Humans as a resource:ZooMS analysis on points from Mesolithic Doggerland

Several bone and antler points from Mesolithic Doggerland have been dated and analysed to determine the animal species from which they were made. The points were found on beaches of South-Holland, but their primary depositional site lies in front of the coast in the North Sea. 14C-dates have given an estimated age of 11.000 to 8.000 years old. The decisions made for the production of the points can inform us about the human makers. ZooMS (Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry) was used on ten points in order to identify the taxon from which they were made. We’ve obtained fascinating and unexpected results. There seems to be a preference for the use of red deer, but two examples for the usage of human bone were found as well. This is a surprising discovery as human remains are not commonly used to make tools. Moreover, human bones are not the most suitable material to produce a point. Therefore, the use of human bone to manufacture bone points seems to be more related to symbolism and culture. Future research will provide more clarity in the coming years