Marine Ventures - Archaeological Perspectives on Human-Sea Relations - Hein B. Bjerck
16. Marine Adaptation in the Middle Mesolithic of South-eastern Norway
Marine Ventures - Archaeological Perspectives on Human-Sea Relations - Hein B. Bjerck
Steinar Solheim [+]
University of Oslo
Per Persson [+]
University of Oslo
Description
During 2010-2012 the Museum of Cultural History excavated several sites dated to the Middle Mesolithic (8300-6300 BC) in the western parts of the Oslofjord region. This has provided us with an opportunity to discuss several aspects of the period. The sites show diversity in lay out, size and organisation. This allows for well-founded interpretations of the Middle Mesolithic society, settlement systems and economy based on empirical data of high quality. Here two sites are presented as case studies: Hovland 3 with a well-dated (c. 7500 BC) dwelling structure and the contemporary site Prestemoen 1 with preserved bones. These recently excavated sites from the Oslofjord region have parallels in the Late Mesolithic period, rather than the assumed more mobile Early Mesolithic society. Already from around 7500 BC we see traces of a more stable settlement pattern and lifestyle.