- University of Groningen
Groningen Institute of Archaeology
Poststraat 6
9712 ER Groningen
Sandra Beckerman
University of Groningen, Archaeology, Department Member
- Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Corded Ware Culture, Single Grave Culture, Prehistoric Archaeology, and 34 moreMaterial Culture Studies, Archaeological Method & Theory, Archaeological Science, Ceramics (Archaeology), Social Archaeology, Pottery (Archaeology), Ceramic Technology, Prehistoric Technology, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Bell Beakers (Archaeology), Early Neolithic, Middle Neolithic, Late Neolithic, Marxism & Archaeology, Funnel Beaker Culture, Prehistoric ceramics, Glockenbecher, Craft production (Archaeology), Pottery technology and function, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Archaeology of Beer and Cereal Fermentation, Cooking Residue Analysis, Bell Beakers, History of Archaeology, Copper age, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Neolithic Europe, Iron Age, Prehistoric Settlement, Wetland Archaeology, Trichterbecher, Prehistory, Neolithic, TRB culture, Swifterbant Culture, and Bell Beaker, Europe, Archéologie et Gobelets Meetingedit
- In 2015 I have successfully defended my PhD thesis titled "Corded Ware Coastal Communities Using ceramic analysis to reconstruct third millennium BC societies in the Netherlands".edit
The Corded Ware Culture (c. 2900–2300 BC) is found in a large area, from Russia to the Netherlands and from Scandinavia to Switzerland. Supra-regional elements include beakers decorated with cord and/or spatula imprints, battle-axes, and... more
The Corded Ware Culture (c. 2900–2300 BC) is found in a large area, from Russia to the Netherlands and from Scandinavia to Switzerland. Supra-regional elements include beakers decorated with cord and/or spatula imprints, battle-axes, and a funerary customs involving crouched inhumations under barrows with gender-specific placement of the body gender-specific funerary gifts.
Analysis of ceramics from well-preserved settlements from the Dutch coastal zone have provided very valuable new information on the Corded Ware chronology, social organisation, ideology, subsistence, and use of material culture. A critical review of the commonly applied chronological models shows that many of the underlying premises cannot be supported due to problems with (broad calibration and sample reliability of) 14C dates. This study shows that in the Neolithic Dutch coastal zone, the thin-walled ceramics reflect supra-regional (Corded Ware ) affiliations, whereas the medium-thick-walled and thick-walled ceramics reflect persistent regional (Vlaardingen) traditions. The beakers decorated with cord and spatula impressions were used primarily for cooking; indications for the often proposed use of alcohol (and associated rise of individualisation and elites) were not found.
It is argued in this study that the Corded Ware Culture represents an economic alliance, a dynamic totality as well as a network linking regional groups – each with a distinct economic base, material culture and ideology. These communities all participated in a vast supra-regional network that was a platform for inter-community exchanges of goods, skills, ideas and possibly people. Affiliation to this supra-regional network was a vital aspect for all regional groups involved, and membership to it was expressed by using a set of common traits. Decorated thin-walled beakers act as symbols of these supra-regional networks and thus embody both functional and ideological roles.
Analysis of ceramics from well-preserved settlements from the Dutch coastal zone have provided very valuable new information on the Corded Ware chronology, social organisation, ideology, subsistence, and use of material culture. A critical review of the commonly applied chronological models shows that many of the underlying premises cannot be supported due to problems with (broad calibration and sample reliability of) 14C dates. This study shows that in the Neolithic Dutch coastal zone, the thin-walled ceramics reflect supra-regional (Corded Ware ) affiliations, whereas the medium-thick-walled and thick-walled ceramics reflect persistent regional (Vlaardingen) traditions. The beakers decorated with cord and spatula impressions were used primarily for cooking; indications for the often proposed use of alcohol (and associated rise of individualisation and elites) were not found.
It is argued in this study that the Corded Ware Culture represents an economic alliance, a dynamic totality as well as a network linking regional groups – each with a distinct economic base, material culture and ideology. These communities all participated in a vast supra-regional network that was a platform for inter-community exchanges of goods, skills, ideas and possibly people. Affiliation to this supra-regional network was a vital aspect for all regional groups involved, and membership to it was expressed by using a set of common traits. Decorated thin-walled beakers act as symbols of these supra-regional networks and thus embody both functional and ideological roles.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Ceramic Technology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 30 moreBell Beakers (Archaeology), Coastal and Island Archaeology, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Archaeology of Beer and Cereal Fermentation, Funnel Beaker Culture, Corded Ware Culture, Neolithic Europe, Wetland Archaeology, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Prehistory, Pottery technology and function, Marxist Archaeology, Late Neolithic, Pottery studies, Vlaardingen culture, Neolithic settlement, V. Gordon Childe Neolithic Revolution Urban Revolution Archaeological Method and Theory, Coastal Archaeology, Battle Axe Culture, Corded Ware Settlement Pattern, Vere Gordon Childe, Beaker pottery, Secondary Products Revolution, Alcohol Archaeology and History, Trechterbekercultuur, Klokbekercultuur, Corded Ware Period, Corded Ware Chronology, Beaker Cultures, and Prehistoric Beer
Zeewijk is an important final building block in the better understanding of Neolithic and Corded Ware Culture life in Noord-Holland that we set out to achieve in our project. Looking back at the analysis and publication of the fairly... more
Zeewijk is an important final building block in the better understanding of Neolithic and Corded Ware Culture life in Noord-Holland that we set out to achieve in our project. Looking back at the analysis and publication of the fairly small sites at Keinsmerbrug and Mienakker, the new information added by the much larger site Zeewijk is fascinating. Because Zeewijk is very different in many respects – in terms of the backlog, size, quantity of finds and proportion excavated – its story is a valuable outcome of our Odyssey research project.
