DOI Kapitel:
Changing Worlds – The Spread of the Neolithic Way of Life in the North
DOI Kapitel:Müller, Johannes: A long lasting transformation: northern Late Mesolithic/Early Neolithic multi-dimensional developments (c. 4,750 – 3,800 BCE)
DOI Seite / Zitierlink:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.66745#0374
Johannes Muller
373
stabilise, the marking of single individuals increases
again. From about 3,800 BCE on, this is observable
in long mounds and flat graves (Muller 2013).
From this synopsis, the possible significance
of our observations becomes apparent: (1) The be-
ginning of ceramic use in Ertebolle contexts is si-
multaneous with intensified processes of change in
central Europe (Final LBK). (2) The beginning of
flat-bottomed funnel-beaker pottery can be observed
at south Cimbrian Mesolithic sites even before con-
siderable changes i. e., the dominance of the ‘Funnel
Beaker Phenomenon’ from c. 4,050 BCE onwards.
(3) Simultaneous with the newly emerging pottery,
domestic animals can be found in addition to the still
dominant, appropriated production method. (4) The
introduction of horticultural subsistence practices
took its course primarily during or after the climate
crisis around 4,050-4,010 BCE, similar to the intro-
duction of pointed-butted flint adzes. (5) Pointed-
bottomed pottery and lamps are used at some coastal
sites parallel to the development of funnel beakers,
partly still in the time when first non-megalithic long
mounds were erected. (6) Corresponding ‘parallel
worlds’ finally disappear with the introduction of
the animal-drawn plough and the intensification of
agriculture from 3,650/3,500 BCE onwards.
Interestingly, we recognise many aspects of the
same scenario, quite simultaneously, in other regions
of north central Europe. For example, in the east, on
the Polish Baltic coast in Dqbki, the introduction of
funnel beaker ceramics took place from 4,200 BCE
onwards with Ertebolle ceramics still in use at the
latest until about 4,000 BCE (Kotula et al. 2015,
122-123). However, at this seasonally used station for
the production of beaver fur (Schmolcke/Nikulina
2015), no domesticated animals were found, probably
due to its special function. The continuity of the Dqbki
settlement with, e.g., decorated lamps as an Ertebolle-
TRB transitional form (Czekaj-Zastawny/Kabacinski
2015) suggests a similar development like that which
took place at the coastal sites of east Holstein.
Furthermore, in the west, in Swifterband (SW)
contexts, we recognise the emergence of flat-bottomed
vessels for SW2b from 4,150 BCE at the latest (Ten
Anscher 2015, 346), which is synchronous to the
changes observed in Schleswig-Holstein and north-
west Poland. At least in Schokland P14, these form
the basis for the older group of the TRB-West Group
(Pre-Drouwen), which starts at c. 3,900 BCE. Conse-
quently, the interaction sphere of early funnel beaker
transforming styles (Muller 2011, 295) should be
seen as a multi-dimensional interaction sphere, in
which Swifterband continuities in the west, Michels-
berg expansion in the centre, and Late Lengyel influ-
ences in the east demarcate the new developments.
Conclusion
In summary, there is much to be said for a gradual
process of transitions that affected different parts of
the north central European societies. Thus, the south
Cimbrian region is an exemplary part of an overall
structural change. Even if certain triggers for develop-
ment can be observed (e. g. the acceleration of change
processes through climatic and external influences),
the causes of change remain open: increased popula-
tion growth or increased mobility are certainly only
two parts of a causal structure. We can still only de-
scribe the changes, but not explain them entirely.
Acknowledgements
The DFG supported the investigations within the
framework of SFB 1266, subproject Cl (project num-
ber 2901391021 - SFB 1266). Thanks are extended
to Eileen Kiigiikaraca for English corrections and to
Carsten Reckweg for the finalisation of the figures.
REFERENCES
Ten Anscher 2015: T. J. ten Anscher, Under the radar: Swift-
erband and the origins of the Funnel Beaker Culture.
In: J. Kabacinski / S. Hartz / D. C. M. Raemaekers /
T. Terberger (eds.), The D^bki Site in Pomerania and
the Neolithisation of the North European Lowlands
(c. 5000-3000 calBC) (Rahden/Westf. 2015) 335-358.
Czekaj-Zastawny / Kabacinski 2015: A. Czekaj-Zastawny /
J. Kabacinski, The early Funnel Beaker culture at Dab-
ki. In: J. Kabacinski / S. Hartz / D. C. M. Raemaekers /
T. Terberger (eds.), The D^bki Site in Pomerania and
the Neolithisation of the North European Lowlands
(c. 5000-3000 calBC) (Rahden/Westf. 2015) 203-218.
Dorfler 2005: W. Dorfler, Eine Pollenanalyse aus dem
Horstenmoor bei Albersdorf. In: R. Keim (Hrsg.), Friihe
Kulturlandschaften in Europa. Forschung, Erhaltung
und Nutzung. Albersdorfer Forschungen zur Archao-
logie und Umweltgeschichte 3 (Heide 2005) 86-103.
Dreibrodt et. al. 2012: S. Dreibrodt / J. Zahrer / H.-R.
