Discussions on the possible origin of Europe's first boats - 11,500 BP

Abstract

Three decades ago Detlev Ellmers suggested that hide (skin) boats were being used to hunt swimming reindeer in glacial lakes of northern Germany's Upper Palaeolithic. This paper presents new material in support of Ellmers' contention. A paleo-osteological study from Stellmoor suggests that arrows were directed at the neck and upper shoulders from above and behind, at close range which can be considered evidence of them being shot by hunters in boats as the animals were swimming. Lyngby axes are linked to this hunting technique which provides possible distribution and dating for this proposed early boat technology.