We can conclude that Zeewijk was a large domestic settlement, occupied all year round. In our view Zeewijk must be seen as a location where recurrent habitation took place, intensively, alternated with subsistence activities. It is a permanent mosaic of different assemblages: relocated dwellings, cultivated plots and the building and partial demolition of a remarkable ritual structure.
The habitants of Zeewijk carried out a broad spectrum of activities related to subsistence: mixed intensive farming (including small-scale crop cultivation, crop processing and
consumption, and animal herding and consumption), foraging, fishing, fowling and hunting all took place there. Furthermore there is ample evidence of craftsmanship.
This variety of local crafts, the construction and use of the large ceremonial building in Zeewijk-East and the large variation in ceramics are seen as indications that different groups of
Corded Ware people settled at Zeewijk. These groups were probably household groups, a community of several families, related by kinship both genetic and affinal.
We can conclude that Zeewijk was a large domestic settlement, occupied all year round. In our view Zeewijk must be seen as a location where recurrent habitation took place, intensively, alternated with subsistence activities. It is a permanent mosaic of different assemblages: relocated dwellings, cultivated plots and the building and partial demolition of a remarkable ritual structure.
The habitants of Zeewijk carried out a broad spectrum of activities related to subsistence: mixed intensive farming (including small-scale crop cultivation, crop processing and
consumption, and animal herding and consumption), foraging, fishing, fowling and hunting all took place there. Furthermore there is ample evidence of craftsmanship.
This variety of local crafts, the construction and use of the large ceremonial building in Zeewijk-East and the large variation in ceramics are seen as indications that different groups of
Corded Ware people settled at Zeewijk. These groups were probably household groups, a community of several families, related by kinship both genetic and affinal.
Research Interests: Settlement Patterns, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric Settlement, Corded Ware Culture, and 9 moreNeolithic Europe, Wetland Archaeology, Single Grave Culture, Neolithic, Neolithic Ceramics, Late Neolithic, Battle Axe Culture, Corded Ware Settlement Pattern, and Corded Ware Cultural Complex
The study of a selection of the Corded Ware settlement ceramics from Zeewijk, a site located in the Dutch coastal zone, has yielded some very interesting results. All over the Zeewijk site thin to medium thick-walled, sometimes cord-... more
The study of a selection of the Corded Ware settlement ceramics from Zeewijk, a site located in the Dutch coastal zone,
has yielded some very interesting results. All over the Zeewijk site thin to medium thick-walled, sometimes cord- or
spatula-decorated beakers were found that were used to cook meals. This preference for beakers for cooking purposes was also observed at Mienakker and to a lesser extent at Keinsmerbrug. Beakers are however generally regarded as drinking cups. Several authors have even explained the presence of beakers in graves and the spread of the (Bell) Beaker Culture in terms of alcohol consumption.
Although a link with alcohol remains a possibility, this study does show that these beakers are also favoured as cooking vessels.
In addition to cooking, the presence of a substantial ceramic assemblage, comprising medium and large vessels (some used for storage) and ceramic artefacts like spindle whorls indicates that a variety of activities were performed, suggesting that the site was used as a settlement rather than as a special activity site.
This study has proved that the Zeewijk site can be subdivided into three areas with different ceramic assemblages. The majority of these observed differences are a reflection of different periods of occupation.
has yielded some very interesting results. All over the Zeewijk site thin to medium thick-walled, sometimes cord- or
spatula-decorated beakers were found that were used to cook meals. This preference for beakers for cooking purposes was also observed at Mienakker and to a lesser extent at Keinsmerbrug. Beakers are however generally regarded as drinking cups. Several authors have even explained the presence of beakers in graves and the spread of the (Bell) Beaker Culture in terms of alcohol consumption.
Although a link with alcohol remains a possibility, this study does show that these beakers are also favoured as cooking vessels.
In addition to cooking, the presence of a substantial ceramic assemblage, comprising medium and large vessels (some used for storage) and ceramic artefacts like spindle whorls indicates that a variety of activities were performed, suggesting that the site was used as a settlement rather than as a special activity site.
This study has proved that the Zeewijk site can be subdivided into three areas with different ceramic assemblages. The majority of these observed differences are a reflection of different periods of occupation.
Research Interests: Material Culture Studies, Neolithic Archaeology, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Prehistoric Settlement, Ceramics (Archaeology), and 8 moreCorded Ware Culture, Neolithic Europe, Wetland Archaeology, Single Grave Culture, Settlement archaeology, Neolithic Ceramics, Prehistoric ceramics, and Corded Ware Settlement Pattern
In the Netherlands two competing models are in use for the chronological development of the Single Grave and Bell Beaker Cultures: the unilinear and the two-track model. The unilinear model proposes a continuous development from PF... more
In the Netherlands two competing models are in use for the chronological development of the Single Grave and Bell Beaker Cultures: the unilinear and the two-track model. The unilinear model proposes a continuous development from PF Beakers to AOO Beakers to Bell Beakers, with an overlap between the first two Beaker groups. The two-track model proposes that both half-decorated and fully-decorated beakers where present in the successive phases. Testing the validity of the models is difficult. The 14C dates suffer from numerous problems such as uncertainty of association and the old-wood effect. Moreover, after calibration the majority of the dates fall into two broad wiggles of the INTCAL09 calibration curve. The chronological sequence from PF to AOO to Bell Beakers with an overlap of the first two groups, as suggested in the unilinear model, seems to be plausible. Dating the start of AOO and Bell Beakers, and ordering the phases and types, remains impossible. The separately evolving group of half-decorated beakers, as suggested in the twotrack model, seems not to survive into the BB period. New analyses of the ceramics from a group of as yet insufficiently published SGC settlement sites in the province of Noord-Holland may play a key part in validating either chronology.
