Deglaciation and Colonization: Pioneer Settlements in Northern Fennoscandia

Authors: Bergman, Ingela¹; Olofsson, Anders²; Hörnberg, Greger³; Zackrisson, Olle³; Hellberg, Erik³

Source: Journal of World Prehistory, Volume 18, Number 2, June 2004 , pp. 155-177(23)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

We present new data on Early Mesolithic settlements in northern Sweden and discuss the process of pioneer colonization. A new set of radiocarbon dates from archaeological sites push deglaciation of northern Fennoscandia further back in time and demonstrate the rapid arrival of pioneer settlers. Environmental data reveal a highly productive early postglacial setting with plant communities unmatched in present ecosystems. The chronological and technological setting supports immigration from the north and northwest with pioneers relying on a long history of enculturating northern subarctic landscapes.

Keywords: deglaciation; pioneer; colonization; landscape knowledge; Fennoscandia

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10963-004-2880-z

Affiliations: 1: The Silvermuseum of Arjeplog, Arjeplog, Sweden, Email: ingela.bergman@arjeplog.se 2: Vuollerim 6000 år, Murjeksvägen 31, Vuollerim, S-960 30, Sweden, 3: Department of Vegetation Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, S-90 183, Sweden,

Publication date: 2004-06-01