Danish Mesolithic Period Flint Scraper

Ertebølle Culture, c. 5400–3950 BC, Denmark

A stunning example of a flint end scraper from the Ertebølle culture, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of the late Mesolithic period. This traditional scraper features modified edges and finely worked sharp rims, still maintaining its precision after thousands of years. 

Scrapers like this were used for a variety of tasks, including preparing animal hides, processing food, and shaping other tools. Its design reflects the sophisticated techniques and attention to detail practiced by the Ertebølle people.

The Ertebølle culture flourished in the Limfjord area of Northern Jutland, where the population primarily relied on fishing, hunting, and gathering to sustain their way of life. They lived in settlements located along beaches, rivers, and headlands, where they left behind kitchen middens—massive heaps of oyster shells that attest to their sustainable shellfish harvesting practices.

The Ertebølle people were skilled in creating a variety of tools from flint, bone, antler, and wood, and developed a distinctive style of pottery. Their expertise extended to navigation on inland waters with paddled dugouts and their social customs included unique burial rites that featured cremation and the inclusion of grave goods.

By around 4100 BC, the Ertebølle culture began to expand along the Baltic coast, eventually transitioning into the Funnelbeaker culture, marking a shift toward agricultural societies.

Good condition. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, nicks and chip. Size approx. 7,3cm x 5,6cm x 1,4cm.

Provenance: Danish private collection.

References and further reading:

Europe's First Farmers – T. Douglas Price, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Cambridge University Press, 2000 (http://assets.cambridge.org/97805216/62031/ sample/9780521662031ws.pdf)

Inland Ertebølle Culture: the importance of aquatic resources and the freshwater reservoir effect in radiocarbon dates from pottery food crusts, Bente Philippsen & John Meadows, Internet Archaeology (doi:10.11141/ia.37.9)