Man-animal relationships in the Early Neolithic of Dresden (Saxony, Germany)

A small sample of animal bones dating to the Early Neolithic Linear Ceramic Culture from Dresden- Mockritz (Saxony, Germany) has been investigated. It stands out for containing a wide range of species showing evidence of the use of very diverse environments. The remarkably high amount of wild animals as compared to domesticates is discussed and put in a wider context. It is shown that regional models explaining differences in animal exploitation patterns in the Early Neolithic are not tenable in the light of new evidence and a much more local mode of adaptation to different circumstances is suggested. Drawing evidence from the taphonomy of the complexes under study, an assessment of the representatives of the sample is made and its value to archeological interpretation indicated. An antler artefact, a so called T-axe, associated with the faunal remains, is discussed and thought to be an indicator of changing patterns of subsistence in the Neolithic of the Dresden area.