Entre sables et pierres : s’alimenter et boire dans les villages néolithiques d’une zone refuge saharienne de Mauritanie sud-orientale

Neolithic societies in the ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt, and Oualata thrived in a Saharan refuge zone due to abundant water resources, leaving behind a rich archaeological record. These communities, spanning from the early 3rd millennium BCE to the Common Era, relied on a mix of foraging, hunting, herding, and agriculture, with their settlements featuring stone walls that reflect sophisticated societal organization. The study reveals how these societies adapted to survive in arid conditions by developing specialized practices for food production, storage, and exchange, including the use of local materials for cooking utensils. Artifacts and architectural remnants suggest vibrant trade networks and knowledge transmission along the cliffs, with certain areas functioning as marketplaces. This research highlights the resilience and ingenuity of Neolithic communities in a challenging environment.

Amblard-Pison, S. (2014). Entre sables et pierres : s’alimenter et boire dans les villages néolithiques d’une zone refuge saharienne de Mauritanie sud-orientale. Afriques, 05. https://doi.org/10.4000/afriques.1496