Acta Palaeobotanica 35(1): 157-162, 1995

Parenchymatous tissues from the Early Neolithic site E-75-6 at Nabta Playa, Western Desert, South Egypt, preliminary report.

Summary: Parenchymatous tissues derived from roots and tubers were examined from an early Neolithic site at Nabta Playa, ca. 8000 yrs bp. Tubers of Cyperus rotundus and an undetermined grass species as well as rhizomes of Typha and Nymphaea formed a significant element of the diet of the inhabitants of this site. Paleo-environmental implications are briefly discussed.

Keywords: early Neolithic, Egypt, Sahara, tubers, rhizomes, paleoeconomy, paleoecology