Researcher: Anders Fischer, Ph.D. archaeology, KUAS, Copenhagen, Denmark

E-mail: afi(at)kuas.dk

Year: 2002 & 2003

Abstract:

In connection with the construction of the Great Belt Link large fishing structures or “fences” from the Neolithic were found. It became apparent that the wood for the structures had been obtained through systematic pollarding of woodland. Pollarding involves cutting the trees down at ground level, after which long, straight, tough shoots grow up from the roots. These shoots are very suited to the production of, for example, fishing “fences” of this type. The experiment has run over three years. This year work will involve chopping with reconstructed polished stone axes in order to compare the cut marks on the hazel rods with those on the wood from the original construction.

Reference number: HAF 15/02 & HAF 30/03