Period: Neolithic (c. 2350-1500 BC)
Project title: Neolithic Danish Dagger Production and Analysis – part III
Researchers: Errett Callahan, Virginia, USA,
Gregg Nunn, Utah, USA,
and Jan Apel, Uppsala Universitet, Sweden
E-mail: laandmel(at)verizon.net
Year: 2006
Abstract:
One of the finest examples of the art of flint knapping in the region of southern Scandinavia are the so-called ‘fish tail daggers’ from the latter part of the Neolithic Age (type IV daggers). During that period, the flint knapping techniques had become so refined that they would exceed the abilities of most modern flint knappers. For 25 years Errett Callahan has been working on the reconstruction of such flint daggers to understand the processes behind the production and the role played by the flint daggers in the Neolithic Age, both practically and socially. Over the years this has resulted in the production of over 240 daggers.
In this year’s experiment, nine different attempts were made to construct the groundwork for a flint dagger. Different ways of holding and striking the flint were tested. All flint chips were collected and measured for later analysis, as the results may be used to recognise working areas for the production of flint daggers in original villages. Furthermore a line of very specific working processes were emulated. The aim was to pass on the great knowledge and experience of Errett Callahan and as such train Gregg Nunn, thereby “passing the baton.” The experiment forms a part of a larger project that is due to be published in co-operation with Jan Apel and Debbie Olausson.
Reference number: HAF 06/06
Project title: Neolithic Danish Dagger Production and Debitage Analysis II
Researcher: Errett Callahan, Lynchburg, USA
Year: 2005
Abstract:
One of the finest examples of the art of flint knapping in the region of southern Scandinavia are the so-called ‘fish tail daggers’ from the latter part of the Neolithic Age (type IV daggers). During that period, the flint knapping techniques had become so refined that they would exceed the abilities of most modern flint knappers. For 25 years Errett Callahan has been working on the reconstruction of such flint daggers to understand the processes behind the production and the role played by the flint daggers in the Neolithic Age, both practically and socially. Over the years this has resulted in the production of over 240 daggers.
In this year’s experiment at Lejre Experimental Centre, the production of the daggers was meticulously documented, and the reconstructions are to be compared with the original findings. All flint chips were collected and measured for later analysis, as the results may be used to recognise and unearth working areas for the production of flint daggers in original villages – villages that have not yet been recognised in Scandinavia. The experiment forms a part of a larger project that is due to be published in co-operation with Jan Apel and Debbie Olausson.
Reference number: HAF 07/05
