Neolithic mining at Gavà (Baix Llobregat, Barcelona)

Abstract

The process of mining and variscite obtention in Gavà during the Developed Early Neolithic and the Middle Neolithic have been studied regarding the results of archaeological excavations, the geological study and experimentation. The following issues have been analysed: the exploitation structures, with differences in shape and distribution between both periods; the mining tools with differences in materials, shapes and use; the products obtained, among which only variscite can be identified; the manufacturing of variscite beads near the mine; the economic and social context of these work processes, not eccepting specialization among Gavà Neolithic communities in mining and bead manufacturing; and the ideological trends related to mining proposing a union with those of agriculture and cattle.