Abstract
The study of ancient vernacular architecture highlights the exceptional technological variability in the use of wood and daub. This variability is hardly recognizable in the archaeological record, whose interpretation is often conventional. A series of observations on wattle and daub constructions in northern France can explain some of the relationships between technology, environment, and human choices. By analyzing how people abandoned these buildings and by observing their decay, a preliminary hypothetical model of the formation processes of the archeological record linked to this type of dwelling can be proposed. This is useful for the correct interpretation of the archaeological context as well as of the human behavior that generates it.
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Notes
- 1.
The field activities were main focused on the Somme Department, with more general observations carried out in the nearest regions (Haute-Normandie, Oise, Pas-de-Calais), in order to realize: direct surveys and observations on dwellings (technological and morphological variability); interviews with inhabitants and craftsmen; participation in wattle and daub dwelling renovations; sampling. This research was funded by the University of Bologna (dir., M. Cattani), with the logistic support of the Conseil d’Architecture, d’Urbanisme et de l’Environnement de la Somme (T. Rauwel) and the Association Maisons Paysannes (N. Dupré, E. Petzny). This project is supported by LabEx ARCHIMEDE from “Investissement d’Avenir” program ANR-11-LABX-0032-01. We also gratefully acknowledge the help of G. Bay, B. Breart, G. Fercoq du Leslay, S. Gaudefroy, M.C. Geib Munier, E. Gontrand, C. Hénocque, T. Morcrette, G. Papin, M. Papin, the CAUE of Pas-de-Calais, and the Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale. All the pictures and drawings have been done by the author, except for Fig. 22.2b (Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale).
- 2.
The heights of these bases are variable, from two or three superposed bricks to half a meter. Bases are made from flint pebbles in the older buildings.
- 3.
Ethnographic literature mentions that binding can be done with rye stalk in ancient buildings (Devismes 1958, p. 16).
- 4.
There are semi-hidden frameworks as well (when the horizontal beams and just some main timber posts are visible from the exterior).
- 5.
Especially in Haute Normandie and partially in Oise, where visible frameworks are made with the available oak. In Picardie, where the quality of timber is poor due to the chalky bedrock, hidden frameworks are mainly chosen.
- 6.
The rest of the building was demolished in 2013, pushing the walls still standing. Both the collapse of the framework and its intentional destruction produce very similar deposits in terms of shape. Both involve a rapid deposition of sediments, resulting from the fall of the whole timber framework.
- 7.
Correct observations can be made by extensive excavation, coupled by frequent cross-sections of layers, in order to observe the shape of the layer and its relationship with the surrounding sedimentation.
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Peinetti, A. (2016). The Torchis of Northern France: Ethnoarchaeological Research on the Technological Variability and Decay Processes of Wattle and Daub Dwellings. In: Biagetti, S., Lugli, F. (eds) The Intangible Elements of Culture in Ethnoarchaeological Research. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-23153-2_22
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