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In northern Europe, the Ertebølle culture, was a significant neolithic grouping. It flourished around 7000 years ago. Making it a key part of the transition to the neolithic period in the north.

Its distinctive pottery, which often features simple, functional forms. Became renown
By pressing objects into the clay. Ceramics were decorated. Due to its decorative patterns. They were often referred to as “corded ware” or “impressed ware”.

They had a mixed economy based on fishing, hunting, and foraging. With some evidence of early agriculture
It marked a transitional phase where they begin to incorporate farming techniques. With fishing and hunting. The economy was diversified. Not only the exploitation of marine resources but land as well.

Typically located near water sources. Settlements often included huts, or houses made from wood and other materials
There location provided access to fish and other aquatic resources. They had a variety of types of settlements too. Including both permanent and semi-permanent sites.

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus), dewberry (Rubus caesius), wild strawberry, dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus oxyacantha), rowanberry (Sorbus aucuparia), crab apple, and rose hips. Were found and used as edibles and medicine
Other seeds, including acorn and manna grass (Glyceria fluitans) were found. Possibly for porrage or gruel. And, Roots of the sea beet (Beta maritima), Nettle (Urtica dioica), orache (Atriplex), and goosefoot (Chenopodium album) have been identified.

Known for its sophisticated toolmaking. They made flint tools like axes, knives, and scrapers
Other artifacts include bone and antler implements, as well as ornaments made from shells and other materials.

Burial practices varied
There was evidence of individual burials and grave goods. Providing insights that there was social organization and beliefs.

Ertebølle neolithic culture is an important part of Northern Europe. It represents a period of cultural change and adaptation as new practices, including early farming and more permanent settlements. It marks a significant period of change in a great region’s history.

Bibliography: Heron, Carl; Andersen, Søren; Fischer, Anders; Glykou, Aikaterini; Hartz, Sönke; Saul, Hayley; Steele, Val; Craig, Oliver (2013-03-01). “Illuminating the Late Mesolithic: residue analysis of ‘blubber’ lamps from Northern Europe” (https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0003598X00048705/type/journal_article). Antiquity. 87 (335): 178–188. doi:10.1017/S0003598X00048705 (https://doi.org/10.1017%2FS0003598X00048705). ISSN 0003-598X (https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0003-598X).

Europe’s First Farmers – T. Douglas Price, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Cambridge University Press 2000 1

Excavating submerged Stone Age sites in Denmark the Tybrind Vig example (http://www.abc.se/~pa/publ/tybrind.htm)