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Moonshine over Star Carr: post-processualism, Mesolithic myths and archaeological realities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Paul Mellars
Paul Mellars*
Affiliation:
*Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DZ, UK
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Abstract

The interpretation of Star Carr is central to the interpretation of the European Mesolithic, and has attracted functional, ecological, economic and ideological readings. Is each of these always possible? In a disquisition of wide relevance, the author argues that any evocation of ancient activity at Star Carr – and its motives – must begin with a detailed reading of the excavated data. Pictures desired by theory may not be supported by facts.

Keywords

EuropeMesolithiclithicsantlerexcavationprocessualismsymbolic archaeologyspatial analysis
Type
Debate
Information
Antiquity , Volume 83 , Issue 320 , June 2009 , pp. 502 - 517
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd 2009

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