Lithic procurement and technological organization in the stone age of West Finnmark, North Norway

Abstract

The interpretation of north Norwegian Stone Age lithic assemblage variability requires consideration of both functional and socioideological concerns. Functionally, lithic procurement may be structured by mobility patterns and least‐effort/optimizing procurement logics. But lithics may also be viewed as resources employed in social strategies. The lithic materials available in West Finnmark are outlined and archaeological data relevant to the organization of lithic technology during the Late Stone Age and Early Metal Periods are presented. The implications of these data for a ‘political‐semiotic’ model of Late Stone Age coast‐interior social relations are discussed.