Towards an understanding of Early Neolithic populations: a flint perspective from Bulgaria

Authors

  • Maria Gurova National Institute of Archaeology and Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4312/dp.35.8

Keywords:

Early Neolithic, formal flint toolkit, diagnostic tool, big retouched blades, raw material, Balkan flint, functional analysis

Abstract

The evidence from the Bulgarian Early Neolithic chipped stone industry reveals coherent and diagnostic flint assemblages for the vast Karanovo I and II cultural area, characterized by high quality yellow-honey coloured flint, quite long and regular blades, with (bi)lateral semi-abrupt high retouch and sometimes with rounded or pointed ends, as well as highly (re-)used sickle inserts. These assemblages possess many characteristics of so-called ‘formal tools’ (as distinct from expedient ones), the production of which required a special raw material, advanced preparation, anticipated use, and transportability. The wide geographical distribution and circulation of this formal toolkit implies that lithics could be conceived as a factor in identity and social cohesion, and as an important aspect of the Neolithic mentality for ‘doing things’.

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Published

31. 12. 2008

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Gurova, M. (2008). Towards an understanding of Early Neolithic populations: a flint perspective from Bulgaria. Documenta Praehistorica, 35, 111-129. https://doi.org/10.4312/dp.35.8