Research Interests:
The second excavation analysed in further detail as part of the Odyssey ‘Unlocking Noord-Holland's Late Neolithic Treasure Chest’ project was that performed at the Mienakker site in 1990. The area excavated was small, at 840 m2. All kinds... more
The second excavation analysed in further detail as part of the Odyssey ‘Unlocking Noord-Holland's Late Neolithic Treasure Chest’ project was that performed at the Mienakker site in 1990. The area excavated was small, at 840 m2. All kinds of specialists worked closely together to reveal all the cultural/ecological details and other research data, and to thoroughly integrate all the information.
The spatial analysis of the find distributions and posthole clusters gave rise to surprising new
insights. The study showed that Mienakker had two phases of occupation. A house with a rectangular ground plan belongs to this first phase. During the second phase a trapezoid structure was built in which the incomplete body of an adult male
at the base of one of the central posts was buried.
The first inhabitants chose as their settlement site a sandy ridge in a salt marsh, in a fairly saline
and open environment. Cattle grazed in the surrounding area, between the saltwater creeks. The inhabitants caught and ate lots of fish, both saltwater and freshwater species. Their diet regularly included cod. flounder, plaice and even haddock. Branch configurations in the creek and cut marks on seal phalanges provide clear indications of the presence of a skin-lined canoe. Hunting on land focused mainly on animals with fur. Naked barley and emmer wheat were both grown, as was flax, for its oil-bearing seeds. Food crusts left on pots at the settlement indicate that the food prepared consisted of vegetable foods like orache, or of low-fat animal foods like protein, blood, lean meat, shellfish or white fish, fish was also prepared in the vessels as well as starch-rich plants such as cereals, acorns and roots. There is huge uniformity in the pottery assemblage. Stone, flint and amber were collected on the nearby beach or on the higher boulder clay outcrop at Wieringen, where the raw material lay on the surface. The inhabitants used the flint to make all kinds of tools,
Mienakker may be interpreted as a site that was inhabited year-round, where a wide range of very diverse activities were performed. It was inhabited and returned to for many years. Over the years, Mienakker evolved from ‘home’ to become a place of parting and memory.
The spatial analysis of the find distributions and posthole clusters gave rise to surprising new
insights. The study showed that Mienakker had two phases of occupation. A house with a rectangular ground plan belongs to this first phase. During the second phase a trapezoid structure was built in which the incomplete body of an adult male
at the base of one of the central posts was buried.
The first inhabitants chose as their settlement site a sandy ridge in a salt marsh, in a fairly saline
and open environment. Cattle grazed in the surrounding area, between the saltwater creeks. The inhabitants caught and ate lots of fish, both saltwater and freshwater species. Their diet regularly included cod. flounder, plaice and even haddock. Branch configurations in the creek and cut marks on seal phalanges provide clear indications of the presence of a skin-lined canoe. Hunting on land focused mainly on animals with fur. Naked barley and emmer wheat were both grown, as was flax, for its oil-bearing seeds. Food crusts left on pots at the settlement indicate that the food prepared consisted of vegetable foods like orache, or of low-fat animal foods like protein, blood, lean meat, shellfish or white fish, fish was also prepared in the vessels as well as starch-rich plants such as cereals, acorns and roots. There is huge uniformity in the pottery assemblage. Stone, flint and amber were collected on the nearby beach or on the higher boulder clay outcrop at Wieringen, where the raw material lay on the surface. The inhabitants used the flint to make all kinds of tools,
Mienakker may be interpreted as a site that was inhabited year-round, where a wide range of very diverse activities were performed. It was inhabited and returned to for many years. Over the years, Mienakker evolved from ‘home’ to become a place of parting and memory.
Research Interests:
On this Corded Ware Culture settlement site of Mienakker 546 sherds with a weight of 3 grams or more have been found. The most striking feature of these ceramics is their uniformity. The assemblage can be subdivided into two main wares; a... more
On this Corded Ware Culture settlement site of Mienakker 546 sherds with a weight of 3 grams or more have been found. The most striking feature of these ceramics is their uniformity. The assemblage can be subdivided into two main wares; a large group of thin-walled ware (5-7.5 mm) and a smaller group of thick-walled ware (9-9.5mm). Almost all sherds are tempered with grog and sand (n=595, 91%). Plant temper occurs only in a small group of thick-walled ware.
The ceramics were most probably at least partially produced locally, as a stone tool used to smoothen or polish the surface of vessels was found. 44% of the rims and 25% of the wall sherds are decorated. Decoration was solely applied to thin-walled ware. Decoration made by impressing a cord is most frequent (n=119, 71%). This decorative motif is found only on sherds with a thickness ranging between 4 and 7.5 mm. Decoration made by impressing a spatula occurs on 49 sherds (29%). There are three motifs: zigzag decoration has been applied to eleven sherds with a thickness of 5-5.5 mm, decoration with horizontal rows of oblique spatula impressions in one direction (n=36, 21%) and in alternating directions (n=2, 1%) have been applied to sherds measuring 6-7.5 mm. The vessels are almost all tripartite with either a slender ‘beaker shape’
Only the thin-walled ware shows signs of cooking. Five types of meals were cooked in this thin-walled ware.
It is likely that a small number of vessels are related to the house (MKII) and the funerary structure (MKI), and thus to phases one and two of the occupation.
A comparison is made with the ceramics from the previously analysed nearby settlement site of Keinsmerbrug. The results are already very striking: Keinsmerbrug shows a large degree of variation in its ceramics, but the vessels were used to prepare only one type of meal. The ceramics from Mienakker are very uniform, but were used to prepare different types of meals.
