ABSTRACT

When compared with earlier periods, the Neolithic in Ireland (4000–2500 cal BC) witnessed enormous changes in the foods being produced, and the work involved in their production and processing. Several crops were introduced – archaeobotanical studies indicate that emmer wheat became the dominant crop, with evidence also for barley (hulled and naked) and flax. Gathered resources were not abandoned; on the contrary, there is substantial evidence for a variety of nuts, fruits and leafy greens. Zooarchaeological studies indicate that new animals also arrived, including domesticated cattle, pig and sheep. Recent studies have provided substantial information on the timing and nature of these new ways of farming and living, but the focus is often on ingredients rather than food products. There are many challenges in determining which foods were being made with these new crops and animals, and in assessing their dietary and social importance. While cereals have been found at many sites, for example, it is not clear if they are being ground, boiled or other techniques are used for their processing. In this paper we explore aspects of food production, processing and foodways in Neolithic Ireland, drawing upon evidence from archaeobotany, zooarchaeology, isotopes, human skeletal remains and artefacts.

摘要

与早期相比，爱尔兰的新石器时代（公元前 4000 年至 2500 年）见证了所生产的食品及其生产和加工所涉及的工作发生了巨大变化。引入了几种作物——考古植物学研究表明，二粒小麦成为主要作物，大麦（去壳和裸麦）和亚麻也有证据。收集的资源没有被遗弃；相反，有大量的证据表明各种坚果、水果和绿叶蔬菜。动物考古研究表明，新的动物也来到了这里，包括驯养的牛、猪和羊。最近的研究提供了有关这些新的耕作和生活方式的时间和性质的大量信息，但重点往往是成分而不是食品。在确定哪些食物是用这些新作物和动物制成的，以及评估它们的饮食和社会重要性方面存在许多挑战。例如，虽然在许多地方都发现了谷物，但尚不清楚它们是否被磨碎、煮沸或其他技术用于加工。在本文中，我们利用来自考古植物学、动物考古学、同位素、人类骨骼残骸和人工制品的证据，探讨了新石器时代爱尔兰的食品生产、加工和饮食方式的各个方面。