Ertebølle culture

European-middle-neolithic-en

Cro-Magnon-male-skull

Archäologisches Landesmuseum Schloss Gottorf 024.JPG

Archäologisches Landesmuseum Schloss Gottorf 023

Skivyxa, Nordisk familjebok

Southwest Sweden hunter-gatherer Burial XXII (5000 BCE, reconstruction, Trelleborg Museum)

Ertebølle culture

The Ertebølle culture was a Mesolithic culture in southern Scandinavia that existed from approximately 5300 BC to 3950 BC. It is named after the village of Ertebølle in Denmark, where significant archaeological findings were first discovered. The Ertebølle culture is notable for its transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to early forms of agriculture, marking a significant period in prehistoric Europe.

Geographical Distribution

The Ertebølle culture primarily occupied regions in present-day Denmark, Germany, and southern Sweden. The culture is closely associated with the Maglemosian culture and the later Funnelbeaker culture.

Economy and Subsistence

The people of the Ertebølle culture were primarily hunter-gatherers, relying on a diet that included fish, shellfish, wild game, and plant resources. They are particularly known for their large shell middens, which provide valuable insights into their diet and lifestyle. These middens contain remains of oysters, mussels, and other shellfish, as well as bones of various animals.

Technology and Tools

The Ertebølle culture is characterized by its advanced stone tool technology. They produced a variety of tools, including microliths, axes, and scrapers. The culture is also known for its pottery, which is among the earliest in northern Europe. Ertebølle pottery is typically simple in design, with pointed bottoms and minimal decoration.

Settlements

Ertebølle settlements were often located near coastal areas, lakes, and rivers, which provided abundant resources. These settlements included both temporary camps and more permanent dwellings. Evidence of wooden structures and hearths has been found at several sites.

Burial Practices

The Ertebølle culture practiced both inhumation and cremation burials. Graves often contained grave goods, such as tools, ornaments, and pottery, indicating a belief in an afterlife and the importance of the deceased's status.

Cultural Significance

The Ertebølle culture represents a critical transitional phase between the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods in northern Europe. It provides valuable insights into the development of early agricultural practices and the gradual shift from a nomadic to a more settled way of life.

Related Cultures

The Ertebølle culture is closely related to the Maglemosian culture, which preceded it, and the Funnelbeaker culture, which followed it. These cultures collectively illustrate the progression of human societies in prehistoric Scandinavia.

See Also

• Mesolithic
• Neolithic
• Maglemosian culture
• Funnelbeaker culture
• Shell midden