Scratching the Surface. Flint assemblages of the Dutch hunebedden

This thesis aims to balance the lack of published data on flint finds from Dutch megalithic monuments, the hunebedden, that were built during the Middle Neolithic. Technological and typological aspects from hunebed D19, D26, G2 and G3 are described in detail, considering the entire flint assemblages, not only focussing on formal tools. Results from use wear analysis of a selection of objects from these sites are included. The representativity of these four sites is assessed by a small-scale literature survey describing the flint finds from eleven other megaliths although data other than a typological description is scarce. The results of the study of the archaeological material and the literature survey are contextualized by comparing it to several other contexts: other TRB-sites (flat graves, settlements, hoards), development of burial conventions into the Late Neolithic and a modest description of megalithic research in northern Europe. This research leads to the conclusion that...Show moreThis thesis aims to balance the lack of published data on flint finds from Dutch megalithic monuments, the hunebedden, that were built during the Middle Neolithic. Technological and typological aspects from hunebed D19, D26, G2 and G3 are described in detail, considering the entire flint assemblages, not only focussing on formal tools. Results from use wear analysis of a selection of objects from these sites are included. The representativity of these four sites is assessed by a small-scale literature survey describing the flint finds from eleven other megaliths although data other than a typological description is scarce. The results of the study of the archaeological material and the literature survey are contextualized by comparing it to several other contexts: other TRB-sites (flat graves, settlements, hoards), development of burial conventions into the Late Neolithic and a modest description of megalithic research in northern Europe. This research leads to the conclusion that the set of items that is included in a hunebed is fairly wide when compared to TRB flat graves as well as graves from later periods. Some items show traces of use from varying activities but most pieces seem to be deposited unused. Since the assemblages contain many flakes and numerous technological indicators for flint-working, flint-knapping probably took place at the megaliths. Some artefacts, like certain transverse arrowheads, were most likely not made for actual use but especially for deposition in the megalith. Polished flint axes form a separate category; they are heavily used and were in numerous cases carefully resharpened before deposition in the megalith.Show less

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Scratching the Surface. Flint assemblages of the Dutch hunebedden