Unearthing the hearths: preliminary results on the Takarkori rockshelter fireplaces (Acacus Mts., Libya)

From a methodological viewpoint, fireplaces are of the utmost importance for the understanding of formation processes. In arid environments, these are characterised by complex post-depositional phenomena and erosional events. Given their peculiar nature (positive stratigraphic evidence; high possibility of dating), fireplaces may play a key role in decoding multifaceted, often sandy and loose palimpsests. In-depth analysis of this feature may also yield important indications of type of action, re-cycling activity and site organization. The preliminary results from the excavations at Takarkori, a rockshelter with evidence of human occupation from 8800 to 4000 uncalibrated years bp, brought up the problem of the nature and meaning of this facility.