Papers by Sebastiaan Knippenberg
Journal of Lithic Studies, 2021
The widespread presence of raw materials suitable for the production of stone tools on the southe... more The widespread presence of raw materials suitable for the production of stone tools on the southeastern part of La Désirade, a small island east of Guadeloupe (French West Indies), is an interesting feature as these materials cannot be obtained on most of the neighbouring limestone islands. Small amounts of lithic off-site material have been found all over the southeastern part of La Désirade, indicating that this area was incidentally used for the exploitation of local raw materials for the production of lithic artefacts. Concentrated and repeated activity, related to the exploitation of La Désirade chert, took place at four lithic workshops. This paper aims to reconstruct social and economic patterns, which may shed a light on prehistoric Amerindian territoriality and mobility, based on the exploitation and distribution of this local raw material. An inventory was made of sites where La Désirade chert was exploited and worked and of sites where this material showed up in the form of worked items. The La Désirade chert has been found in several prehistoric site assemblages outside La Désirade itself. However, it turns out to have a very restricted distribution, not exceeding 30 km distances from the raw material occurrences. The authors concluded that exploiting these sources may have been embedded in the general procurement strategy of the seafaring communities involved and that the observed distribution may demonstrate the extent of the territory of closely related communities that exploited a similar catchment area.
This paper aims to reinforce and further refine the theory that certain key aspects of later Cera... more This paper aims to reinforce and further refine the theory that certain key aspects of later Ceramic Age Culture were locally developed in the Antilles by so-called "Archaic Age" communities. Here we focus on the interaction between Archaic and Early Ceramic Age communities that laid the foundations for later social and cultural developments in the region. Inter-community relationships and social strategies of the earliest inhabitants of the northeastern Caribbean area are explored by studying the nature, provenance and distribution patterns of their material culture remains. We suggest that specifically the lithic resources of the Antillean archipelago were possibly the greatest attraction for the first and later immigrants. After the initial settlement, the areas of lithic procurement would have served as hubs in the incipient social networks of these mobile people. These hubs would have served to cement regional unity and in addition would have provided the first arenas for group interactions of various sorts. The merging of Archaic Age social networks with the social life-lines of immigrants from the mainland may have led to an emergent exchange network, in this way knitting together communities from dispersed island and mainland territories into a series of overlapping interaction spheres. Archaeological indicators for simultaneous competition over local lithic sources and costly displays of lithic materials during large intercommunity feasts signal the beginning of an enduring process of creative emulation that underlay the expanding networks of the various peoples of the Ceramic Age. This reaffirms
Bronstijd opgespoord - Archeologisch onderzoek van prehistorische vindplaatsen op Bedrijvenpark H2O plandeel Oldenbroek. 319-374., 2012
Tijdens het veldwerk zijn, verspreid over de verschillende vindplaatsen en complexen, in totaal 1... more Tijdens het veldwerk zijn, verspreid over de verschillende vindplaatsen en complexen, in totaal 14.055 vuurstenen met een totaal gewicht van 37,8 kg verzameld. Het vuursteen kan worden toegeschreven aan activiteiten gedurende het paleolithicum tot en met de bronstijd. Hoewel bij de meeste vindplaatsen sprake is van palimpsestsituaties, kan toch gesteld worden dat bepaalde periodes sterk dominant zijn en er relatief weinig vermenging van materiaal uit verschillende periodes heeft plaatsgevonden. Twee complexen zijn duidelijk groter dan de overige complexen en vondstspreidingen. Het betreft een nederzetting uit de late Trechterbekercultuur (complex 1) en één uit de midden en late bronstijd (complex 3). Complex 1 heeft het grootste aantal vondsten opgeleverd. Gezien de goede conservering van de vondstlaag is hier namelijk een veel gedetailleerdere wijze van verzamelen gehanteerd en is een relatief groot aantal vierkante meters gezeefd. Vondstaantallen uit het complex 3 liggen duidelijk lager als gevolg van het feit dat de vondstlaag deels is afgetopt. Mede naar aanleiding daarvan is gedurende de 2 e fase van het onderzoek voor dit complex een systematische monstername achterwege gelaten. Naast deze twee grote complexen heeft vindplaats 2, waarin zich een duidelijke Trechterbekercomponent (complex 2) bevindt, ook een significant aantal vuurstenen artefacten opgeleverd. Voorts zijn kleine aantallen vuursteen uit het Paleolithicum binnen vindplaats 12, 13 en een kleine kuil (complex 24) ook het vermelden waard. Een overzicht van de hoeveelheden vuursteen in de verschillende vindplaatsen, complexen en vondststrooiingen is weergegeven in tabel 7.1. Het centrale aandachtspunt in het huidige onderzoek is het duiden van de verschillende bewonings-dan wel andere activiteitsmomenten binnen het landschap, zowel in ruimtelijke als in chronologische zin. Bij het vuursteen is daartoe specifiek gekeken in hoeverre er indicatoren aanwezig zijn om de archeologische resten chronologisch te kunnen scheiden en hoe deze indicatoren zich verhouden tot de andere dateerbare archeologische resten. Vervolgens is, indien mogelijk, de aard en functie van de verschillende artefacten per in ruimte en tijd gebonden eenheid (complex) bepaald om te kunnen achterhalen welke activiteiten er hebben plaatsgevonden. Daarnaast is gekeken in hoeverre er binnen het vuursteen aanwijzingen zijn voor het voorkomen van niet lokale grondstoffen, die eventueel iets zouden kunnen zeggen over lange-afstandscontacten / -handel. Tenslotte zijn de resultaten van dit onderzoek vergeleken met die van het naburige Hanzelijntracé en is geëvalueerd in hoeverre bewoningsmomenten of -fases in beide terreinen aan elkaar te relateren zijn.
