The Interaction Between Early Farmers and Indigenous People in Central Belgium

[Frans_Jozef]

The Interaction Between Early Farmers and Indigenous People in Central Belgium

Marc Lodewijckx, Archaeology, University of Leuven (B)
Corrie Bakels, Archaeobotany, University of Leiden (Nl)

Research on the Linearbandkeramik (LBK) culture in Belgium is making rapid and significant progress. The discovery of a cluster of sites outside the traditional LBK distribution area in central Belgium has introduced new elements into the debate. In this article we will discuss the characteristics of three important new settlements discovered at Wange and Overhespen in the north of the fertile Hesbaye loess region of Belgium which provide insights into the interaction between Linearbandkeramik and indigenous or non-LBK populations.

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[Agrippa]

The occurrence of Limburgkeramik also indicates the presence of non-LBK-population, which may or may not have been temporary. Limburgkeramik differs too much from the LBK-ceramic to be considered a variant ( Van Berg 1990: 171). The chances that this ceramic would have been preserved outside the protective environment of a LBK rubbish pit are very slim but not non-existent (MODDERMAN 1981). In spite of this, the Limburgkeramik appears to be widespread. It is still unclear who the producers of the Limburgkeramik actually were. They nevertheless appear to constitute a significant component of early-Neolithic populations. Even though it is widely believed that Limburgkeramik makers have their roots in indigenous traditions, they may have had customs comparable to the ones of the LBK societies. However, the lack of distinct traces and archaeological material renders them almost archaeologically invisible and make any estimates about their influence and position in the Neolithic process in Middle Belgium difficult.

Interesting, didnt heard too much about the "Limburgkeramik" so far.