PhD ceremony Ms. I.J.A.L.M. Devriendt: Swifterbant stones. The neolithic stone and flint industry at Swifterbant (the Netherlands): from stone typology and flint technology to site function

PhD ceremony: Ms. I.J.A.L.M. Devriendt, 14.30 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Dissertation: Swifterbant stones. The neolithic stone and flint industry at Swifterbant (the Netherlands): from stone typology and flint technology to site function

Promotor(s): prof. D.C.M. Raemakers

Faculty: Arts

This archaeological research focusses on the stone and flint artefacts of the site Swifterbant. The study is mainly aimed at the Neolithic occupation phase of the prehistoric creek system (c. 4000 – 4300 v. Chr.) where archaeological finds and other traces of occupation were found on several levees and river dunes. After extensive excavations in the years between 1960 and 1980 the New Swifterbant Project brought some fresh air into the research of the site which lend its name to a prehistoric culture, the Swifterbant culture. The importance of this site may not be underestimated en further research of the lithic artefacts was urgently needed.

Chapter 1 introduces the research in general. The central problem is sketched, as are the research context, aims, and questions. Chapter 2 provides general information on the Swifterbant culture. The excavation and research history of the Swifterbant site is sketched in detailed. Chapter 3 starts the discussion on the analysis conducted in this thesis; it addresses the methodology and the research limitations. Chapter 4 focuses on the presentation of the stone artefacts. Aspects such as tool morphology, raw material use and access, technological production sequences, and tool functions are discussed, while chapter 5 focuses on these same aspects yet of the flint artefacts. Chapter 6 brings the information together. Here other Swifterbant sites that are relevant to this study are discussed as well. Finally, all aspects of the different Swifterbant sites are brought together providing a chronological overview. The general conclusions on the stone and flint industry at Swifterbant are presented as well.