Hafting of a Neolithic leister: Identification of adhesives from Lolland (Denmark)

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.

Keywords

• Birch tar
• Hafting technology
• Pitch
• Fishing equipment
• Femern project