In a groundbreaking study published in the open-access journal ‘PLoS ONE’, researchers have unveiled new insights into the construction and origins of the Hjortspring boat, a prehistoric sewn plank boat discovered in Denmark. The lead author of the study, Mikael Fauvelle, and his team have conducted a comprehensive analysis of the cordage and caulking materials used in the boat’s construction, shedding light on the maritime technology of Northern Europe’s earliest seafarers.
The Hjortspring boat, dating back to between 381 and 161 BCE, is the only intact example of a prehistoric sewn plank boat found in Scandinavia. Built from lime wood planks lashed together with cordage, the boat offers a unique glimpse into the maritime capabilities of the time. Fauvelle and his team have provided the first direct date for the boat based on materials from the original excavation finds, with lime bast cordage from the boat carbon dated to the aforementioned period.
One of the most significant findings of the study is the identification of the materials used to caulk the boat. Through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, the researchers discovered that the caulking material was a mixture of animal fat and pine pitch. This discovery is particularly noteworthy because, as Fauvelle explains, “the use of pine pitch in the boat’s construction indicates that the boat was not built on the Jutland peninsula and instead came from a region with more abundant pine forests.”
Based on the dispersal of pine forests in Northern Europe during the first millennium BCE, the researchers propose the Baltic Sea Region east of Rügen and Scania as a likely source for the boat and its crew. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the origins of the Hjortspring boat and raises new questions about the maritime societies of the time.
The study also provides a detailed analysis of the sewing and rope-making techniques used to construct the boat. By examining intact cordage fragments and imprints of cordage on caulking material, the researchers were able to reconstruct the methods used by the ancient seafarers. Additionally, the team made a remarkable discovery: a partial human fingerprint found on a fragment of caulking material. This fingerprint provides a direct link to the ancient seafarers who used the boat, offering a tangible connection to the past.
The implications of this research extend beyond historical curiosity. Understanding the materials and techniques used in prehistoric boat construction can inform modern maritime practices, particularly in the realm of traditional and experimental archaeology. The study’s findings could inspire new approaches to boat design and construction, as well as provide valuable insights for the preservation and restoration of historic vessels.
Moreover, the discovery of the boat’s likely origin in the Baltic Sea Region opens up new avenues for research into the maritime trade and cultural exchange that took place in Northern Europe during the Iron Age. This could have significant implications for the maritime heritage industry, as well as for tourism and cultural exchange programs.
In summary, the study led by Mikael Fauvelle offers a wealth of new information about the Hjortspring boat and the maritime technology of its time. By providing the first direct date for the boat and analyzing the materials and techniques used in its construction, the researchers have shed new light on the lives of Northern Europe’s earliest seafarers. The findings published in ‘PLoS ONE’ not only advance our understanding of prehistoric maritime practices but also offer valuable insights for modern maritime professionals and enthusiasts alike.