stirling-1963-vol-1/05_053

Transcription

INTRODUCTION : THE MESOLITHIC PERIOD

[Map inserted ]
Distribution Map of Mesolithic Relics
Fig. 1

implements in the total absence of any associated finds such as flint tools.¹ It has, however,
been observed that while antler adzes are characteristic of early Ertebølle types, antler axes -
and specifically the type with the perforation through the stump of the tine - belong among
the later ones. ² If the Meiklewood antler axe is a late Ertebølle type, it might well have been
in use in Sub-Boreal times, ³ the transition to which of the sub-Atlantic period has recently
been provisionally computed by the radio-carbon method at about 3000 B.C. ⁴ No Mesolithic
occupation has, however, yet been discovered in the vicinity of these finds. Several pieces of
the skeletons of whales have been found throughout the area unaccompanied by man-made
relics.
(b) Certain of the extensive shell-heaps that lie near the right bank of the estuary of the
River Forth may date from this period, ⁵ but as no dateable objects have been found within
them (cf. No. 1), their attribution must remain uncertain.
(c) Dug-out canoes have been excavated from considerable depths in the lower Carron and
Forth valleys. ⁶ It is possible that one or more of these may date from this period, although no
positive evidence has yet been adduced.
All the relics of the three classes referred to above are plotted on the distribution map
(Fig. 1) as follows:

1 Childe, V. G., The Prehistory of Scotland (1935), 18; Antiquity, xxi (1947), 92, 93, fig. 4; P.R.I.A., as cited, 100, where
consideration is given to the relationship between the culture of the whale hunters of the Stirlingshire carse and that of the
Argyll strand-loopers of the Obanian culture.
2 Danske Oldsager, i (1948), 62.
3 Cf. P.P.S., xvi (1950), 87 ff.
4 P.R.S., B, 147 (1957), 352 ff.; University of Cambridge, Botany, Sub-department of Quaternary Research, Twelfth Report,
3. The latter publication states that "The earliest elm decline, which corresponds with the beginning of Neolithic husbandry,
was identified palynologically ... in Flander's (sic) Moss, Stirlingshire, and was also proved by radio-carbon dating to have been
about 3000 B.C. This is the same age as the early Neolithic reported ... from the English Fenland".
5 P.S.A.S., lxxx (1945-6), 137.
6 Nichols, J., Bibliotheca Topographica Britannica, No. ii, Part iii (1782), 241; Forsyth, R., The Beauties of Scotland (1806), iii,
419.

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