Management systems of adhesive materials throughout the Neolithic in the North-West Mediterranean

Plant resins, tars and organic fossil substances provide valuable insights into the ecological, environmental cultural contexts of ancient societies. Their study offers evidence past know-how, production systems, socio-economic networks mobility. In this paper, we present new data from 16 sites located in North-West Mediterranean that exploitation these for their adhesive hydrophobic properties throughout Neolithic (6000-2500 cal BCE). The investigated are discussed light molecular composition, uses manufacturing processes. Spatial analyses were also performed to elucidate raw material procurement strategies. This considerably increases body available tells a diachronic story use Neolithic, highlighting variability complexity systems supply at different spatial scales. While most probably collected locally, birch bark tar was very likely transported across long distances reach coastal sites. Birch intensified South-Eastern France during Middle while Late is characterised by diversification employed range uses: bitumen, (pure or mixed with Pinaceae resin, beeswax possibly fat/oil) important materials used variety purposes. Pure exudates exclusively waterproofing pottery. We highlight standardisation manufacture observed Provence first part 4th millennium cal. BCE. • Evolution natural exploited as adhesives Neolithic. Diversity used: tar, coniferous beeswax. mainly NW Variable and/or complex networks.