The ceramics were most probably at least partially produced locally, as a stone tool used to smoothen or polish the surface of vessels was found. 44% of the rims and 25% of the wall sherds are decorated. Decoration was solely applied to thin-walled ware. Decoration made by impressing a cord is most frequent (n=119, 71%). This decorative motif is found only on sherds with a thickness ranging between 4 and 7.5 mm. Decoration made by impressing a spatula occurs on 49 sherds (29%). There are three motifs: zigzag decoration has been applied to eleven sherds with a thickness of 5-5.5 mm, decoration with horizontal rows of oblique spatula impressions in one direction (n=36, 21%) and in alternating directions (n=2, 1%) have been applied to sherds measuring 6-7.5 mm. The vessels are almost all tripartite with either a slender ‘beaker shape’
Only the thin-walled ware shows signs of cooking. Five types of meals were cooked in this thin-walled ware.
It is likely that a small number of vessels are related to the house (MKII) and the funerary structure (MKI), and thus to phases one and two of the occupation.
A comparison is made with the ceramics from the previously analysed nearby settlement site of Keinsmerbrug. The results are already very striking: Keinsmerbrug shows a large degree of variation in its ceramics, but the vessels were used to prepare only one type of meal. The ceramics from Mienakker are very uniform, but were used to prepare different types of meals.
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric Settlement, Ceramics (Archaeology), and 9 moreCorded Ware Culture, Wetland Archaeology, Prehistory, Single Grave Culture, Neolithic, Neolithic pottery, Prehistoric ceramics, Corded Ware Settlement Pattern, and Beaker Cultures
At this site 291 sherds were found that were suitable for analysis. Macroscopic analysis showed great variation in the technological characteristics and decoration. There are three classes of ware: a thin-walled ware tempered with grog,... more
At this site 291 sherds were found that were suitable for analysis. Macroscopic analysis showed great variation in the technological characteristics and decoration. There are three classes of ware: a thin-walled ware tempered with grog, sand, quartz and/or plant; a coarse-walled ware containing grog, sand, red granite and granite temper; and the finest and smallest ware, which is smoothed on the outside, medium thick-walled and frequently tempered with stone grit. Eleven of the 19 vessels are decorated. The decorated thin-walled vessels are comparable to Van der Waals and Glasbergen types 1d, 1e 1a or 2IIb and the zigzag type. The decorated coarse-walled vessels show fingertip impressions. The observed technological variety can be explained by differences in the origins of the vessels. People from different places apparently used this site and brought their own pottery.
Research Interests:
Full publication avaliable for free download on the cultureelerfgoed website. Keinsmerbrug: a kaleidoscope of gathering The analysis of the Keinsmerbrug site, excavated in 1986, was the first step in our research as part of the... more
Full publication avaliable for free download on the cultureelerfgoed website.
Keinsmerbrug: a kaleidoscope of gathering
The analysis of the Keinsmerbrug site, excavated in 1986, was the first step in our research as part of the Odyssey project entitled ‘Unlocking Noord-Holland’s Late Neolithic Treasure Chest: Single Grave Culture behavioural variability in a tidal environment’. The unpublished data available suggested Keinsmerbrug was a small site lacking clear structures. The limited scale of the excavation (area approx. 300 m2, excavated in a single campaign) made this site the obvious choice as a test case for the approach to be adopted in the Single Grave Culture project. A group of specialists worked together to unlock and integrate cultural/ecological information and research data. The project team consists of 16 people tackling different subjects and working in various institutional settings (commercial agencies, universities and the Cultural Heritage Agency). The good preservation of the archaeological remains at Keinsmerbrug allowed us to gain an insight into the exploitation of animal and plant resources there. Based on the archaeozoological evidence it is clear that subsistence was based on a combination of cattle breeding, fishing and fowling. Besides cattle, some sheep or goats and young pigs were consumed. The few wild mammals present like wolf, polecat and marten were probably hunted for their furs. Fish from both saline and brackish waters was an important part of the diet. Flatfish – particularly flounder – and sturgeon were caught. By far the most astonishing aspect is the huge quantity of bird bones discovered. Different kinds of birds, especially ducks (mallard, teal/garganey and wigeon), were caught in huge numbers. Estimates of the total number of birds caught range from 5000 to 10,000. Naked barley and emmer wheat were brought to the site as cleaned or semi-cleaned grains. Besides cereals, seeds of various orache species were gathered for food. It is remarkable that no other wild plant foods such as crab apple, berries, hazelnuts and acorns were consumed. Evidence for the gathering of roots and tubers for food is also lacking. Chemical evidence has shown that grain was cooked in liquid and that starch-rich foods were mixed with a small amount of animal fat or fish oil. Meat and fish were probably prepared for consumption using fire (open or otherwise), in the form of smoking, grilling or preparation in ashpits. Similar cooking strategies and drying on racks were used to conserve the large number of ducks and fish which must have been prepared for storage and transport to other settlements. Although the number of finds is not very high the study of the material culture revealed some important results. One intriguing aspect of the ceramics is their variation. Although the ceramics are low in number the variation in thickness, tempering and decoration is high. It is likely that this variation is caused by differences in the origins of the vessels or the origins or preferences of the individual potters. People from different local SGC traditions probably visited this specific location at different times, Summary 5 — each bringing their own vessels which they used for the preparation of one specific type of food. The absence of imported material suggests that the flint, hard stone and amber were probably collected in nearby areas, at the coastal beach barrier or on the glacial till deposits at Wieringen. The flint was carried to the site in small nodules and the knapping process was performed at the site to obtain the tools needed. During the excavation of the site in 1986 no patterns or configurations were observed in the stake- and postholes. Using a set of fresh eyes and applying currently available spatial analysis programmes to a multitude of datasets, five structures or dwellings have been identified. The spatial analysis of all the data shows the presence of at least seven identifiable activity areas. Three of the five structures have been identified as dwellings (house plans) based on their more or less regular outline. The dwellings are all two-aisled, similar to known dwellings at other Neolithic settlements. The structures are likely to have been relatively light constructions. The presence of burnt reed fragments in the cultural layer could be indicative of the deliberate burning of reed shoots when the settlement was revisited, to create an open surface. The analyses have shown that Keinsmerbrug was a temporarily occupied settlement, used