Hässleberga – A Late Palaeolithic Kill Site in Scania, Sweden, Confirmed by Analysis of Bone Modifications

Abstract

Late Glacial skeletal remains from mainly reindeer and wild horse, but also other species such as mountain hare, arctic fox and elk, have been collected from kettle holes in Hässleberga, Scania. Bones from reindeer and wild horse have been radiocarbon-dated to the Allerød and Younger Dryas. Analysis of bone modifications has revealed several different actors and factors behind the accumulation of the skeletal remains. Marks caused by gnawing and chewing by rodents, ungulates and carnivores have been observed on skeletal remains from reindeer and wild horse. The frequent occurrence of carnivore tooth marks probably represents both predation by carnivores and scavenging of bone refuse. Modifications interpreted to be cut marks and marrow fracturing caused by humans have been observed on bones from reindeer and wild horse. Man-made modifications on radiocarbondated reindeer bones indicate the presence of humans in Hässleberga during the Allerød and Younger Dryas.