Was Western Norway Part of the Corded Ware Culture?

The discovery of prehistoric cultures has provided invaluable insights into the early settlers and their way of life. One such culture, the Corded Ware, has been a subject of intense study. The Corded Ware Culture, characterized by its distinctive pottery and burial practices, was prevalent in various parts of Europe, particularly in Eastern regions. However, when it comes to Western Norway, the story is a bit different.

Corded Ware Culture Overview

The Corded Ware Culture, also known as Ha:`neme`t? Culture, is a Neolithic-early Bronze Age culture that existed roughly between 3300 and 2200 BCE. It is named after the coarse corded decorations found on the vessels of this culture. The Corded Ware people were some of the earliest known farmers, practicing agriculture and pastoralism. Evidence of their presence has been found across Europe, with notable finds in places like Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in areas that are now part of modern-day Poland, Germany, and Russia.

Presence in Western Norway

Western Norway, consisting of regions like Rogaland, Hordaland, and Sogn og Fjordane, presents a different picture when viewed through the lens of archaeological evidence. Contrary to the broader prehistoric narrative, the Corded Ware culture did not have a significant impact or presence in these areas. While the culture thrived in neighboring regions, particularly South-West Norway, its influence seems to be minimal in Western Norway.

South-West Norway, including locations such as Rogaland, has shown evidence of Corded Ware pottery and burial practices. However, the distribution and frequency of these artifacts are quite different from those found in the eastern regions. For instance, in Western Norway, the graves with Corded Ware tools and pottery are not as numerous or as concentrated as they are in the east.

Geographical Spread and Influence

The spread of the Corded Ware culture was not uniform across all regions of Norway. It appears that the expansion of this cultural group was more pronounced in the eastern parts of the country. This can be attributed to several factors, including geographical and environmental conditions.

Eastern Norway, with its flatter terrain and more fertile soil, was more suitable for the agricultural practices of the Corded Ware people. The eastern regions also had easier access to trade routes, facilitating the spread of cultural and technological practices. In contrast, the western regions, including Western Norway, often face rugged coastlines and mountainous terrain, which may have hindered the spread of this culture.

Archaeological Evidence and Cultural Significance

Archaeological evidence provides a nuanced understanding of the Corded Ware presence in different parts of Norway. In South-West Norway, sites like Kj?lstrakka and V?ringen have yielded significant finds, including corded pottery and burial mounds. These sites offer insights into the daily life, religious practices, and social organization of the Corded Ware people.

However, when examining Western Norway, the archaeological record shows a different narrative. The absence of numerous corded graves and artifacts in Western Norway suggests that the cultural practices associated with the Corded Ware people were not as prevalent there. This does not necessarily mean that these regions were devoid of interaction or influence from the wider prehistoric world. Other cultures and practices likely existed and coexisted in Western Norway during the same period.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Corded Ware culture was indeed present and influential in certain parts of Norway, its presence in Western Norway was notably less significant. The cultural landscape of Western Norway during the Neolithic-early Bronze Age era was distinct from its eastern counterparts, shaped by unique geographical and environmental factors. Future archaeological research may still uncover more about the prehistoric inhabitants of Western Norway, enriching our understanding of this historically rich region.

Keywords

Corded Ware Culture Western Norway Prehistoric Farming