There is now a significant body of evidence for the deliberate treatment and deposition of certain artefacts and materials during the European Mesolithic. In Britain, much of the evidence comes from the early Mesolithic site of Star Carr (N. Yorkshire), where large assemblages of animal bone, antler, and osseous material culture were deliberately deposited into wetlands adjacent to an area of settlement. The lack of comparable assemblages from sites in the surrounding area has led to Star Carr being seen as unique in its local landscape, which has influenced the way that we have come to understand the depositionary practices that were taking place.
New excavations at the nearby site of No Name Hill have recorded evidence for the deliberate treatment and deposition of animal remains and other materials that are contemporary with the occupation of Star Carr. In addition, previous work by the authors has identified a suite of other practices at sites in the surrounding area. Bringing these together, we argue that practices of deposition extended across this landscape and formed part of people's daily interactions with plants, animals and other aspects of the Mesolithic world.
| Subject : | : | Oral presentations |
| Topics | : | Session: Enculturating landscapes |
| Keywords | : | Ritual ; deposition |
| PDF version | : |  PDF version |
