À propos des foyers protohistoriques à pierres chauffantes en Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
In the light of recent archaeological discoveries since the early 2000s, this paper reviews the question of protohistoric heating stone hearths in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Over the course of the last twenty years, 28 sites have been studied bringing the total number of sites known for this period...
Saved in:
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
CNRS Éditions
2021-12-01
|
| Series: | Gallia |
| Online Access: | https://journals.openedition.org/gallia/6258 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1832096457996369920 |
|---|---|
| author | Denis Dubesset |
| author_facet | Denis Dubesset |
| author_sort | Denis Dubesset |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | In the light of recent archaeological discoveries since the early 2000s, this paper reviews the question of protohistoric heating stone hearths in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Over the course of the last twenty years, 28 sites have been studied bringing the total number of sites known for this period to 30. Thus, the region appears essential for the global comprehension of the phenomenon. For this study, we identified all of the sites that revealed heating stone hearths during a period spanning from the early Bronze Age to the Second Iron Age. A total of 168 sites and 763 hot stone hearths have been inventoried. Our aim was to understand the phenomenon on a larger scale in order to compare the available data with the findings for the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. In a majority of cases, the precise chronological attribution of this type of combustion structure is difficult to determine. Archaeological finds are often anecdotal. In addition, when a structure does provide finds it, they are often primarily located in the upper layers of the structures backfill, and thus indicative of the abandonment of the combustion structure and not its use. Current data from carbon-14 dating and material culture analysis demonstrates that the oldest hearths studied in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur are dated between the 12th c. and the 11th c. BC and the Final Bronze II. Two sites are attributed to this period. For the following period, between the 10th c. and the 8th c. BC, corresponding to the Final Bronze III and the Bronze-Iron transition, five sites are listed. It is between the 7th c. and the 5th c. BC, characterizing the early Iron Age, that the largest number of hot stone hearths has been studied, with a total of 13 sites. Two sites are attributed to the 4th c. and the 3rd c. BC in the second Iron Age. Finally, 10 sites have been correlated to the Late Bronze Age and/or the First Iron Age without further detail. The chronological data collected outside our region of study are substantial and explicit enough to allow for us to envision a diffusion scenario for the spread of use of this type of structure. The oldest structures were discovered in Switzerland and dated back to the Middle Bronze Age or even the Early Bronze Age. The origin of the protohistoric phenomenon therefore seems to be located in this geographical area. The following periods demonstrate an east-west and north-south expansion. In the Late Bronze Age I and II, a multiplication of these types of features is witnessed. The phenomenon is accentuated at the end of the Final Bronze Age and in the First Iron Age. This last period bears witness to the greatest number of occurrences. The Rhône Valley, a natural route, certainly played a major role in this diffusion process. The phase of maximum expansion of the phenomenon is therefore centered on the Bronze/Iron transition and the first Iron Age periods for which this type of vestige can be found spanning from Germany to the south of France. In the Second Iron Age, the number of sites that provided hot stone fireplaces drastically diminished. For the Mediterranean region, there is a chronological shift. In this area, the cooking method could have been abandoned later. Indeed, only three sites are dated from the Second Iron Age and two of them are located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. The dimensions of the different fireplaces vary. In Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, their length is between 0.83 m and 5 m in length with a high percentage falling between 1.5 m and 2.5 m. Variability in width is also significant with an interval between 0.3 m and 1.8 m and a high density around 1 m. The first observation that can be drawn from this data is that without being perfectly calibrated, the size of hot stone fireplaces is nonetheless relatively standardized. This is confirmed by the length-to-width ratio: with just under 70 homes possessing a length-to-width ratio of between 2 and 2.5. The hearths therefore do not seem to be made according to a pre-established template, but the hypothesis is rather that this type of cooking and the “objects” likely to be cooked influence the dimensions of the structures. If we had to define the “typical dimensions”, they would be close to 2 m to 2.5 m in length and 1 m in width. Broadly speaking, the data collected for the sites listed in the other regions are similar to what was noted for Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, with a redundancy of examples whose dimensions vary between 2 m and 2.5 m in length for 1 m wide. Furthermore, there is also significant variability. Fourteen sites identified in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur provided fireplaces installed in groups. Most of the time, they are aligned along a longitudinal axis, but some examples of transverse arrangements exist. The alignments are predominantly oriented to the north and north-east, yet this trend is not strong enough to say that the orientation of the hot stone fireplaces was dictated by any specific will or reglementation. We also note that when a site presents several alignments in various forms, they are often nearly opposed to one another, at an angle close to 90°. Although this organization cannot be said to be systematic, its redundancy