La pesca nel Salento fra antichità e presente: Evidenze archeologiche ed etnoarcheologiche

Fishing industrialisation has now erased almost everywhere the ancient traditions; however, in Salento someone still practises artisanal fishing. Direct observation and interviews to traditional fishermen, not only allowed to record knowledge that otherwise would disappear, but it was also a stimulus for the understanding of archaeological material. Various types of traditional fishing, practised until recent times in Salento peninsula with nets, hooks, spear guns or fish traps, were analysed in depth, thanks to the analysis of the instruments used and the way they were made. At the same time, archaeological evidences linked to fishing activities were examined. The comparison between old and modern artefacts provides starting points for debates to establish the use, and therefore the real meaning of evidences, that are usually interpreted superficially or uncritically. This is the case, sometimes, of spindle whorls, that could be used both in weaving and as weights for fishing nets, or of netting needles, that could be used both in embroidering and in the manufacturing and repairing of fishing nets. A re-examination of archaeological evidences from this point of view leads to a better understanding of the role of fishing in ancient communities in Salento.