occasionally or perhaps even only seasonally within the time span of 2580-2450 cal BC. The limited range of other activities combined with the characteristics of the material culture (low numbers of flints and ceramics, variation in the tempering of the ceramics, small range of different flint and stone tools) is indicative of such short-term use. The main period of use – probably consisting of several episodes of short-term use – occurred from spring to autumn. In conclusion, the site at Keinsmerbrug has been interpreted as a non-residential settlement: a gathering settlement in the broadest sense of the word, for the gathering of people and resources (special activity site). It seems that mainly one type of food was cooked in the vessels at Keinsmerbrug: a starch-rich porridge of emmer grain, orache and water mixed with some fat from either animals or fish. Keinsmerbrug was a settlement where people from different households or groups gathered for special reasons like feasting, besides the hunting of fowl, fishing and/or herding of cattle. These people gathered on occasion to hunt huge numbers of ducks and fish and simultaneously used this period to share information and eat specific foods. During their stay dwellings, pits/unlined wells and specific activity areas structured the settlement area. Since this was a non-residential settlement, the question of where the contemporaneous seasonal and residential settlements might be naturally arises. Future analysis of the sites at Mienakker and Zeewijk might show that these locations are the counterparts of the settlement at Keinsmerbrug.
Keinsmerbrug: a kaleidoscope of gathering
The analysis of the Keinsmerbrug site, excavated in 1986, was the first step in our research as part of the Odyssey project entitled ‘Unlocking Noord-Holland’s Late Neolithic Treasure Chest: Single Grave Culture behavioural variability in a tidal environment’. The unpublished data available suggested Keinsmerbrug was a small site lacking clear structures. The limited scale of the excavation (area approx. 300 m2, excavated in a single campaign) made this site the obvious choice as a test case for the approach to be adopted in the Single Grave Culture project. A group of specialists worked together to unlock and integrate cultural/ecological information and research data. The project team consists of 16 people tackling different subjects and working in various institutional settings (commercial agencies, universities and the Cultural Heritage Agency). The good preservation of the archaeological remains at Keinsmerbrug allowed us to gain an insight into the exploitation of animal and plant resources there. Based on the archaeozoological evidence it is clear that subsistence was based on a combination of cattle breeding, fishing and fowling. Besides cattle, some sheep or goats and young pigs were consumed. The few wild mammals present like wolf, polecat and marten were probably hunted for their furs. Fish from both saline and brackish waters was an important part of the diet. Flatfish – particularly flounder – and sturgeon were caught. By far the most astonishing aspect is the huge quantity of bird bones discovered. Different kinds of birds, especially ducks (mallard, teal/garganey and wigeon), were caught in huge numbers. Estimates of the total number of birds caught range from 5000 to 10,000. Naked barley and emmer wheat were brought to the site as cleaned or semi-cleaned grains. Besides cereals, seeds of various orache species were gathered for food. It is remarkable that no other wild plant foods such as crab apple, berries, hazelnuts and acorns were consumed. Evidence for the gathering of roots and tubers for food is also lacking. Chemical evidence has shown that grain was cooked in liquid and that starch-rich foods were mixed with a small amount of animal fat or fish oil. Meat and fish were probably prepared for consumption using fire (open or otherwise), in the form of smoking, grilling or preparation in ashpits. Similar cooking strategies and drying on racks were used to conserve the large number of ducks and fish which must have been prepared for storage and transport to other settlements. Although the number of finds is not very high the study of the material culture revealed some important results. One intriguing aspect of the ceramics is their variation. Although the ceramics are low in number the variation in thickness, tempering and decoration is high. It is likely that this variation is caused by differences in the origins of the vessels or the origins or preferences of the individual potters. People from different local SGC traditions probably visited this specific location at different times, Summary 5 — each bringing their own vessels which they used for the preparation of one specific type of food. The absence of imported material suggests that the flint, hard stone and amber were probably collected in nearby areas, at the coastal beach barrier or on the glacial till deposits at Wieringen. The flint was carried to the site in small nodules and the knapping process was performed at the site to obtain the tools needed. During the excavation of the site in 1986 no patterns or configurations were observed in the stake- and postholes. Using a set of fresh eyes and applying currently available spatial analysis programmes to a multitude of datasets, five structures or dwellings have been identified. The spatial analysis of all the data shows the presence of at least seven identifiable activity areas. Three of the five structures have been identified as dwellings (house plans) based on their more or less regular outline. The dwellings are all two-aisled, similar to known dwellings at other Neolithic settlements. The structures are likely to have been relatively light constructions. The presence of burnt reed fragments in the cultural layer could be indicative of the deliberate burning of reed shoots when the settlement was revisited, to create an open surface. The analyses have shown that Keinsmerbrug was a temporarily occupied settlement, used occasionally or perhaps even only seasonally within the time span of 2580-2450 cal BC. The limited range of other activities combined with the characteristics of the material culture (low numbers of flints and ceramics, variation in the tempering of the ceramics, small range of different flint and stone tools) is indicative of such short-term use. The main period of use – probably consisting of several episodes of short-term use – occurred from spring to autumn. In conclusion, the site at Keinsmerbrug has been interpreted as a non-residential settlement: a gathering settlement in the broadest sense of the word, for the gathering of people and resources (special activity site). It seems that mainly one type of food was cooked in the vessels at Keinsmerbrug: a starch-rich porridge of emmer grain, orache and water mixed with some fat from either animals or fish. Keinsmerbrug was a settlement where people from different households or groups gathered for special reasons like feasting, besides the hunting of fowl, fishing and/or herding of cattle. These people gathered on occasion to hunt huge numbers of ducks and fish and simultaneously used this period to share information and eat specific foods. During their stay dwellings, pits/unlined wells and specific activity areas structured the settlement area. Since this was a non-residential settlement, the question of where the contemporaneous seasonal and residential settlements might be naturally arises. Future analysis of the sites at Mienakker and Zeewijk might show that these locations are the counterparts of the settlement at Keinsmerbrug.
