Från verktyg till offergåva. Depåfyndens roll i Vänersnäs forna stenålderslandskap, med fokus på lihultkulturens rituella rum.

Abstract

This thesis examines five deposits, some of which contain stone axes, at the settlement in Vänersnäs, Sweden. Two of them date to the late Mesolithic era. The aim is to explore the ritual world of the late Mesolithic in Västergötland, Sweden and its relationship to the landscape. The thesis also investigates how these objects were carefully selected to symbolize something greater than their functional purpose. It is a comparative study, primarily based on literary sources, although an analysis of some of the axes from the settlement is also presented. Furthermore, it shows results that indicate that the societies in the late Mesolithic had a religious consciousness and a deep connection to nature.