Early Mesolithic spatial conformity in southern Norway

Norwegian Early Mesolithic sites (9500-8000 cal. BC) are characterised by a standard lithic tool inventory with a uniform spatial distribution of the lithic debris. Generally, they are small and among the few sites on which it is possible to base analyses of site structures and patterns on an individual spatial level. Specific lithic dispersal patterns are associated with both dwellings and open-air sites. The dwellings are identified as tent rings of stone cobbles or circular areas cleared of larger stones with associated fireplaces and lithic debris. As these features are present in both coastal and mountain areas, they have been suggested as indicative of the Early Mesolithic way of life as mobile hunter-gatherers. A fundamental issue we have to deal with is the possible existence of a strict social and cultural conformity taking place among the hunter-gatherers throughout the large area southern Norway represents. Aspects of this social feature are discussed on the basis of three Early Mesolithic sites with dwelling remains from the coasts of Western and Eastern Norway as well as a mountain site.