Adelingsmønstrene

Adelingsmønstrene are a series of archaeological finds from the Mesolithic period in Norway, primarily located in the Adelingsmønstrene cave near Vestby in Viken county. These sites have yielded significant evidence of human activity dating back to approximately 8000 BCE. The artifacts discovered include a variety of stone tools, such as microliths, scrapers, and points, indicating sophisticated hunting and crafting techniques employed by the inhabitants of the time.

The cave itself appears to have served as a temporary shelter or workshop for hunter-gatherer groups. Analysis of the faunal remains found at Adelingsmønstrene suggests a diet rich in marine resources, including seals and fish, alongside terrestrial animals. This points to a strong reliance on the coastal environment for sustenance.

The Adelingsmønstrene finds are crucial for understanding the early settlement patterns and subsistence strategies of Mesolithic populations in southern Norway. They provide a tangible link to a period when Scandinavia was emerging from the last Ice Age, and human populations were adapting to the new landscapes and resources available. The preservation of organic materials, though limited, has also offered insights into the types of materials used for tools and potentially for other purposes. The study of Adelingsmønstrene contributes to the broader understanding of human migration and adaptation in post-glacial Europe.