| Abstract: |
Grahame Clarke begins the symposium by outlining the development of Epipalaeolithic/Mesolithic studies, stressing the conceptual change from an assumed sudden transition to the recognition of continuous development. Stig Welinder (11-25) describes the analysis of a Meso ecosystem, with examples related to a hunting, a fishing, and a gathering cconomy respectively, and the special case of bog sites; Scania in Sweden is the area discussed. Spatial analysis of Meso occupation floors is Robert Whallon Jr's topic (27-35), with particular reference to sites in Drenthe (Netherlands); however, more sophisticated and realistic models will need to be developed for interpreting the results. G N Bailey (37-63) takes a territorial perspective on shell midden economies in Denmark and Cantabrian Spain. C Meiklejohn continues (65-79) by considering ecological aspects of population size and growth in late- and early post-glacial NW Europe, and T D Price (81-113) considers Meso settlement systems in the Netherlands. Four Scandinavian articles follow, and four papers on Britain and Ireland complete the volume: P Mellars & S C Reinhardt (243-93) re-examine the concept of 'geological control' over Meso patterns of settlement in S England and consider the specific ecological mechanisms contributory to this control (eg deliberate firing of forest leading to increased degradation of naturally poor soils). The variety of habitats accessible from the Weald made it attractive. Northern England in 8th millennium BC is R Jacobi's subject (295-332); he reviews some 150 Early Meso ('Maglemosian technocomplex') sites, especially from recent excavations on the N Yorkshire moors. P C Woodman (333-69) discusses the chronology and economy of the Irish Meso, gives a preliminary assessment of the unique assemblage at Mount Sandel, and indicates the major problems needing solution. Finally, P Mellars reports excavation and economic analysis of Meso shell middens on Oronsay (371-96, a revision of his paper in 79/6220); there is great potential for illuminating wider problems of organization and development in prehistoric culture systems. |
