Here is a small enclosure detected in the highest
platform of Senhora da Alegria set of enclosures.
In terms of stratrigraphy, it is posterior to the
Early Neolithic occupation and it seems to be prior to the Late Neolithic
one. It is a very small ditched
enclosure, apparently oval, with only one gate. The ditch is deeper in the gate
sides and progressively becomes lesser deep towards the back. It was filled
with layers of stones and clay, with very few materials, mainly polished stone
tools.
Inside, and not centred, there was only a fireplace,
conserving large fragments of wood charcoal.
The plant and the inside fireplace remember other European
small enclosures, namely in Ireland and in Italy. In Portugal, and from Late 3rd
millennium, we have other examples in Alentejo, where a pit grave substitute
the inside fireplace.
In fact, we are just start to become aware of the
large diversity and complexity of the processes of enclosing that took place in
Western Iberia Prehistory. New empirical data is emerging every day. But most
of it still way from debate and scientific forums.
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