Phytolith analyses from Khil and Kaf Taht el-Ghar (Western Maghreb): Plant use trajectories in a long-term perspective

• Phytoliths from two archaeological sequences in Western Morocco were analysed. Results show long trajectories of C3 and C4 plants exploitation. No evidence that crop-processing was performed inside the caves. Palm leaves appear to be widely used at both sites. In this paper we present results phytolith investigations sites northwestern Morocco: Khil (Tangier) Kaf Taht el-Ghar (Tétouan). The located Maghreb, one on Atlantic Mediterranean coast, investigated framework AGRIWESTMED project. Phytolith analysis complemented archaeobotanical, geoarchaeological better identify plant use during entire occupation sequence. At 16 samples have been studied, coming profiles excavated different caves same system – grotte B C span a chronology comprised between early Neolithic historic period. el-Ghar, 15 analysed spanning Palaeolithic Historic are very beginning Early surrounding vegetation exploited grasses used, cave. time wide array other utilised, such as palms woody taxa. site indicates crop processing most probably not taking place site. However, predominance morphologies agrees with finding previous macro botanical studies identified cultivated wheat barley cave deposits. A interesting aspect assemblages is widespread palm their gradual disappearance through coincides an increase species.