dAf 34
BICHET Pierre, MILLOTTE Jacques-Pierre
L'âge du Fer dans le haut Jura
Les tumulus de la région de Pontarlier (Doubs)
Only perceptible to the averted eye due to their low relief, the barrows of Chaux d'Arlier have remained little known until the first surveys were carried out during the period 1950-60.Although saved from unscientific excavation, they have however not escaped damage from agricultural practice or its modernisation. Presented in this publication are the results from recent rescue excavations which outline the importance of later prehistoric occupation in this traditional area of contact. Put at the disposition of the reader, is a documentation of an interest which justifies the measures taken to protect these monuments.
Abstract
Abstract
1 A unique upland site
The authors outline their approach and present the results of their excavations. They are limited to precise descriptions and formulate only prudent hypothesis. The barrows of Chaux d'Arlier have been subjected to destruction during the 19th century. Rescue excavations were made necessary as a result of recent improvements to grazing land. Considering the difficult working and collecting conditions, these observations have supplied new evidence concerning the occupation of the Jura uplands.
The landscape is original: a valley formed by the last glaciation, cut by the river Drugeon and encircled by low ridges. The continental climate is cold and wet, in the summer violent thunder storms often occur. The soil is poor, the presence of peat beds does not permit cultivation, but is replaced by cattle grazing. This area was an important route between the region of Salins and the Neuchâtel Jura crossing by the Verrières Pass and the Areuse Valley or by the Sainte-Croix Pass, Covatannaz, Yverdon and Orbe. Regardless of these difficulties, this route has been frequented since the distant past.
2 The excavations and the artefacts
The description of the field monuments takes into account their groups, even if sites localised have not been excavated. Early discoveries have been taken into account, especially those concerning the Bronze Age. For each barrow the authors give precisions on the topographical situation, the state of conservation of the structures, the artefacts and the possible dating.
The Barrows of the Dompierre-Ies-Tilleuls area
To be remarked in this well individualised group of four mounds at Planquecet, one containing a-sword of Gündlingen type.
The Barrows of the River Drugeon area.
Situated on either side of the Drugeon valley, and indicating a continuous occupation from the early Bronze Age to the early La Tène period.
The Barrows of the Chaffois area.
This group, to the north east of Pontarlier, is especially remarkable by the presence of seven mounds.
The Barrows of Vuillecin.
These burial tombs represent for the moment the northern limits of the Chaux d'Arlier cemetery.
3 Interpretation of the evidence
Ceramic is few and difficult to caracterise (ritual breaking). By contrast, weapons, tools and dress ornaments do not differ greatly with material from neighbouring regions This is the case concerning Hallstatt swords of bronze and iron, brooches being similiar to those of Burgundy, Switzerland and southern Germany.
Special attention has been given to three types of dress ornament: belts of bronze sheet, horse harness equipment and bronze pendants.
The Chaux d'Arlier cemetery was occupied from the early Bronze Age to the beginning of the La Tène period, with a peak during the primary Iron Age (early to late Hallstatt). The Upper Jura is part of the Hallstatt culture of north - eastern France, close relationships with the Swiss plateau (Vaud, Neuchâtel, Berne) are evident. There is no evidence for settlements but there are hypothetical remains of field systems. Craftsmanship sometimes shows an originality in the bronze ornaments, brooches and pendants. The barrow remains the exclusive mode of funerary rite. They contain almost always multiple burials, the result of continual use over a period of years. The orientation of individuals is very varied and obeys no precise rule. Construction material is taken locally and is dominated by limestone. The view of society depends here on meagre indications: large barrows, groups of mounds, ornaments of mediocre quality, funeral deposits of diverse importance. The Chaux d'Arlier group is perhaps associated with the aristocratie residence of Château-sur-Salins. Commercial contacts existed during later prehistory between the Upper Jura, the plateau to the west and the slopes of Switzerland.
Conclusion
The excavations at Chaux d'Arlier have given a new viewpoint to the early occupation of upland regions of Europe, in particular that of the Jura. These installations, dispite unfavourable ecological conditions, have adapted themselves to this difficult environment.
