Researchers affiliated with the Leibniz Zentrum für Archäologie and Durham University have undertaken a meticulous examination of a compilation totaling 406 engraved schist plaques unearthed at the Gönnersdorf Magdalenian settlement in Germany. These ancient etchings proffer crucial insights into the fishing methodologies and apparatus employed by Paleolithic populations, alongside the manner in which these practices were translated into visual expression through the portrayal of nets distinguished by their interwoven diamond-shaped and square apertures.
Plaquette 341 from the Magdalenian site of Gönnersdorf, Germany. Image credit: Robitaille et al., doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311302.
“Prehistoric fishing strategies encompassed a broad spectrum of implements and approaches, incorporating diverse tactics for fish procurement that can be broadly categorized as active fishing, demanding direct human engagement with or proximity to the fishing gear, passive fishing, relying on entrapment mechanisms, or a hybrid of both,” articulated Dr. Jérôme Robitaille of the Leibniz Zentrum für Archäologie, alongside his collaborators.
“Certain techniques were conceived for the acquisition of individual catches, such as angling, whereas others were honed to maximize harvests through the utilization of communal nets and traps.”
“The selection of a specific method was contingent upon the intended fish species, as well as the unique environmental conditions and geographical features prevalent in areas where particular aquatic resources flourished.”
“Although definitive archaeological evidence pertaining to fishing during the Late Upper Paleolithic period (spanning approximately 20,000 to 14,500 years ago) is not extensively documented, there exists scattered direct and indirect proof of various fishing techniques, including the use of barbed points or harpoons, archery equipment, traps, and fishing nets.”
Within their scientific inquiry, the researchers meticulously analyzed the engravings adorning 406 schist (a metamorphic rock) plaques originating from the Magdalenian settlement of Gönnersdorf, situated on the northern banks of the Rhine River in west-central Germany.
These particular plaques are notable for their distinctive artistic expressions and thematic content, which feature representations of both terrestrial and aquatic fauna, as well as human figures.
The application of novel imaging technologies enabled the scientific team to discern intricate etchings of fish, accompanied by reticulated patterns that are interpreted as representations of fishing nets or traps.
The discoveries emerging from this research suggest that fishing held potential symbolic importance within the context of the Upper Paleolithic era.
These findings broaden the recognized scope of Ice Age artistic traditions and furnish remarkable insights into the symbolic and societal customs of early hunter-gatherer communities.
“Our comparative analysis, which incorporates data from other archaeological locales dating to the same epoch, such as Altamira and Lascaux, underscores Gönnersdorf’s significant contribution to our comprehension of Paleolithic art and subsistence patterns,” the scientists concluded in their report.
“In contrast to the more renowned sites celebrated for their vibrant depictions of fish, the abstract and minimalist aesthetic observed at Gönnersdorf offers a novel perspective on the socio-cultural dynamics that characterized Magdalenian societies.”
“The practice of fishing with nets, stemming from a broad-spectrum economic foundation, exemplifies the diversity, resilience, and ingenuity of prehistoric communities, demonstrating their adeptness in leveraging a variety of fishing methods to sustainably exploit aquatic resources.”
“This research not only augments our understanding of the varied subsistence strategies adopted by Paleolithic populations but also contributes to the broader scholarly dialogue concerning the sophistication and richness of their cultural practices.”
“By focusing attention on the often-understated aspect of fishing practices and their representation in art, our investigation contributes to a more holistic and dynamic portrayal of subsistence during the Upper Paleolithic, thereby opening new avenues for subsequent scholarly exploration in this domain.”
“It is evident that fishing played a more pivotal role in shaping social and cultural behaviors than was previously acknowledged, as indicated by aggregation patterns observed around productive fishing grounds, and consequently, it merits further in-depth investigation.”
The study was made available online in the peer-reviewed journal PLoS ONE.
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J. Robitaille et al. 2024. Upper Palaeolithic fishing techniques: Insights from the engraved plaquettes of the Magdalenian site of Gönnersdorf, Germany. PLoS ONE 19 (11): e0311302; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311302
