Fishing in the Mesolithic of the Trans-Urals

Abstract

Excavations of Mesolithic peat bog sites with good preservation of organic materials in the Trans-Urals brought to light direct evidence of fishing including bones of freshwater fish, mainly perch and pike and various fishing tools. Harpoons and an intact fishing hook were found in the Early Mesolithic layer of Beregovaya 2 site. Middle Mesolithic layers yielded a harpoon and/or leister head, a fishing hook, and net sinkers made of pieces of stone bound across with a strip of bast. Number of fish bones increases in Late Mesolithic layer of Beregovaya II indicating greater importance of fishing at that time. A wooden paddle blade from this layer is a direct evidence of the use of boats. Nets were the main fishing tool while the role of fishing hooks, harpoons and leisters decreased, which is in good accordance with the composition of catches.