An important aspect of our research is the understanding of the cycles of burning and the length of utilisation of the ashmounds. We would like to comprehend if the sites were occupied seasonally or continually during the whole year and what variabity there is (if any) between ashmounds with different topographical characteristic. To do this we are implementing a threefold approach based on micromorphology, phytolith analysis and radiocarbon dating.

Micromorphology

From most of the ashmounds of our study, we collect block samples for micromorphology analysis. These blocks sometime cover from 20 to 30 cm of the stratigraphic sequence and they are frequently collected where the sediment features suggest cycles of deposition like in the case of the photograph, which illustrates the lower portion of Toranagallu ashmound showing fine but clear layering. 

Phytolith Analysis

Phytolith is carried out in all the ashmounds and sampling can be done on the micromorphology samples in the laboratory before impregating the blocks and on-site. Sampling from the blocks will allow us the possibility to follow at microscopic level the possible changes in phytolith composition. This, in turn, should give us the chance to understand the yearly seasonality. Bulkier phytolith samples collected during the fieldwork will permit to observe the long term sedimentary process, highlighting possible major changes in plant material. The phytoliths in the burned dung that build up the ashmounds originated from the plants eaten by the cattle, which in turn represent the grazing carried out in the available pastures and the fooder supplied by the farmers.