Before the spatial analysis of Beg-er-Vil: A journey through the multiple archaeological dimensions of a Mesolithic dwelling in Atlantic France

Abstract

Keywords:Mesolithic Micromorphology Sea-level index points Shell midden A B S T R A C TThe Beg-er-Vil coastal site (Quiberon, Morbihan, France), initially excavated in the 1980s, and more extensively since 2012, is exposed to strong marine and anthropic erosion. At the present time, the main challenge is to define the status of the site by describing its formation dynamics. This necessitates investigating the taphonomic and erosive mechanisms using a combined method adapted to the shell midden levels, before undertaking spatial analysis. The archaeological level is protected by a thick dune and is subdivided into several stratigraphic units (SU), which record several changes in the function of the site. It is made up of accumulations of shell pockets covered in sandy sediments. The micromorphological analysis shows that this waste area seems to develop into an area of activities and movement. These surfaces also record alternating dry and wet seasonal conditions, but with no phase of abandonment. Systematic pH measurements show variations of 7.7 to 9.0 depending on the layers, corresponding to a slightly alkaline to alkaline acid-basic status. The mapping of measurements can be correlated to structures and archaeological remains of organic origin. The excavation shows that the division of the dwelling area was guided by topographic factors, with a circular dwelling 3.50 m in diameter installed on a flat zone and a shell waste zone on a slope towards the sea. Numerous fire-related activities were also carried out in this zone (pits, hearths). Spatial analysis by GIS shows a high concentration of recorded objects (lithics, bones, shells) to the west of the excavated area, in the shell level. Marine erosion is the main erosive factor limiting our knowledge of the site. The distance to the coastline was estimated after reconstruction of the relative sea level during the Holocene using the "Sea-Level Index Points" (SLIPs) methodology. Three SLIPs indicate a relative sealevel position between − 15.5 m and −11 m and a foreshore area at a depth between − 7.15 and −14.02 m around 6200 BCE. This paleogeographic reconstruction approach indicates that the site of Beg-er-Vil was located a few hundred to a few kilometres from the coastline. Scientific positionIt was imperative to resume the excavation of the Beg-er-Vil shell midden (Quiberon townland, Morbihan department, France) in 2012, as marine erosion is gradually eating away the cliff on which the archaeological site is located, and anthropic pressure in this coastal resort is gradually altering it (trampling, vehicle circulation, coastal development).This excavation is part of broader reflections on hunter-gatherer societies in coastal areas during the Holocene, and in particular on the social organization of these societies (Yesner, 1980;Testart, 1982;Sassaman, 2004;Kelly, 2007). Current research focuses on the functioning of the related mobility systems, partly based on marine circulation on the islands Marchand, 2013Marchand, , 2014. This involves a detailed analysi...

New paradigms in the exploitation of Mesolithic shell middens in Atlantic France: The example of Beg-er-Vil, Brittany

“…Lithic objects ranging from flint chips to tools abandoned after use are widely distributed over the entire surface of the excavation, with a higher concentration in the shell deposit. At this stage of the investigation, it is striking that the structures indicate a clear spatial organization of the habitat, whereas the spatial distribution of the lithic elements evokes a continuous layer (Marchand et al, 2018). The high rate of burned lithic pieces (mainly from local flint pebbles)…”

“…J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f (Marchand et al, 2016(Marchand et al, , 2018; Table 1). The main themes we aimed to tackle were the stratigraphic links between the midden and some of the previously described domestic structures, such as pits and hearths.…”

Interpreting transfers of rocks during the Mesolithic in the West of France

“…In order to understand the distribution ranges of the rocks of interest here, we must consider the central notion of the anticipation of needs. (Marchand et al 2018). The site was explored by an in-depth excavation over a surface of more than 180 m² (for a total surface of 600 m²), and is now considered as a reference site in Europe for understanding societies during the last two centuries of the seventh millennium BCE, in particular for assessing coastal zone activities.…”

Mesolithic dwelling structures: from methodological approaches to archaeological interpretation

“…This innovative manuscript provides discussion about the methodology of excavation and the archaeological analysis, as well as the levels of resolution regarding the social relations generated by the human groups in the archaeological contexts. Marchand et al (2018) present the results of the excavation carried out in recent years in the Mesolithic shell midden of Beg-er-Vil (Quiberon, Morbihan, France). This is an outstanding site for the study of Mesolithic dwellings, as there is evidence of a perfectly preserved walls of a hut, unique on the French Atlantic coast, and a great diversity of hearths.…”