The basketry at the early Neolithic site of La Draga (Banyoles, Spain)

Abstract The goal of this work is provide new data about early basketry techniques based on remains found at the site of La Draga (Banyoles, Spain). La Draga has yielded a series of basketry fragments dated to 5300–5000 cal. BC that introduce novel information about the use of natural materials to make baskets and the techniques involved in their fabrication. The 34 fragments of basketry were recovered from waterlogged levels. All the remains of basketry found at La Draga were made with the same sewn coiled technique, although variations are seen in the type of stitches. The inhabitants of La Draga used a limited number of species for basket-making: monocotyledons, lime bast fibres and hazel wands. The technology, number of individuals and function are discussed in this paper.