Research Interests:
"The Late Neolithic Single Grave Culture in the Netherlands (SGC; approx. 2800–2400 BC) is generally known from flat graves and barrows. Because of their visibility barrows have long been studied by amateur and professional... more
"The Late Neolithic Single Grave Culture in the Netherlands (SGC; approx. 2800–2400 BC) is generally known from flat graves and barrows. Because of their visibility barrows have long been studied by amateur and professional archaeologists. On the SGC settlements far little is known. However in the second half of the past century, and the 1970-1990's in particular, excavations were conducted at a series of Late Neolithic settlements belonging to the Single Grave Culture (SGC) (c. 2900-2500 cal BC) in the province of Noord-Holland (Kop van Noord-Holland, De Gouw). These excavations have demonstrated the exceptional quality of the sites, especially thanks to the good preservation of organic materials. Since many of the results of these excavations were not published, in 2009 an Odyssey project called ‘Unlocking Noord-Holland’s Late Neolithic Treasure Chest: Single Grave Culture behavioral variability in a tidal environment’ started.
The astudy of one of these sites, Keinsmerbrug, excavated in 1986, was the first step in this Odyssey project. The limited scale of the excavation made Keinsmerbrug an excellent choice, serving as a test case for the approach within the project Single Grave Project. In order to unlock and integrate cultural/ecological information and research data, a group of specialists worked together. In this synthesis the new results and interpretations are presented.
The analyses have shown that Keinsmerbrug was a temporarily occupied settlement, used occasionally or perhaps even only seasonally within the time span of 2580-2450 cal BC. The limited range of other activities combined with the characteristics of the material culture (low numbers of flints and ceramics, variation in the tempering of the ceramics, small range of different flint and stone tools) is indicative of such short-term use. The main period of use – probably consisting of several episodes of short-term use – occurred from spring to autumn.
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The astudy of one of these sites, Keinsmerbrug, excavated in 1986, was the first step in this Odyssey project. The limited scale of the excavation made Keinsmerbrug an excellent choice, serving as a test case for the approach within the project Single Grave Project. In order to unlock and integrate cultural/ecological information and research data, a group of specialists worked together. In this synthesis the new results and interpretations are presented.
The analyses have shown that Keinsmerbrug was a temporarily occupied settlement, used occasionally or perhaps even only seasonally within the time span of 2580-2450 cal BC. The limited range of other activities combined with the characteristics of the material culture (low numbers of flints and ceramics, variation in the tempering of the ceramics, small range of different flint and stone tools) is indicative of such short-term use. The main period of use – probably consisting of several episodes of short-term use – occurred from spring to autumn.
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Het aardewerk van Oostrum-Terplaene valt typochronologisch te plaatsen in de laatste twee fasen van de Trechterbekercultuur (TRB) (Brindleys horizon 6 en 7, Bakkers fase F en G). het in de jaren ’70 van de vorige eeuw te Oostrum-pastorie... more
Het aardewerk van Oostrum-Terplaene valt typochronologisch te plaatsen in de laatste twee fasen van de Trechterbekercultuur (TRB) (Brindleys horizon 6 en 7, Bakkers fase F en G). het in de jaren ’70 van de vorige eeuw te Oostrum-pastorie gevonden aardewerk kent parallellen in Noordoost-Nederland en Noord-Duitsland en kan in horizon 7 of fase G worden geplaatst. De fragmentatie van het aardewerk van oostrum–Terplaene, in combinatie met het overige vondstmateriaal, doet vermoeden dat het hier nederzettingsaardewerk betreft. De pot en schaal van Oostrum-pastorie zijn zeer compleet en parallellen zijn in de meeste gevallen gevonden in (vlak) graven in de buurt van een hunebed. Vanwege het ontbreken van aanwijzingen voor een graf of grondsporen en vondsten anderszins is het niet te verifieren of we daadwerkelijk met een graf te maken hebben.
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Naar aanleiding van recent archeologisch onderzoek in een bouwput aan de rand van de terp van Oostrum (Fr.) werd de aandacht weer eens gevestigd op een vondst uit 1971 en een kleine opgraving in 1974 die om onduidelijke redenen tot nu toe... more
Naar aanleiding van recent archeologisch onderzoek in een bouwput aan de rand van de terp van Oostrum (Fr.) werd de aandacht weer eens gevestigd op een vondst uit 1971 en een kleine opgraving in 1974 die om onduidelijke redenen tot nu toe niet zijn gepubliceerd. In 1971 vonden de heren J. Posthuma en H. N. Steggerda namelijk een “grote pot uit de late-Trechterbekercultuur en fragmenten van een schaal van dezelfde cultuur”. Deze pot en schaal zijn opnieuw geanalyseerd, hieruit blijkt dat dit aardewerk goed te plaatsen is in de laat-Havelte fase van de TRB-cultuur. Deze periode wordt gedateerd tussen 4100-4200 B.P. Vergelijkbaar aardewerk is gevonden in noordoost-Nederland en noordwest-Duitsland meestal in vlak- en/of megalietgraven. Hoewel sommige auteurs dit aardewerk eveneens in verband brengen met een vlakgraf zijn bij het onderzoek geen aanwijzingen voor een graf, in de vorm van een grafkuil of van crematieresten, op deze locatie gevonden.
