Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.17234/RadoviZHP.56.17
In Search of Island Shepherds: Research and Analysis of Dry- Stone Architecture on the Kalješina site (Island of Ugljan) (Summary)
Pio Domines Peter
Damir Martinov
Sažetak
In rescue archaeological excavations undertaken during the years 2020-2021 at the Kalješina site, located on the northwestern part of the island of Ugljan, the remains of two dry-stone-wall buildings, marked as Gomila 1 and Struktura S1 were uncovered. Gomila 1 is a circular dry-stone wall construction, delineated by an external double dry-stonewall, enclosing a diameter of approximately 6 m, with an entrance on the northwestern side measuring 0.85 m in width. On the southwestern side, two parallel dry-stone walls form an enclosed rectangular space, measuring 2.05 x 3.9 m. Struktura S1 is a dry-stone-wall complex consisting of a central rectangular building measuring 6.5 x 4.35 m, with an external enclosure of 17 m² and a smaller, distinct area located on the northern side. Within the com¬plex, a compact layer of red soil was documented, interpreted as a floor surface.
The prevailing karstic soil conditions in the eastern Adriatic region have long favored the use of stone as a construction material, thereby facilitating the widespread use of dry-stone walling as a traditional building technique. This is particularly evident in the numerous stone structures associated with herding, which are ubiquitous across the Adriatic island landscapes. Although the herding function of these structures is frequently suggested based on land use, site patterns, or construction techniques, the primary challenge lies in the difficulty of reliably dating dry-stone architecture. This challenge arises due to the scarcity of archae¬ological, historical, or cartographic evidence, particularly concerning older (pre) historic periods. However, at the Kalješina site, pottery finds, in conjunction with the architectural context, provide a chronological framework for the use of the buildings in the period 14th - 17th centuries. It seems that the buildings, located not far from each other, functioned simultaneously at least during one period.
The architectural features of the structures, particularly Struktura S1 with its enclosed outdoor area, are consistent with functions related to herding. The prac¬tice of fencing off areas for the management and control of livestock has been a hallmark of pastoral societies since the Neolithic period. In this regard, parallels can be drawn with examples of traditional herding architecture, which served to shelter livestock and/or shepherds on island pastures, often referred to as pastir¬ski stan. Based on ethnarchaeological research, it is plausible to suggest that the buildings at Kalješina, in addition to their dry-stone wall foundations, were likely roofed with vegetal materials.
The island of Ugljan is contextually linked with other surrounding islands, which throughout the Middle Ages served as important centers of livestock production within the Zadar district. Records from the 15th century indicate that these islands were predominantly characterized by small livestock, particularly sheep and goats. Animal husbandry became increasingly economically significant, primarily due to the potential for high profitability, low production costs, and the availability of extensive pastures. Moreover, under the persistent threat of Ottoman incursions, agripastoral production gradually shifted from the mainland to the islands, which assumed a critical role in supplying the Zadar market. The utilization of pastures necessitated the construction of structures for the control, gathering, and housing of livestock and/or shepherds, as well as the organization of space for related herding activities.
Although the breeding of livestock played a pivotal role in the insular economy of Ugljan during this period, much of the existing knowledge is derived from historical sources. Archaeological research of herding sites, such as shepherd’s huts or similar structures, have been relatively scarce. In archaeological perspective, zooarchaeological analyses still present a primary source for studying livestock management while limited physical evidence remains to support discussions re¬garding the spatial organization of herding practices. Consequently, the dry-stone-wall structures at Kalješina, as the first documented examples of pastoral sites on Ugljan, represent a significant contribution to the identification of a new category of archaeological sites with an economic (livestock) orientation. Thus, the site Kalješina can serve as a valuable case-study for further research of similar pastoral sites, with a particulat emphasis on earlier periods. Such research will enhance our understanding of livestock management, which has been a key component of sustainability strategies of the Adriatic insular populations since the Neolithic.
Ključne riječi
Hrčak ID:
330257
URI
Datum izdavanja:
22.12.2024.
Posjeta: 682 *