The ”waterscapes” of the Maglemosian period

Large parts of the south Scandinavian landscape were characterised by lakes and areas of open water. One of the reasons for this “waterscape” were the beavers, that built dams creating small lakes along water courses. This led to the growth of aquatic plants, which the elk could feed on. This type of landscape meant that the Maglemosian hunters were dependent upon boats. Even if such vessels have never been recovered, finds of paddles from settlements show that boats must have existed.   

The slender paddle is made from hazel and belonged to a Maglemosian hunter more than 9500 years ago. It was found at Ulkestrup Lyng, western Zealand. You can see the paddle in room 1 of the exhibition.