Researchers from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) meticulously analyzed sheep remains from the Cueva de El Toro cave in Malaga, Spain, dating back approximately 7,200 years. The findings unveil a surprising level of complexity in herding practices, far exceeding what was previously believed.
This discovery sheds light on the adaptability and resourcefulness of early Neolithic communities in southern Iberia. Previously, archaeologists held the notion that these groups employed a homogenous approach to livestock management. However, the analysis of sheep teeth – using high-resolution radiocarbon dating and stable isotope examination – paints a different picture.
The research team, led by Dr. Alejandro Sierra and Dr. María Saña of the UAB Prehistory Department, revealed that these early herding groups adopted a variety of strategies. The data suggests that sheep were bred throughout different seasons (autumn, winter, and spring), indicating control over herd reproduction. Furthermore, the animals grazed on diverse plant life throughout the year, with some even consuming plants specific to saline areas during the summer months.
Perhaps the most intriguing finding is the evidence of sheep grazing at various altitudes, including mountainous regions. This information, coupled with the diverse feeding patterns, suggests that each sheep may have been herded differently, even within the same flock.
“The different herding strategies that we have found fit in the economic model proposed for the Neolithic communities of southern Iberia, which have been considered as highly mobile herding communities,” explains Dr. Sierra. This adaptability, he proposes, could be attributed to various factors, including maximizing resource acquisition, responding to climatic fluctuations, or adapting to the specific socio-economic needs of each location.
The study’s co-leader, Dr. Saña, emphasizes the broader implications of these findings. “This new study…may have broader implications for understanding the adaptability of the first agricultural and farming communities at the beginning of the Neolithic period in the Iberian Peninsula,” she states. By challenging the notion of a uniform herding approach, this research opens doors for a more nuanced understanding of how these early societies interacted with their environment and managed their livestock.
The diverse herding practices identified in Cueva de El Toro showcase the complexity and resourcefulness of early Neolithic communities in southern Iberia. Further research on similar sites across the region has the potential to provide a more comprehensive picture of how these herding groups adapted and thrived in the face of various challenges.
The study is published in PLOS ONE.