Eel Fishing in the Late Mesolithic and the Early Neolithic: A Preliminary Report from the Stratified Kitchen Midden at Havnø, Denmark

Abstract

Havnø is a stratified Danish kitchen midden which spans the Late Mesolithic Ertebølle and the Early Neolithic Funnel Beaker cultures, ca. 5000-3500 cal. B.C. This paper presents the results of a study conducted on the fish bones recovered from a complete column sample taken from all levels of a stratified midden. The material is quantified and estimations of total fish lengths are provided. Interpretation focuses on taphonomy, relative importance of the fish represented, especially the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), significance of threespined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), distribution of fish bones, possible fishing methods employed, and season(s) of capture.