Heek-Nienborg and Werl-Büderich: The transition from Palaeolithic to Mesolithic in Westphalia

Abstract

An investigation of the earliest Mesolithic assemblages of Heek-Nienborg (Kr. Borken) and Werl-Büderich (Kr. Soest) gives new insights into the complex developments at the Pleistocene-Holocene transition in Westphalia, Germany. During this transition a gradual reduction in blade size can be traced in combination with an increasing number of microliths, including broad “Zonhoven points”. The occurrence of these points as well as notched and curved points in the Heek and Werl assemblages demonstrates an Ahrensburgian continuity. Furthermore, the triangular point and the elongated trapeze from Heek find parallels in the broad blade tradition of the Early Mesolithic in England. Heek-Nienborg reflects this broad blade tradition in Westphalia for the first time while Werl-Büderich represents the earliest scientifically dated Mesolithic assemblage in this region to date. The intermediate position of these assemblages show a Final Palaeolithic continuity into the Early Preboreal and therefore refute the idea of a clear cultural break between Palaeolithic and Mesolithic in Westphalia.