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This article presents the results of an extensive coring programme and a test excavation at Wetsingermaar (province of Groningen, the Netherlands). The corings made clear that the archaeological site spans over 1.5 ha and is located on... more
This article presents the results of an extensive coring programme and a test excavation at Wetsingermaar (province of Groningen, the Netherlands). The corings made clear that the archaeological site spans over 1.5 ha and is located on the waterfront of a submerged Pleistocene ridge. The test excavation yielded ceramics, flints and other stone material, and archaeozoological remains. On the basis of its cultural remains it is concluded that Wetsingermaar constitutes an early site of the Funnel Beaker Culture (Trichterbecherkultur, TRB), predating the Horizon 1 of Drouwen TRB as defined by Brindley (1988b). This early phase is termed pre-Drouwen TRB (cf. Bakker, 1979: 115). The flint industry is similar to younger TRB assemblages, while the ceramic and archaeozoological evidence is difficult to interpret as a result of the fragmentary condition of the finds and the near absence of contemporaneous sites.
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This article presents the results of an extensive coring programme and a test excavation at Wetsingermaar (province of Groningen, the Netherlands). The corings made clear that the archaeological site spans over 1.5 ha and is located on... more
This article presents the results of an extensive coring programme and a test excavation at Wetsingermaar (province of Groningen, the Netherlands). The corings made clear that the archaeological site spans over 1.5 ha and is located on the waterfront of a submerged Pleistocene ridge. The test excavation yielded ceramics, flints and other stone amterial, and archaeozoological remains On the basis of its cultural remains it is concluded that Wetsingermaar constitutes an early site of the Funnel Beaker Culture (Trichterbecherkultur, TRB), predating the Horizon 1 of Drouwen TRB as defined by Brindley (1988b). This early phase is termed pre-Drouwen TRB (cf. Bakker, 1979: 115). The flint industry is similar to younger TRB assemblages, while the ceramic and archaeozoological evidence is difficult to interpret as a result of the fragmentary condition of the finds and the near absence of contemporaneous sites.
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De interne chronologie van de Vlaardingen-groep is vooral gebaseerd op het aardewerk. In dit artikel wordt een nieuwe chronologie gepresenteerd op basis van een metrische en visuele analyse van het aardewerk. De huidige indeling wordt... more
De interne chronologie van de Vlaardingen-groep is vooral gebaseerd op het aardewerk. In dit artikel wordt een nieuwe chronologie gepresenteerd op basis van een metrische en visuele analyse van het aardewerk. De huidige indeling wordt vervangen door een indeling in een vroege midden- en late fase. Tevens is het Vlaardingen-aardewerk vergeleken met het aardewerk van gelijktijdige culturele groepen. Een vergelijking van het Vlaardingen-aardewerk met het Stein-aardewerk laat zien dat het aardewerk morfologisch niet verschillend is, daarom wordt voorgesteld dit aardewerk als Vlaardingen-Stein-groep aan te duiden. Ook zijn er morfologische overeenkomsten met het onversierde TRB-aardewerk.
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This paper addresses the ceramics from the Vlaardingen group. On the basis of a morphological analysis of the ceramics in combination with available 14C dates a new threefold subdivision is suggested. The five pottery shapes are compared... more
This paper addresses the ceramics from the Vlaardingen group. On the basis of a morphological analysis of the ceramics in combination with available 14C dates a new threefold subdivision is suggested. The five pottery shapes are compared to selected pots from Stein, TRB and SGC. It is concluded that pottery morphology does not allow a distinction between Vlaardingen and Stein. It is proposed to use the term Vlaardingen-Stein group.
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In 2004 a part of creek bank settlement Swifterbant was excavated. The remains indicate that the area excavated was not an activity area but the fringe zone of the settlement proper.
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Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Environmental Archaeology, Material Culture Studies, Ceramic Technology, Landscape Archaeology, and 8 moreNeolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric Settlement, Corded Ware Culture, Neolithic flint procurement, Single Grave Culture, Dutch archaeology, Corded Ware Settlement Pattern, and Burial rites of the Corded Ware and the Bell Beaker Cultures in Central Europe
Een groot deel van het aardewerk is niet aan een periode toe te schrijven. In totaal werden 389 scherven gevonden waarvan er 252 konden worden geanalyseerd. Slechts drie scherven uit de opgraving hebben kenmerken die passen bij het... more
Een groot deel van het aardewerk is niet aan een periode toe te schrijven. In totaal werden 389
scherven gevonden waarvan er 252 konden worden geanalyseerd. Slechts drie scherven uit de
opgraving hebben kenmerken die passen bij het middenneolithische aardewerk van het
proefsleuvenonderzoek. Twaalf scherven dateren uit het Laat-Neolithicum. De grootste groep van
dateerbare scherven (n=53) stamt uit de periode van de Late Bronstijd tot en met de IJzertijd. De
resterende 184 scherven hebben geen kenmerken die eenduidige identificatie tot één van de
bovengenoemde groepen mogelijk maakt. Dit wijst er op dat praktisch al het middenneolitisch
aardewerk is aangetroffen bij het vooronderzoek en dat de opgraving heeft geresulteerd in slechts
drie(!) nieuwe fragmenten. Dit beeld is door de vele ondetermineerbare stukken wel enigszins
vertekend.
