Chronological Insights, Cultural Change, and Resource Exploitation on the West Coast of Sweden During the Late Palaeolithic/Early Mesolithic Transition

Authors

Lou Schmitt, University of Göteborg
Stephan Larsson, University of Göteborg
Jan Burdukiewicz, University of Wroclaw
John Ziker, Boise State UniversityFollow
Krister Svedhage, University of Göteborg
Jeannette Zamon, NOAA Fisheries – Pt. Adams Research Station
Holger Steffen, Institute of Geodesy Leibniz Universität

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2009

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0092.2008.00317.x

Abstract

In this paper, we attempt to shed light on a probable cause of cultural change via a new avenue of approach. In brief, the paper represents a micro-study that addresses the Ahrensburgian culture group during the close of the Late Palaeolithic in north central Europe, and its relationship to the Hensbacka group found in central Bohuslän on the coast of western Sweden. Although we do not disagree that environmental conditions are a ‘prime mover’ of cultural change, we hold that it is not the only ‘mover’. In addition, we also discuss the distinct possibility that the term ‘microlithization’cannot be used as a synonym for the Mesolithic. The foundation of our micro-study is based on interdisciplinary concepts from the fields of archaeology, economic anthropology, geosciences, and marine zoology.

Comments

Publication Information

Schmitt, Lou; Larsson, Stephan; Burdukiewicz, Jan; Ziker, John; Svedhage, Krister; Zamon, Jeannette; and Steffen, Holger. (2009). "Chronological Insights, Cultural Change, and Resource Exploitation on the West Coast of Sweden During the Late Palaeolithic/Early Mesolithic Transition". Oxford Journal of Archaeology, 28(1), 1-27.