14574.10 17587_R4

B14754.10.17587

ID2

LocationNorway

Approximate number of models30

Approximate size282 GB

Soapstone artifacts originate from Late Mesolithic or Early Neolithic sites in Western Norway (there are also several stray finds). Only those in the Late Mesolithic layers can be securely attributed stratigraphically. Chronologically they are attributed to 6400-3300 BCE and represent a material culture of the fishing oriented Stone Age societies of the region.

Dataset includes 30 sinkers for line fishing. They are various in size and shape. All are engraved with one or several lines that are the subject of further technological study. Usually, such sinkers are featured with furrow — a wider engraving supposedly used to tighten the line. There are also finer ones, often read as ornamentation. The origin of soapstone is suspected to be local, but is generally unclear.

B14754.10.17587

An oval coffee bean-shapedfean shaped sinker with t lengthwisebhe lenthwise furrow and a set of shallow inceatures isions. The frot part is featured with the "ribs-like" parallel diagonal lines, while the back one is covered with cross-hatchets. The surface is slightly damaged. The archaeological context is unknown.