Multidisciplinary research on Veluška Tumba in 2019

Abstract

Veluška Tumba is one of the eponymous sites in the Macedonian Neolithic. Widely known for its specific material culture, it is becoming synonymous with the Neolithic in Pelagonija, which is largely based on research in the 1970s, when the site came to the fore. In 2017, it was re-explored, but with the application of new methods and technologies that will provide much more information about the origin and development of this Neolithic settlement, as well as the character of those who lived in it. In 2019, the research began with the application of the Harris matrix, the study of finds by context, as well as archaeobotanical and geoarchaeological analyzes. The project is a collaboration between the Center for Prehistory Research, Institute and Museum – Bitola, the University of Basel and the Biosense Institute. During the field research, the western profile was studied, made by the probe in the 1970s, which was refreshed and revised from the bottom to the last layers. For that purpose, a small control trench was made which provided insight into the earliest horizons of the settlement. Thus, 31 layers were registered along with different features in them (sediments, mortar, cinder and glue) documented in 75 stratigraphic units, which provides detailed insight into all stratigraphic elements and consistent reconstruction of architectural activities and changes in the field of material culture. According to the detailed review of the stratigraphy, it can be concluded that the Neolithic settlement was formed on a small natural sand mound, in which 12 levels of construction are registered. These architectural features have been defined as constructions, although in some cases it may be the restoration of existing buildings. Along with the archeological excavations, geoarchaeological and archeobotanical analyzes were carried out which pointed to smaller settlements near Veluška Tumba (or flooding of its periphery in the early stages), as well as consumption of wheat, barley, peas, lentils, strawberries, hazelnuts, elderberries and wild millet by its inhabitants.