Page 52 - J. C. Turner "History and Science of Knots"

On Knots and Swamps 41

the end of the last ice age. This is evident from, among others, the Dan-
ish material, the textiles and ropes from Neolithic Switzerland, and the rich
equipment of the Ice Man. But for knotters, interested in actual knots, the
conclusion of this Chapter is bound to be disappointing, though not unexpect-
edly so, after what I tried to explain at its beginning. To put it bluntly, it
is simply impossible at the moment to study the knots of the different peri-
ods and regions of prehistoric Europe, and the contexts in which these knots
were used, thoroughly and responsibly. The dangers of using an argumentum
ex silentio,t especially in a context such as this, where we know beforehand
that the chances of our study material surviving the ages are slim, are well
known. 'And unless the funding given to archaeological institutions increases
manifold, and the possibilities for the sharing of archaeological information im-
prove considerably, this situation is unlikely to change within the near future.
Only when we can be fairly certain that we possess a representative sample
of the total knot-repertoire and its contexts of the region and period under
study, for example, can we begin to address such interesting problems as the
symbolic meanings of the different knots, or their origins and spread.
But, to end on a more positive note, there are things that knotters them-
selves can do to improve the situation. Most archaeologists totally lack knot-
ting expertise; but each of them usually knows fairly well what treasures are
hidden in their Institute's storerooms.
Knotters, wanting to study the knots of their own region, can contact
their local museum and discuss with the local archaeologist the conditions for
getting access to those treasures. Then they can see the prehistoric knotting-
material with their own eyes. Most archaeologists are only too happy when
someone shows interest in their efforts, and will gladly guide a knotter in
archaeological matters. If all knotters interested in the history of knots were
to take this kind of action, it would then perhaps become possible to write a
truly good `Knots in European Prehistory'.

References

1. E. Albrectsen, Et offerfund fra Sludegaards Mose (Fynske Minder,
1954) 4-14.
2. K. Andersen, S. Sorgensen, and J. Richter, Maglemose Hytterne ved
Ulkestrup Lyng, (1982).
3. S. H. Andersen, 1980-Tybrind Vig. Forlobig meddelelse om en un-
dersoisk stenalder boplads ved Lilleba It (In: Antikvariske Studier 4,
1980) 7-18.
tlitt. argument from silence-'We have not found it, therefore it did not exist'; conversely,
`We have no evidence that it did not exist, therefore it existed'.