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Per Falkenström
Similar to in southern Norway, there is a decreasing raw material variety at
the end of the Mesolithic. Berg has interpreted this pattern as that there was
much experimentation with local materials during most of the Mesolithic
(Berg 2003:286). How can we explain this strategy? Conical microblade cores
are among the oldest known artefacts from this region, dating back to at least
8000 BP (Olofsson 2003:77). They were made of a wide variety of materials.
It is possible that the choice of material had more to do with a mobile settle
ment pattern than with experimentation. Since few investigations have taken
as changing patterns of raw material procurement.
However, one exception deserves special attention. In 1998 a Late Iron
Age settlement was excavated in the town of Borlänge in the province of
itage and bones of moose (Fig. 2). Apparently the pit did not belong to the
microblades. The 14
Mesolithic, dated to about 7960±35 BP, and that it probably was part of a tem
cooking pit were apparently deposited at the same time. They also indicated
that at least three different materials were brought to the site and that both
bipolar and microblade production were used simultaneously (Fig. 3).
Material Core Microblade Flake
Quartz 5 - 249
Porphyry 2 2 17
- - 8
Figure 3. Distribution of raw materials and number of artefacts in
the cooking pit at Tjärna, Borlänge.
While awaiting more data from this district, distribution patterns of other
materials must be relied on. Flint was imported into the area, partly from
southern Scandinavia and partly from the west coast of Sweden and Norway.
tics and were probably highly appreciated due to their quality and colour. It
is possible that these materials were regarded as prestige symbols. For groups
living far from the sources, in particular, these and similar materials might
be valuable resources reserved for manufacturing by persons with enough
skill and knowledge.
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