Question

Which of the following is not found in Maglemosian culture?

• A. Pottery
• B. Adzes
• C. Antler hafts
• D. Harpoons

Hint:

For questions about prehistoric cultures, remember the key technological distinctions between periods: Paleolithic (chipped stone tools), Mesolithic (microliths, bone/antler tools), and Neolithic (polished stone tools, pottery, agriculture). Pottery is a defining feature of the Neolithic revolution.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Maglemosian culture (c. 9000–6000 BC) was a Mesolithic culture in Northern Europe. It is known for its distinctive stone tool industry and artifacts made from bone and antler, adapted to a forest and wetland environment.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the options:
- Pottery: The introduction of pottery is a hallmark of the Neolithic period. The Maglemosian culture is Mesolithic, a period characterized by hunting, gathering, and fishing, but predating the widespread use of pottery. Therefore, pottery is not typically found in Maglemosian contexts.
- Adzes: Adzes, which are axe-like tools with the blade mounted perpendicular to the handle, were common in the Maglemosian culture. They were used for woodworking, such as making canoes and dwellings.
- Antler hafts: Maglemosian people made extensive use of animal resources. Antler was a key material for creating hafts (handles) for tools like axes and adzes.
- Harpoons: Harpoons, often barbed and made from bone or antler, were essential tools for fishing and hunting aquatic animals, which were important food sources for Maglemosian people.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Maglemosian culture was pre-pottery. While adzes, antler hafts, and harpoons are characteristic artifacts of this Mesolithic culture, pottery was not developed or used by them. Therefore, pottery is the correct answer.