is certainly significant. On the other hand, its interpretation poses a problem. One hypothesis would be to consider this difference as representative of a chronological shift compared to other hot stone fireplace installments. Furthermore, this orientation scheme of ovens placed at 90° to one another is found outside the Provençal sphere. The general arrangement of these combustion structures is marked by a single or double orientation for each site. Given the slight deviations (in orientation, and alignment) from the standard observed in most cases, it cannot be envisaged that they were installed according to a preconceived diagram, as if the axes had been drawn and aligned. Reading the spatial distribution of the sites reveals that the alignments were established gradually. The morphological homogeneity of hot stone hearths could presage a similar function for all sites, but this question of the use of these fireplaces has long troubled researchers. Their defining characteristics could indeed correspond to several uses. The archaeological material found in the abandoned levels can provide important clues concerning the function of the hearths. Although these layers rarely provide exploitable material, some sites have provided faunal remains. Analyses of the organic residues from four sites demonstrated contact between the raft blocks and animal fat. This scheme corresponds to the current model of a Polynesian oven. Studies carried out for other regions confirm this interpretation. Archaeological context seldom reveal an association between other remains and hot stone hearths. Although it is difficult to generalize this idea, since archaeological distribution maps are partial by definition, there is a tendency for the sites which have revealed hot stone hearths, to also be the most isolated. In some cases, we observe the implantation of this type of combustion structure within a habitat or nearby sepulchral and/or sanctuary spaces. However, these examples remain the rarest and, when they do occur, the number of instances is generally lower than the contrary. Archaeologically, hot stone hearths represent infrequent occurrences, which occur in one area and may recur over long periods of time. Consequently, these spaces took on their own symbolism. Archaeological data (spatial arrangement, location within a specific area, site specialization, long chronology, structures intended for the community, etc.) and ethnological data make it possible to consider the largest groupings of hearths as strong territorial markers wherein links to political and religious power might be be achieved by the association of several habitat units. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-cb0830bd26a04628967f7277efa4d870 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 0016-4119 2109-9588 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2021-12-01 |
| publisher | CNRS Éditions |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Gallia |
| spelling | doaj-art-cb0830bd26a04628967f7277efa4d8702025-02-05T15:47:31ZengCNRS ÉditionsGallia0016-41192109-95882021-12-017815317410.4000/gallia.6258À propos des foyers protohistoriques à pierres chauffantes en Provence-Alpes-Côte d’AzurDenis DubessetIn the light of recent archaeological discoveries since the early 2000s, this paper reviews the question of protohistoric heating stone hearths in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Over the course of the last twenty years, 28 sites have been studied bringing the total number of sites known for this period to 30. Thus, the region appears essential for the global comprehension of the phenomenon. For this study, we identified all of the sites that revealed heating stone hearths during a period spanning from the early Bronze Age to the Second Iron Age. A total of 168 sites and 763 hot stone hearths have been inventoried. Our aim was to understand the phenomenon on a larger scale in order to compare the available data with the findings for the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. In a majority of cases, the precise chronological attribution of this type of combustion structure is difficult to determine. Archaeological finds are often anecdotal. In addition, when a structure does provide finds it, they are often primarily located in the upper layers of the structures backfill, and thus indicative of the abandonment of the combustion structure and not its use. Current data from carbon-14 dating and material culture analysis demonstrates that the oldest hearths studied in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur are dated between the 12th c. and the 11th c. BC and the Final Bronze II. Two sites are attributed to this period. For the following period, between the 10th c. and the 8th c. BC, corresponding to the Final Bronze III and the Bronze-Iron transition, five sites are listed. It is between the 7th c. and the 5th c. BC, characterizing the early Iron Age, that the largest number of hot stone hearths has been studied, with a total of 13 sites. Two sites are attributed to the 4th c. and the 3rd c. BC in the second Iron Age. Finally, 10 sites have been correlated to the Late Bronze Age and/or the First Iron Age without further detail. The chronological data collected outside our region of study are substantial and explicit enough to allow for us to envision a diffusion scenario for the spread of use of this type of structure. The oldest structures were discovered in Switzerland and dated back to the Middle Bronze Age or even the Early Bronze Age. The origin of the protohistoric phenomenon therefore seems to be located in this geographical area. The following periods demonstrate an east-west and north-south expansion. In the Late Bronze Age I and II, a multiplication of these types of features is witnessed. The phenomenon is accentuated at the end of the Final Bronze Age and in the First Iron Age. This last period bears witness to the greatest number of occurrences. The Rhône Valley, a natural route, certainly played a major role in this diffusion process. The phase of maximum expansion of the phenomenon is therefore centered on the Bronze/Iron transition and the first Iron Age periods for which this type of vestige