Flinta i sydvästra Skåne : en diakron studie av råmaterial, produktion och funktion med fokus på boplatsteknologi och metalltida flintor

Sammanfattning: The most important issue in this dissertation will be a discussion concerning metal age flint use in Scania. Since flint tools from the Bronze and Iron Ages and Medieval times have rarely been examined, there are few general guidelines in typology or morphology. It is quite clear that conversions of existing Stone Age typological schemes are unsuitable when one intends to study the often simple and crude tools, for instance from a Viking Age settlement. To overcome these problems, I have used multivariate analysis. This method mainly comprises analysis of three important elements, crucial to all flintknappers and flint tool users; raw material, technology and function. The question of flint provenience is crucial in order to understand the flint´s inherent qualities, affecting the way a material can be worked. Studies of technology will produce data regarding the knapping abilities of inhabitants at a specific settlement or within a chronological phase; data which can be used in establishing chronological developments. Determination of function from application of microwear analysis will provide important knowledge concerning how tools were used in the actual economic situation. The dissertation contains case studies on material from sites excavated by the Swedish Heritage Board between 1995 and 1999. The material remains range from high quality middle Mesolithic blade production to Medieval flint tools made from frost-cracked scrap pieces, picked up from the closest moraine layers.