Bork / A. Brauer, Witterungs- und Umweltgeschichte
wahrend der norddeutschen Trichterbecherkultur - re-
konstruiert auf Basis mikrofazieller Untersuchungen
an jahresgeschichteten Seesedimenten. In: M. Hinz /
J. Muller (eds.), Siedlung, Grabenwerk, Grosssteingrab.
373
stabilise, the marking of single individuals increases
again. From about 3,800 BCE on, this is observable
in long mounds and flat graves (Muller 2013).
From this synopsis, the possible significance
of our observations becomes apparent: (1) The be-
ginning of ceramic use in Ertebolle contexts is si-
multaneous with intensified processes of change in
central Europe (Final LBK). (2) The beginning of
flat-bottomed funnel-beaker pottery can be observed
at south Cimbrian Mesolithic sites even before con-
siderable changes i. e., the dominance of the ‘Funnel
Beaker Phenomenon’ from c. 4,050 BCE onwards.
(3) Simultaneous with the newly emerging pottery,
domestic animals can be found in addition to the still
dominant, appropriated production method. (4) The
introduction of horticultural subsistence practices
took its course primarily during or after the climate
crisis around 4,050-4,010 BCE, similar to the intro-
duction of pointed-butted flint adzes. (5) Pointed-
bottomed pottery and lamps are used at some coastal
sites parallel to the development of funnel beakers,
partly still in the time when first non-megalithic long
mounds were erected. (6) Corresponding ‘parallel
worlds’ finally disappear with the introduction of
the animal-drawn plough and the intensification of
agriculture from 3,650/3,500 BCE onwards.
Interestingly, we recognise many aspects of the
same scenario, quite simultaneously, in other regions
of north central Europe. For example, in the east, on
the Polish Baltic coast in Dqbki, the introduction of
funnel beaker ceramics took place from 4,200 BCE
onwards with Ertebolle ceramics still in use at the
latest until about 4,000 BCE (Kotula et al. 2015,
122-123). However, at this seasonally used station for
the production of beaver fur (Schmolcke/Nikulina
2015), no domesticated animals were found, probably
due to its special function. The continuity of the Dqbki
settlement with, e.g., decorated lamps as an Ertebolle-
TRB transitional form (Czekaj-Zastawny/Kabacinski
2015) suggests a similar development like that which
took place at the coastal sites of east Holstein.
Furthermore, in the west, in Swifterband (SW)
contexts, we recognise the emergence of flat-bottomed
vessels for SW2b from 4,150 BCE at the latest (Ten
Anscher 2015, 346), which is synchronous to the
changes observed in Schleswig-Holstein and north-
west Poland. At least in Schokland P14, these form
the basis for the older group of the TRB-West Group
(Pre-Drouwen), which starts at c. 3,900 BCE. Conse-
quently, the interaction sphere of early funnel beaker
transforming styles (Muller 2011, 295) should be
seen as a multi-dimensional interaction sphere, in
which Swifterband continuities in the west, Michels-
berg expansion in the centre, and Late Lengyel influ-
ences in the east demarcate the new developments.
Conclusion
In summary, there is much to be said for a gradual
process of transitions that affected different parts of
the north central European societies. Thus, the south
Cimbrian region is an exemplary part of an overall
structural change. Even if certain triggers for develop-
ment can be observed (e. g. the acceleration of change
processes through climatic and external influences),
the causes of change remain open: increased popula-
tion growth or increased mobility are certainly only
two parts of a causal structure. We can still only de-
scribe the changes, but not explain them entirely.
Acknowledgements
The DFG supported the investigations within the
framework of SFB 1266, subproject Cl (project num-
ber 2901391021 - SFB 1266). Thanks are extended
to Eileen Kiigiikaraca for English corrections and to
Carsten Reckweg for the finalisation of the figures.
REFERENCES
Ten Anscher 2015: T. J. ten Anscher, Under the radar: Swift-
erband and the origins of the Funnel Beaker Culture.
In: J. Kabacinski / S. Hartz / D. C. M. Raemaekers /
T. Terberger (eds.), The D^bki Site in Pomerania and
the Neolithisation of the North European Lowlands
(c. 5000-3000 calBC) (Rahden/Westf. 2015) 335-358.
Czekaj-Zastawny / Kabacinski 2015: A. Czekaj-Zastawny /
J. Kabacinski, The early Funnel Beaker culture at Dab-
ki. In: J. Kabacinski / S. Hartz / D. C. M. Raemaekers /
T. Terberger (eds.), The D^bki Site in Pomerania and
the Neolithisation of the North European Lowlands
(c. 5000-3000 calBC) (Rahden/Westf. 2015) 203-218.
Dorfler 2005: W. Dorfler, Eine Pollenanalyse aus dem
Horstenmoor bei Albersdorf. In: R. Keim (Hrsg.), Friihe
Kulturlandschaften in Europa. Forschung, Erhaltung
und Nutzung. Albersdorfer Forschungen zur Archao-
logie und Umweltgeschichte 3 (Heide 2005) 86-103.
Dreibrodt et. al. 2012: S. Dreibrodt / J. Zahrer / H.-R.
Bork / A. Brauer, Witterungs- und Umweltgeschichte
wahrend der norddeutschen Trichterbecherkultur - re-
konstruiert auf Basis mikrofazieller Untersuchungen
an jahresgeschichteten Seesedimenten. In: M. Hinz /
J. Muller (eds.), Siedlung, Grabenwerk, Grosssteingrab.