Een alternatieve verklaring kan zijn dat de vondsten uit de overgang dateren van de Late Steinfase
naar de Bekerperiode en dat er feitelijk geen twee neolithische fasen zijn, maar eerder sprake is
van een Steinfase met EGK60 invloeden.
Het materiaal uit de late prehistorie is matig geconserveerd (veel gruis) en kan bestempeld worden
als nederzettingsaardewerk. Er zijn geen aanwijzingen aangetroffen voor ‘grafaardewerk’ zoals
urnen. Daarnaast is residu op het materiaal waargenomen, wat wijst op kookpotten. Dit zou
beteken dat er binnen het greppelsysteem dat bij het vooronderzoek is aangetroffen wel een
nederzetting verwacht wordt. De mogelijke structuur uit put 2 is daar ook een aanwijzing voor. De
relatie tussen een erf (waaronder in dit geval een woonstalhuis met enkele bijgebouwen wordt
verstaan) en greppels is niet duidelijk en het kan niet worden uitgesloten dat het erf buiten het te
ontwikkelen plangebied ligt.
De analyse van het aardewerk laat zien dat op de vindplaats sprake is van een palimpsest; de
materiële neerslag van verschillende acties of gebruiksfasen over een lange periode. Er zijn
activiteiten te onderscheiden uit zowel het Midden- en Laat-Neolithicum, als ook de Late Bronstijd
en Vroege IJzertijd. Dit gegeven geeft in een breder kader aan dat de locatie in diverse perioden
voldeed aan specifieke voorwaarden voor landgebruik. Dat is belangrijke informatie over het
gebruik van het Maasdal in diachrone zin en levert belangrijke bouwstenen voor het begrijpen van
prehistorisch gebruik van het landschap in het algemeen en die van de Maasvallei in het bijzonder.
scherven gevonden waarvan er 252 konden worden geanalyseerd. Slechts drie scherven uit de
opgraving hebben kenmerken die passen bij het middenneolithische aardewerk van het
proefsleuvenonderzoek. Twaalf scherven dateren uit het Laat-Neolithicum. De grootste groep van
dateerbare scherven (n=53) stamt uit de periode van de Late Bronstijd tot en met de IJzertijd. De
resterende 184 scherven hebben geen kenmerken die eenduidige identificatie tot één van de
bovengenoemde groepen mogelijk maakt. Dit wijst er op dat praktisch al het middenneolitisch
aardewerk is aangetroffen bij het vooronderzoek en dat de opgraving heeft geresulteerd in slechts
drie(!) nieuwe fragmenten. Dit beeld is door de vele ondetermineerbare stukken wel enigszins
vertekend.
Een alternatieve verklaring kan zijn dat de vondsten uit de overgang dateren van de Late Steinfase
naar de Bekerperiode en dat er feitelijk geen twee neolithische fasen zijn, maar eerder sprake is
van een Steinfase met EGK60 invloeden.
Het materiaal uit de late prehistorie is matig geconserveerd (veel gruis) en kan bestempeld worden
als nederzettingsaardewerk. Er zijn geen aanwijzingen aangetroffen voor ‘grafaardewerk’ zoals
urnen. Daarnaast is residu op het materiaal waargenomen, wat wijst op kookpotten. Dit zou
beteken dat er binnen het greppelsysteem dat bij het vooronderzoek is aangetroffen wel een
nederzetting verwacht wordt. De mogelijke structuur uit put 2 is daar ook een aanwijzing voor. De
relatie tussen een erf (waaronder in dit geval een woonstalhuis met enkele bijgebouwen wordt
verstaan) en greppels is niet duidelijk en het kan niet worden uitgesloten dat het erf buiten het te
ontwikkelen plangebied ligt.
De analyse van het aardewerk laat zien dat op de vindplaats sprake is van een palimpsest; de
materiële neerslag van verschillende acties of gebruiksfasen over een lange periode. Er zijn
activiteiten te onderscheiden uit zowel het Midden- en Laat-Neolithicum, als ook de Late Bronstijd
en Vroege IJzertijd. Dit gegeven geeft in een breder kader aan dat de locatie in diverse perioden
voldeed aan specifieke voorwaarden voor landgebruik. Dat is belangrijke informatie over het
gebruik van het Maasdal in diachrone zin en levert belangrijke bouwstenen voor het begrijpen van
prehistorisch gebruik van het landschap in het algemeen en die van de Maasvallei in het bijzonder.
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Between 2009 and 2014, a research project was carried out by several research institutes and commercial companies in order to study and publish three settlement sites of the Single Grave Culture located in the Western Netherlands. These... more
Between 2009 and 2014, a research project was carried out by several research institutes and commercial companies in order to study and publish three settlement sites of the Single Grave Culture located in the Western Netherlands. These sites were excavated more than twenty years ago, but unfortunately the results were only scarcely published, and mostly in
Dutch. This research project provided an excellent
opportunity to unlock the high quality archaeological information. The presence of organic remains and numerous artefacts in cultural layers and the thorough excavation of these layers have produced a wealth of data regarding Late Neolithic behavioural variability in a dynamic wetland landscape. In this article, a summary of the results of this project will be presented.
Dutch. This research project provided an excellent
opportunity to unlock the high quality archaeological information. The presence of organic remains and numerous artefacts in cultural layers and the thorough excavation of these layers have produced a wealth of data regarding Late Neolithic behavioural variability in a dynamic wetland landscape. In this article, a summary of the results of this project will be presented.