Archaeobotanical Studies at Sumaki Höyük (Batman, Turkey) in 2014

Authors : Leman KUTLU, Aslı Erim ÖZDOĞAN, Ernaz ALTUNDAĞ ÇAKIR

Pages : 26-34

Doi:10.31195/ejejfs.410656

View : 12 | Download : 6

Publication Date : 2018-06-21

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Our study focuses on the archaeobotanical analyses of 2014 season of the Sumaki Höyük, which is located east of Beşiri town in Batman province. It was excavated within the framework of Ilısu Dam and HES project by the Batman Museum at the charge of Dr. Aslı Erim Özdoğan. Sumaki Höyük yields Late Pre-Pottery Neolithic B insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(LPPNB); and Early Pottery Neolithic, namely Pre-Proto Hassuna and Proto Hassuna phases, dated to 7310 - 7040 cal BC - 6480 - 6400 cal BC. The uppermost phase is a small farm or a district belongs to Abbasid / Hamdani Periods dated to cal. 770-890 AD. Most of the 2014 botanical samples are collected from the phases dated between cal. 7030-6580 BC and cal. 6830-6470 BC. The archaeobotanical remains were obtained by flotation of 348 lt soil of 45 samples that were collected from different loci at Sumaki Höyük. The remains are preserved either by carbonizing or mineralizing. Two domesticated families Poaceae and Fabaceae are predominant. The earliest domesticated form of wheat Triticum dicoccon insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Schrank); Schübl. Grains, as well as pieces of spikelet forks, are determined. Among the Fabaceae family Lens culinaris Medik. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(lentil);, Vicia ervilia insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(L.); Willld. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(bitter vetch);, Pisum sativum L. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(garden pea); and Cicer arietinum L. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(chickpea); species are vegetal source of nutrition of semi-nomadic inhabitants of Sumaki Höyük. The existence of Linum L. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Linen); might be the indicator of weaving and/or oil consumption.
Keywords : Archaeobotany, Sumaki Höyük, Batman, Turkey