Small Carnivores: A Key to Early Neolithic Diets

Recent archaeological discoveries in the Levant have shed light on the nutritional habits of early hunter-gatherer societies. Excavations at the Early Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (EPPNB) site of Aแธฅihud, located in present-day Israel, reveal a significant reliance on small carnivores. These findings indicate that animals such as red foxes and wildcats were not only hunted for their meat but also valued for their fur. This period, dating back approximately 10,500 to 10,100 years ago, marks a crucial transition as communities began shifting from hunting and gathering to farming-based lifestyles.
Findings at the Aแธฅihud Site
The Aแธฅihud site has become a focal point for understanding early Neolithic dietary practices. Salvage excavations conducted in 2012 and 2013 uncovered a wealth of archaeological materials. Researchers recovered 1,244 animal remains, with a notable portion belonging to small carnivores. Among these were red foxes, beech martens, Egyptian mongooses, and European badgers. Dr. Shirad Galmor, the lead researcher, emphasized the importance of these findings in a recent interview with Phys.org. The high quantity of small carnivore bones, along with observable cut marks, prompted a deeper investigation into their utilization by early humans.
These discoveries challenge previous assumptions about the role of small carnivores in Neolithic diets. Earlier studies primarily focused on the fur trade, suggesting that these animals were hunted mainly for their pelts. However, the evidence from Aแธฅihud indicates a more complex relationship between humans and these small carnivores. The presence of numerous bones suggests that they were a significant part of the diet, providing essential nutrients during a time of major societal change.
Evidence of Skinning and Consumption
The analysis of the animal remains from Aแธฅihud revealed compelling evidence of their use for both meat and fur. Taphonomic analysis showed that over 12 percent of red fox remains and 19 percent of wildcat remains exhibited distinct cut marks. In contrast, lower percentages of cut marks were found on larger game, such as gazelles and cape hares. These marks indicate that early humans engaged in skinning these animals for their fur and butchering them for meat.
Additionally, some bones displayed burn marks, further supporting the idea that small carnivores were consumed as food. This evidence highlights the importance of small carnivores in the diets of early Neolithic communities. It suggests that these animals played a vital role in providing sustenance during a transformative period in human history. The findings challenge the notion that larger game was the primary source of nutrition, revealing a more diverse and adaptable approach to food sourcing.
Implications for Neolithic Societies
The implications of these findings extend beyond the Aแธฅihud site, offering new insights into the dietary and economic practices of early Neolithic societies. The previously overlooked significance of small carnivores suggests that they were integral to the survival and development of these communities. As societies transitioned from hunting and gathering to agriculture, understanding the role of small carnivores becomes crucial for comprehending their adaptive strategies.
Researchers stress the need for further studies to explore the contributions of small carnivores at other archaeological sites across the southern Levant. By examining additional sites, scholars can gain a more comprehensive understanding of how these animals fit into the broader context of early human diets. This research may reshape our understanding of Neolithic societies and their interactions with the environment, highlighting the importance of small carnivores in their daily lives.
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