Mesolithic settlement in the North Sea basin - a case study from Howick, north-east England

摘要

This volume represents a significant contribution to the research into the Mesolithic of Britain. The reported site at Howick is of particular importance because of the presence of a clear, relatively large structure dating to the first half of the eighth millennium cal. bc. Although similar structures have been recorded elsewhere (notably at East Barns in East Lothian), the Howick structure is more 'permanent', with at least five reconstructed phases of occupation. Alongside its so-called 'companion volume' (Waddington and Pedersen, 2007) and other recent publications (eg, Bailey and Spikins, 2007), Mesolithic settlement in the North Sea basin refo-cuses the discussion of the Mesolithic in Britain away from inland and insular interpretations, towards the coast, the North Sea basin and wider interactions within Europe. The volume is well-organized and accessible. Essentially a detailed report of the fieldwork, it contributes a wealth of information across several themes - geomorphological and palaeoen-vironmental research, geophysics, fieldwalking, test pit and excavation methods, dating methods, experimental research on hut structures, faunal remains, plant and charred wood remains, and analysis of lithics, ochre materials, residue and use-wear. These different specialist perspectives are combined to give an insight into the occupation over a span of several hundred years, of what apparently was a rather solid, conical structure in a near-coastal setting. A wide range of activities apparently took place within the structure with evidence for the use of coastal resources (such as seal), roasting of hazelnuts (fuel), the use of husbanded woodland, the working of soft plant materials (perhaps as containers), hide working and meat preparation.