Books by Sebastiaan Knippenberg
In the summer of 2013 a large excavation campaign revealed the layout of a late Bandkeramik settl... more In the summer of 2013 a large excavation campaign revealed the layout of a late Bandkeramik settlement on the Cannerberg, just south of the city of Maastricht, near
the Belgium border. The geographical location of the settlements is atypical, since most of the Dutch LBK
settlements are situated on the middle terraces, with the exception of several younger ones on the eastern side of the Meuse. The research was carried out by Archaeological
Research Leiden BV (Archol) in combination with the Faculty of Archaeology of Leiden University, the National Museum of Antiquities, KF InHeritage and many others.
Based on test trenching, the structure of the settlement was thought to have an open layout. This contrasts with most Dutch LBK settlements such as Elsloo, Stein and Sittard.
In total 3.5 ha were excavated, revealing the outlines of a small Bandkeramik village, encompassing at least 29 house yards. Based on the pottery chronology it is thought
that 4 to 5 house yards were present during each (ceramic) phase. The site has been dated to the Younger and Youngest phases of the Bandkeramik: phase 1d-2a. The house yards cluster and move across the settlement area. The house structures themselves are oriented east to west and consist merely of Modderman Type 2 houses. These are
two prominent features that distinguish this site from other known settlements in the Netherlands and the Graetheide settlement cluster. There seems to be little difference in material culture compared to other sites. Pottery, flint and stone tools typically conform to regional LBK standards. What
was most striking, however, was the enormous amount of flint that was present within three large refuse pits. They resemble the flint blade production workshops from
Verlaine-Petit Paradis and the settlement therefore may have played a comparable important role in social and economic distribution networks.
It is clear that the Cannerberg settlement already holds a special place within the Dutch Bandkeramik. This is not only based on its flint blade industry, but also because of its
striking geographical position, settlement structure and occupation dynamics.
During excavation habitation traces which could be roughly dated to the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age were documented.
A number of these locations were subsequently excavated and yielded various yards consisting of house plans and associated outbuildings and pits. The yards could be
dated to the Early Iron Age and first half of the middle Iron Age (ca. 800-400 BC). The Cannerberg is one of the first settlements on the loess soils of Southern Limburg
to yield clear Iron Age houseplans. In addition to the Early Iron Age farmyards a large ditch with a V-shaped cross-section
was found which has been dated to the Late Iron Age. The location of this ditch is remarkable as it cuts off a spit of land protruding from the Cannerberg. A possible
interpretation for this ditch is that we are dealing with a simple type of fortified settlement which are well known from the Late Iron Age.
The excavation yielded a small number of Roman period features among them a partial house plan and several pits and ditches. The features date between AD 50 and 150 and
probably represent a small rural settlement
More recent periods are represented by remains dating to the Dutch War of Independence against Phillip II of Spain (1566-1648) or later. Long elongated ditches
probably relate to one of the sieges of Maastricht. In addition earthworks belonging to a fortification dating to 1632 built by Prince Frederik Hendrik, the sovereign Prince
of Orange were identified on a digital elevation model. During the Second World War the caves in the Cannerberg were used for industrial purpose by the German occupying forces. Remains of allied fire bombs (incendiary cluster bombs) were found scattered over Cannerberg..
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Papers by Sebastiaan Knippenberg
Books by Sebastiaan Knippenberg
the Belgium border. The geographical location of the settlements is atypical, since most of the Dutch LBK
settlements are situated on the middle terraces, with the exception of several younger ones on the eastern side of the Meuse. The research was carried out by Archaeological
Research Leiden BV (Archol) in combination with the Faculty of Archaeology of Leiden University, the National Museum of Antiquities, KF InHeritage and many others.
Based on test trenching, the structure of the settlement was thought to have an open layout. This contrasts with most Dutch LBK settlements such as Elsloo, Stein and Sittard.
