Gedanken zum Schlussband „Twann 21“ – 40 Jahre nach der Grabung und Auswertung (1974-81)

Abstract

Around 40 years after completion of the excavation and its elucidating 20 volume evaluation (1974-81), the “final volume 21” of the monograph series on the neolithic lake side settlements at Twann has been available since autumn 2018, written by the project leader Werner E. Stöckli. In the first part, titled „Final Report 1981/82“, dendrochronology and its consequences for exploring the neolithic in the pre-Alpine region take up an appropriately detailed focus. The absolute chronology of the villages and the beginning of the pile dwellings around 1000 years earlier, lead to the realization that regional developments, rather than immigration of new populations are responsible for the gradual change and evolution in the ceramic styles. However, in numerous other issues, Stöckli seems to have remained at a state of research akin to the 1980s. A praiseworthy exception is the redefinition of the origin of silex by Jehanne Affolter. The widespread deposits of the flint material, together with the aphanite axes from the Vosges region and a dagger-blade made of copper of southern origin, demonstrate a long-distance networking in the 4^th millennium BC, extending from the Paris Basin across the Alps to central Italy. Unfortunately, Stöckli does not draw many conclusions from recent research, nor does he question older traditional concepts. In consequence he does not really break with „culture-box thinking“. Because the second part of the volume, under the title „Comment 2017“, also focuses largely on the research methods of the 1980s, the question arises as to what benefit this publication gives for students and archaeologists who are interested in the current status of wetland research around the Alps, or specifically around Lake Biel, in the 4^th millennium BC? It would have been more valuable to elucidate the evolving process of neolithic research, its progress and setbacks, often linked with natural scientific studies. What also seems missing is a rethinking in the research emphases that underlines dynamic processes over time and space. These inclusions would have given „Twann 21“ a more innovative justification.