Authors:Henriette Lyngstrøm, Martin Winther Olesen, Lucas Overvad Pages: 1 - 8 Abstract: Abstract This article summarizes an attempt at reconstructing and using T-shaped wooden spades as well as reflecting on the connection between structures and resource use around Knudmosen near Herning. However, an important limitation on this process is that very few spades are dated. The conclusion is that the spades are relatively easy to produce and well suited to digging peat. PubDate: 2024-05-29 DOI: 10.7146/dja.v13i1.138710 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Jesper Olsen, Bo Madsen, Marie Kanstrup, Carsten Korthauer, Lutz Klassen Pages: 1 - 16 Abstract: In 2015-2017, East Jutland Museum excavated a series of well-preserved prehistoric and early historic trackways at Kastbjerg Å in the Kastbjerg Å river valley (eastern Jutland, Denmark). In this article, we will present the earliest of the in situ preserved structures, the Middle Neolithic trackway A20, and the high-precision dating of this structure. Dendrochronological dating of wood sequences provides very precise ages for archaeological timbers from buildings or structures, such as bridges or ships. This is not possible, however, when the dendrochronological samples lack sapwood, if the wood sequence has too few rings to provide definite placement on the dendrochronological master curve, if the wood sequence falls outside the range of the master curves or if the species of wood is not suitable for dendrochronological analysis. Here, we date a wood sequence of an alder tree from trackway A20 using the radiocarbon wiggle-match method to 2911 ±5 BC. The function of the trackway and the significance of the Neolithic river crossing at the Kastbjerg Å site are discussed in the light of European parallels and the regional cultural context. PubDate: 2024-01-29 DOI: 10.7146/dja.v13i1.137091 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Tabea Joanna Koch, Daniel Groß, Bjørnar Tved Måge, Aimée Little Pages: 1 - 8 Abstract: Birch tar has been identified as the predominant adhesive used for hafting purposes in the European Mesolithic and Neolithic. Its role in the manufacture of composite tools and weapons comprising wooden, bone and flint components attests its importance during these periods. The discovery of birch tar lumps, some bearing tooth imprints, suggests a broader range of functions beyond its adhesive properties. In this study, we present an analysis of five residues from two sites (Syltholm II and Strandholm I) that have been excavated through the Femern project, with the aim to shed light on the adhesives used in relation to their functions. Through chemical analyses, we show that birch tar constitutes the main component of two lumps and one chewed piece. We also found that birch tar served to haft a bone point within leister prongs, providing new information on its previously unknown role in composite fishing tool technology. These findings have significant implications for our understanding of the functional role and performance of birch tar in aquatic environments. PubDate: 2024-01-19 DOI: 10.7146/dja.v13i1.141566 Issue No:Vol. 13, No. 1 (2024)
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