can be found spanning from Germany to the south of France. In the Second Iron Age, the number of sites that provided hot stone fireplaces drastically diminished. For the Mediterranean region, there is a chronological shift. In this area, the cooking method could have been abandoned later. Indeed, only three sites are dated from the Second Iron Age and two of them are located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. The dimensions of the different fireplaces vary. In Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, their length is between 0.83 m and 5 m in length with a high percentage falling between 1.5 m and 2.5 m. Variability in width is also significant with an interval between 0.3 m and 1.8 m and a high density around 1 m. The first observation that can be drawn from this data is that without being perfectly calibrated, the size of hot stone fireplaces is nonetheless relatively standardized. This is confirmed by the length-to-width ratio: with just under 70 homes possessing a length-to-width ratio of between 2 and 2.5. The hearths therefore do not seem to be made according to a pre-established template, but the hypothesis is rather that this type of cooking and the “objects” likely to be cooked influence the dimensions of the structures. If we had to define the “typical dimensions”, they would be close to 2 m to 2.5 m in length and 1 m in width. Broadly speaking, the data collected for the sites listed in the other regions are similar to what was noted for Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, with a redundancy of examples whose dimensions vary between 2 m and 2.5 m in length for 1 m wide. Furthermore, there is also significant variability. Fourteen sites identified in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur provided fireplaces installed in groups. Most of the time, they are aligned along a longitudinal axis, but some examples of transverse arrangements exist. The alignments are predominantly oriented to the north and north-east, yet this trend is not strong enough to say that the orientation of the hot stone fireplaces was dictated by any specific will or reglementation. We also note that when a site presents several alignments in various forms, they are often nearly opposed to one another, at an angle close to 90°. Although this organization cannot be said to be systematic, its redundancy is certainly significant. On the other hand, its interpretation poses a problem. One hypothesis would be to consider this difference as representative of a chronological shift compared to other hot stone fireplace installments. Furthermore, this orientation scheme of ovens placed at 90° to one another is found outside the Provençal sphere. The general arrangement of these combustion structures is marked by a single or double orientation for each site. Given the slight deviations (in orientation, and alignment) from the standard observed in most cases, it cannot be envisaged that they were installed according to a preconceived diagram, as if the axes had been drawn and aligned. Reading the spatial distribution of the sites reveals that the alignments were established gradually. The morphological homogeneity of hot stone hearths could presage a similar function for all sites, but this question of the use of these fireplaces has long troubled researchers. Their defining characteristics could indeed correspond to several uses. The archaeological material found in the abandoned levels can provide important clues concerning the function of the hearths. Although these layers rarely provide exploitable material, some sites have provided faunal remains. Analyses of the organic residues from four sites demonstrated contact between the raft blocks and animal fat. This scheme corresponds to the current model of a Polynesian oven. Studies carried out for other regions confirm this interpretation. Archaeological context seldom reveal an association between other remains and hot stone hearths. Although it is difficult to generalize this idea, since archaeological distribution maps are partial by definition, there is a tendency for the sites which have revealed hot stone hearths, to also be the most isolated. In some cases, we observe the implantation of this type of combustion structure within a habitat or nearby sepulchral and/or sanctuary spaces. However, these examples remain the rarest and, when they do occur, the number of instances is generally lower than the contrary. Archaeologically, hot stone hearths represent infrequent occurrences, which occur in one area and may recur over long periods of time. Consequently, these spaces took on their own symbolism. Archaeological data (spatial arrangement, location within a specific area, site specialization, long chronology, structures intended for the community, etc.) and ethnological data make it possible to consider the largest groupings of hearths as strong territorial markers wherein links to political and religious power might be be achieved by the association of several habitat units.https://journals.openedition.org/gallia/6258 |
| spellingShingle | Denis Dubesset À propos des foyers protohistoriques à pierres chauffantes en Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Gallia |
| title | À propos des foyers protohistoriques à pierres chauffantes en Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur |
| title_full | À propos des foyers protohistoriques à pierres chauffantes en Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur |
| title_fullStr | À propos des foyers protohistoriques à pierres chauffantes en Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur |
| title_full_unstemmed | À propos des foyers protohistoriques à pierres chauffantes en Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur |
| title_short | À propos des foyers protohistoriques à pierres chauffantes en Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur |
| title_sort | a propos des foyers protohistoriques a pierres chauffantes en provence alpes cote d azur |
| url | https://journals.openedition.org/gallia/6258 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT denisdubesset aproposdesfoyersprotohistoriquesapierreschauffantesenprovencealpescotedazur |