New analyses and dating of partial skeletons from Samouqueira I, Portugal

Abstract

We provide new detailed contextual information for the human remains recovered in 1984 from the coastal site of Samouquiera, Alentejo, Portugal. The main focus is on two incomplete, but at least partially articulated, skeletons of adult males. AMS radiocarbon dating places both individuals in the range 7660-7505 calBP. One of the two results is from the same individual as previously dated to ca. 6950 calBP (TO-130); thus, the new date for this individual is considerably older, and confirms a Late Mesolithic attribution. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values indicate a stronger reliance on higher-trophic level marine resoures than seen in any other Portuguese Mesolithic site. Each of the two individuals has traumatic changes which might have reduced capability to an extent which cannot be known because of the incomplete state of the skeletons. This complicates answers to any questions about coastal adaptation along the central Portuguese Atlantic coast.