Specialiserad eller allmänkunskap? : en experimentell studie av benhantverk under Mesolitikum

Sammanfattning: The aim of this thesis is to study the possibility of the existence of a specialist in bone tools manufacturing during the Mesolithic. The thesis describes the climate during the Mesolithic, argues for an experimental approach, and describes social organization in hunter-gatherer-groups and the processes behind cultural transmission. It also gives some examples of excavation sites in Scandinavia. An experiment simulating a teaching situation is made, in addition to the theoretical information, with the intent to explore how advanced the crafting of bone really is. The physical result is then studied and documented. The outcome is then interpreted and discussed in connection with the theoretical knowledge and observations during the experiment. The end result points to the non-existence of specialists in bone crafting during the Mesolithic. Some reflection on the discussed subjects concludes the thesis.