Stefano Neri

Bio: Stefano Neri is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Bronze Age & Mesolithic. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 3 publications receiving 11 citations.

La successione esterna del Riparo Dalmeri (Trento, Italia). Prime informazioni geoarcheologiche

Abstract: Preistoria Alpina, 45 (2011): 127-146 1271. INTRODUZIONEIl Riparo Dalmeri, sito del Paleolitico Superiore ubi-cato presso l’angolo nord-orientale dell’Altopiano dei Sette Comuni in comune di Grigno (Trento - Fig. 1), ha resti-tuito abbondanti evidenze sul modo di vita e sull’utilizzo del territorio da parte dei gruppi di cacciatori-raccoglitori epigravettiani dell’area prealpina. Le ricerche svolte dal 1990 e le analisi realizzate da un ampio gruppo di lavoro interdisciplinare coordinato da G. Dalmeri hanno messo in luce una ricchissima documentazione archeologica, tra cui spiccano l’eccezionale collezione di oggetti d’arte e la ricca superficie d’abitato conservata nel sottoroccia (Broglio & Dalmeri 2005; Dalmeri et al. 2006; Dalmeri & Neri 2008).Dal 2004 le ricerche sul campo si sono concentrate nell’area posta in corrispondenza della dripline e all’ester-no di essa. In questa porzione del sito, che indicheremo come “settore esterno”, la situazione archeologica e di-versa da quella riscontrata nell’area interna del riparo, sia per le caratteristiche del record sedimentario sia per la sua stratigrafia e cronologia. I primi risultati mostrano infatti come nel settore esterno siano presenti unita attri-buibili all’Olocene antico, cioe a momenti successivi ri-spetto alla fase principale d’occupazione del sito, datata agli interstadi tardoglaciali - in particolare all’interstadio anteriormente noto come Allerod (Dalmeri & Neri 2008; Angelucci & Bassetti 2009).In questo contributo si presentano le prime infor-mazioni risultanti dallo studio delle unita esterne del ri-paro partendo da un approccio geoarcheologico. I dati qui ISSN 0393-0157© Museo delle Scienze, Trento 2011

Riparo Dalmeri: le pietre dipinte dell'area rituale

Abstract: Riparo Dalmeri offre l’inusuale possibilità di studiare sia l’arte che la ritualità espressa da un gruppo di cacciatori-raccoglitori della fine del Paleolitico che frequentarono la fascia prealpina. Una grande quantità di pietre con pitture in ocra ha svelato, dopo l’asporto di sedimento e della concrezione che le ricopriva, figure antropomorfe e di animali, schematiche e impronte di mani. Grande significato simbolico assume il contesto di ritrovamento delISSN 0393-015 © Museo delle Scienze, Trento 2011

Animal symbolisé, animal exploité : du Paléolithique à la Protohistoire

Abstract: The paper explores the ritual use of dogs and wolfs in south-eastern Alpine region (Slovenia) in Late Bronze and Iron Age from different archaeological contexts: graves, settlements and hoards. Archeo(zoo)logical analysis showed that dog and wolf bones were seldom put into the Early Iron Age graves. Recent excavations on the prehistoric settlement of Tribuna (Ljubljana, Slovenia) revealed that dog bones were sometimes placed in the foundations of the prehistoric dwellings. According to the analogies from the Italian archaeological sites, we could interpret this ritual practice as foundation offerings and for the protection of the buildings. Wolf and dog bones were also found in the prehistoric hoard in Skeletna cave near fikocjan on the Kras plateau. Beside the mentioned archeo(zoo)logical records, dogs and wolfs appeared as a frequent iconographic motive on the products of the so called “situla art”. As dogs were often linked with the death and underworld (graves, caves, iconography), we might interpret here presented archaeological contexts as dog sacrifices being part of the “rites de passages”. Further insights into the role of canids has been inferred by stable isotope analyses (δ13C and δ15N) of main animal species as well as man. Cette communication explore l’usage rituel des chiens et des loups dans les Alpes orientales (Slovénie) à l’âge du Bronze et à l’âge du Fer à partir de l’étude de différents contextes archéologiques : sépultures, implantations et dépôts rituels. Les analyses archéozoologiques montrent que les ossements de chien ou de loup sont rarement présents dans les tombes du premier âge du Fer. Les fouilles récentes du site préhistorique de Tribuna (Ljubljana, Slovénie) ont révélé que des ossements de chien étaient parfois placés dans les fondations des habitations. Par comparaison avec des sites italiens, il est proposé d’interpréter cette pratique rituelle comme une offrande de fondation ou de protection des bâtiments. Des restes de chien et de loup ont été également trouvés dans les dépôts de la grotte de Skeletna sur le plateau karstique de Škocjan. De plus, le chien et le loup paraissent avoir été un fréquent motif iconographique sur la vaisselle de bronze décorée appelée « Situla ». Comme la figure du chien est souvent liée à la mort et l’au-delà (sépultures, grottes, iconographie), nous interprétons les contextes archéologiques susmentionnés comme des sacrifices de chiens faisant partie des « rites de passage ». D’autres perspectives sur le rôle des canidés ont pu être fournies par les analyses des isotopes stables du carbone (δ13C) et de l’azote (δ15N) des restes animaux et humains.

Success of a flexible behavior. Considerations on the manufacture of Late Epigravettian lithic projectile implements according to experimental tests

Abstract: It is generally recognized that the function and modality of hafting are the main factors influencing mental templates, and consequently, stone tool standardization. But what role do technical knowledge and traditions play? In this study, we investigate the interaction between mental templates and technological choices in the manufacture of Late Epigravettian projectile implements. The examined specimens come from different dwelling phases of the Dalmeri rock shelter (Italian Alps). Technological analyses suggest that lithic production systems gradually simplified their structure over time, implying a shift in technical investment from shaping on the core to a subsequent shaping on the derived flake blank. However, correlations between the dimensions and morphological features among the armatures from the different units suggest that mental templates remained unchanged throughout the Allerod. Experimentation attests to the frequent combined application of different retouching techniques. Further, the variability in their arrangement denotes the absence of strict rules and the Epigravettian capability to recognize the most situationally suitable method. In the Dalmeri rock shelter, the standardization of lithic projectile implements is therefore a result of flexibility in retouching, framed in a production system characterized by a progressive simplification. A such rapidly produced and responsive technology must have been encouraged by Late Glacial climatic and environmental changes and the occupation of alpine territories previously inaccessible. Thus, the flexibility of technical behaviors turns out to be a key element in the transformation of Late Epigravettian societies during this period, enabling them to adapt and evolve in response to environmental, social, and economic changes.