (New Series)
Pages:
69
Keywords:
Plant Remains

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