Institut für Archäologische Wissenschaften

Forschungsprojekte

Hunter-Gatherer Landscapes – the Final Paleolithic and Mesolithic of Switzerland

In the past decades, the number of known Preneolithic sites in present day Switzerland has increased significantly. The aim of our project is to analyze Final Paleolithic and Mesolithic sites in their original environment.

Mainly since the 19thcentury, man has reshaped the landscape of Switzerland dramatically, which often makes the prehistoric situation difficult to understand. We intend to reconstruct the landscape of the late Glacial and the early Holocene, thus covering the Final Paleolithic and the Mesolithic. The sizes of lakes and former lakes, the original courses of rivers and streams, as well as changes in the landscape due to erosion and later influx of river sediments and the growth of peat are important topics. 

Whenever possible we will analyze the original artefacts. In cases where this is not possible, the evaluation of the assemblages takes place based on available publications. 

Petrographic analysis of the chert used for tool production is important to understand mobility and cultural influences. Typological and statistical analysis will indicate the cultural affiliation and the chronology of the various assemblages. 

Project management:

Prof. Dr. Ebbe H. Nielsen: ebbe.nielsen@iaw.unibe.ch

 

Petrography:

Dr. Jehanne Affolter: affolterjs@bluewin.ch