In total 3.5 ha were excavated, revealing the outlines of a small Bandkeramik village, encompassing at least 29 house yards. Based on the pottery chronology it is thought
that 4 to 5 house yards were present during each (ceramic) phase. The site has been dated to the Younger and Youngest phases of the Bandkeramik: phase 1d-2a. The house yards cluster and move across the settlement area. The house structures themselves are oriented east to west and consist merely of Modderman Type 2 houses. These are
two prominent features that distinguish this site from other known settlements in the Netherlands and the Graetheide settlement cluster. There seems to be little difference in material culture compared to other sites. Pottery, flint and stone tools typically conform to regional LBK standards. What
was most striking, however, was the enormous amount of flint that was present within three large refuse pits. They resemble the flint blade production workshops from
Verlaine-Petit Paradis and the settlement therefore may have played a comparable important role in social and economic distribution networks.
It is clear that the Cannerberg settlement already holds a special place within the Dutch Bandkeramik. This is not only based on its flint blade industry, but also because of its
striking geographical position, settlement structure and occupation dynamics.
During excavation habitation traces which could be roughly dated to the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age were documented.
A number of these locations were subsequently excavated and yielded various yards consisting of house plans and associated outbuildings and pits. The yards could be
dated to the Early Iron Age and first half of the middle Iron Age (ca. 800-400 BC). The Cannerberg is one of the first settlements on the loess soils of Southern Limburg
to yield clear Iron Age houseplans. In addition to the Early Iron Age farmyards a large ditch with a V-shaped cross-section
was found which has been dated to the Late Iron Age. The location of this ditch is remarkable as it cuts off a spit of land protruding from the Cannerberg. A possible
interpretation for this ditch is that we are dealing with a simple type of fortified settlement which are well known from the Late Iron Age.
The excavation yielded a small number of Roman period features among them a partial house plan and several pits and ditches. The features date between AD 50 and 150 and
probably represent a small rural settlement
More recent periods are represented by remains dating to the Dutch War of Independence against Phillip II of Spain (1566-1648) or later. Long elongated ditches
probably relate to one of the sieges of Maastricht. In addition earthworks belonging to a fortification dating to 1632 built by Prince Frederik Hendrik, the sovereign Prince
of Orange were identified on a digital elevation model. During the Second World War the caves in the Cannerberg were used for industrial purpose by the German occupying forces. Remains of allied fire bombs (incendiary cluster bombs) were found scattered over Cannerberg..
the Belgium border. The geographical location of the settlements is atypical, since most of the Dutch LBK
settlements are situated on the middle terraces, with the exception of several younger ones on the eastern side of the Meuse. The research was carried out by Archaeological
Research Leiden BV (Archol) in combination with the Faculty of Archaeology of Leiden University, the National Museum of Antiquities, KF InHeritage and many others.
Based on test trenching, the structure of the settlement was thought to have an open layout. This contrasts with most Dutch LBK settlements such as Elsloo, Stein and Sittard.
In total 3.5 ha were excavated, revealing the outlines of a small Bandkeramik village, encompassing at least 29 house yards. Based on the pottery chronology it is thought
that 4 to 5 house yards were present during each (ceramic) phase. The site has been dated to the Younger and Youngest phases of the Bandkeramik: phase 1d-2a. The house yards cluster and move across the settlement area. The house structures themselves are oriented east to west and consist merely of Modderman Type 2 houses. These are
two prominent features that distinguish this site from other known settlements in the Netherlands and the Graetheide settlement cluster. There seems to be little difference in material culture compared to other sites. Pottery, flint and stone tools typically conform to regional LBK standards. What
was most striking, however, was the enormous amount of flint that was present within three large refuse pits. They resemble the flint blade production workshops from
Verlaine-Petit Paradis and the settlement therefore may have played a comparable important role in social and economic distribution networks.
It is clear that the Cannerberg settlement already holds a special place within the Dutch Bandkeramik. This is not only based on its flint blade industry, but also because of its
striking geographical position, settlement structure and occupation dynamics.
During excavation habitation traces which could be roughly dated to the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age were documented.
A number of these locations were subsequently excavated and yielded various yards consisting of house plans and associated outbuildings and pits. The yards could be
dated to the Early Iron Age and first half of the middle Iron Age (ca. 800-400 BC). The Cannerberg is one of the first settlements on the loess soils of Southern Limburg
to yield clear Iron Age houseplans. In addition to the Early Iron Age farmyards a large ditch with a V-shaped cross-section
was found which has been dated to the Late Iron Age. The location of this ditch is remarkable as it cuts off a spit of land protruding from the Cannerberg. A possible
interpretation for this ditch is that we are dealing with a simple type of fortified settlement which are well known from the Late Iron Age.
The excavation yielded a small number of Roman period features among them a partial house plan and several pits and ditches. The features date between AD 50 and 150 and
probably represent a small rural settlement
More recent periods are represented by remains dating to the Dutch War of Independence against Phillip II of Spain (1566-1648) or later. Long elongated ditches
probably relate to one of the sieges of Maastricht. In addition earthworks belonging to a fortification dating to 1632 built by Prince Frederik Hendrik, the sovereign Prince
of Orange were identified on a digital elevation model. During the Second World War the caves in the Cannerberg were used for industrial purpose by the German occupying forces. Remains of allied fire bombs (incendiary cluster bombs) were found scattered over Cannerberg..