Introduction
The Cave of Los Murciélagos in Albuñol, on the coast of Granada, is one of the most remarkable early Neolithic sites in western Europe due to the excellent condition of the organic and plant remains preserved by natural desiccation processes. This project comprises a multidisciplinary study of all archaeological remains found at the site, as well as graphic documentation and superficial cleaning inside the cave.
The primary objective of the project is to reassess and draw international attention to a unique archaeological site by conducting a comprehensive study of its material record, using the latest archaeometric methods and generating quality scientific data.
Research questions
The project aims to answer the following questions within the general research framework:
Q 1. What is the timeline of use of the Cave of Los Murciélagos?
Q 2. Which animal and plant species are present among the organic materials?
Q 3. What technological processes were involved in the manufacture and use of the artefacts found at the site?
Q 4. What purpose did the cave serve and what kind of activities were carried out in it?
General objective
The primary objective is to reassess and draw international attention to a unique archaeological site by conducting a comprehensive study of its material record, using the latest archaeometric methods and generating quality scientific data.
Specific objectives
The specific general objectives of this project are:
SGO 1. Prepare a complete catalogue of all archaeological material from the site
SGO 2. Determine the cave’s timeline of use based on new absolute datings
SGO 3. Conduct a technological and functional analysis of all site artefacts
SGO 4. Produce graphic documentation of the cave and carry out superficial cleaning
Specific objectives by material
The specific objectives by material are:
Lithic industry
- Identify lithology and place of origin
- Determine manufacturing and functional technology
Materials of animal origin
- Identify species
- Determine manufacturing and functional technology
Pottery
- Identify production and manufacturing patterns
- Characterise technical processes
- Identify possible technological traditions
- Determine the use of pottery vessels
Gold diadem
- Identify the metal’s provenance
- Determine manufacturing technology and use
Wood and basketry
- Identify plant species
- Determine manufacturing and functional technology
Faunal remains
- Determine species
- Identify evidence of anthropic manipulation or consumption
Archaeobotanical remains
- Identify preserved remains
- Analyse ancient DNA
Human bones and hair
- Determine sex and age of individuals
- Determine number of individuals
- Analyse ancient DNA of human remains
