Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - I. Prehistoric Times - A. The Stone Age
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A History of Sweden
Generally, however, the stone-age people erected
their dwellings on solid ground. For protection against
attack, they constructed as an entrance a long, low,
covered passageway, through which one had to crawl
to get in. Such an entrance to the hut was a valuable
invention. It served as a protection against wintry
winds as well as against attack. Should an enemy come
crawling through the dark passage he would not be in
position to use his weapons to advantage and would
be met by fierce dogs, the faithful family guard.
Let us make an imaginary visit to these huts. The
most important piece of furniture in the hut is a stone
used for a seat and which may also serve for a table.
Bundles of fine twigs also serve for seats and at night
for beds. The glowing fire on the stone hearth gives
the place a cheerful, homelike appearance. At the one
end of the hearth is a deep depression to rake the ashes
and coals into.
Fire was kindled by the stone-age people in various
ways: by striking flint and iron pyrites together and
collecting the sparks in tinder or dry leaves and blow-
ing them into a flame, or by rubbing rapidly and pa-
tiently two dry pieces of wood against each other, or
by using a stick as a drill against a dry piece of wood
and whirling it rapidly between the hands or by means
of a cord.
’
Food, Clothing, and Occupation. The village huts
are now empty. It is the time of late summer. Most
of the men are out on a hunt. Others have just re-
turned with some fine fish, caught in the lake with bone
hooks. Near the shore we see a few cows of stunted
growth grazing, and near by a flock of sheep and goats
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