A gruta-necrópole neolítica do Algar do Barrão (Monsanto, Alcanena)

Abstract

Algar do Barrão is a burial cave dated to the Late Neolithic (late 4th millennium BC). The artefacts, which are very scarce, are composed mainly by polished stone axes. Bracelets made of shells of Glycymeris, plain pottery and some bone industry make up the rest of the votive artefacts. Arrow points and engraved slate plaques are completely absent. The faunal remains are of later age and cannot be associated to the Neolithic use of the cave. The available data concerning the burial practices seem to indicate the deposition of secondary burials, having these been preceded by a previous phase of burial of the corpses in order to be cleaned of the flesh. The sediments where the human remains were found seem to have been transported to the cave. A minimum number of 20 individuals (16 adults and 4 children) was calculated after the analysis if the human remains. Sexual diagnosis has indicated the presence of 8 adults: 5 men and 3 women. Despite the high fragmentation of the bones, traumatic pathologies were not identified. Arthrosis is well represented. Caries and tartar are rare, whilst dental use wear is moderate and moderate-high. The analysis of both metric and discrete traits of tibiae suggests that these individuals would adopt frequently the squatting posture. The chronology of Algar do Barrão, as well as its burial practices and associated artefacts, are comparable to those found in some carsic caves of the Limestone Massif of Estremadura and adjacent regions (e.g., Gruta do Lugar do Canto, Gruta dos Ossos), the materials of which are traditionally attributed to the Middle Neolithic. Notwithstanding, in some cases, these contexts have also been dated to the late 4th millennium, a period conventionally called Late Neolithic.

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