The Mesolithic, situated between the Palaeolithic and the Neolithic, is a period of prehistory characterised by a gradual warming of the climate, with people still living a nomadic lifestyle, hunting, fishing and gathering in a changing environment. What do we know about them in our regions? How did the landscape change? How did they feed themselves? What tools did they make? Recent scientific studies, carried out using cutting-edge analytical techniques at several archaeological sites discovered in the Meuse Valley, are now shedding light on how these Mesolithic populations lived in our regions. The findings are presented in a dual exhibition, coordinated by the Namur Archaeological Museum, in which we invite you to discover the last hunter-gatherers of the Meuse Valley.
Nomadic Lives. The Mesolithic People of the Meuse Valley
Walloon Heritage Agency (AWaP)
Excavations carried out at Le Grognon in Namur by AWaP archaeologists between 2016 and 2019 led to the discovery of exceptional evidence of settlement dating back to the Mesolithic period. Analysis of the remains now reveals, for the first time, how these people lived in Namur between 11,000 and 8,000 years ago! The exceptional discovery of an ingenious device installed in the River Sambre at that time provides particular insight into their fishing techniques.
Face to Face with Prehistory
University of Ghent
In recent years, the University of Ghent has been conducting a research project, in collaboration with numerous partners, to understand the way of life of the last hunter-gatherers in southern Belgium. Drawing in particular on data from anthropology, archaeology, archaeozoology, DNA analysis and isotopic analysis, the researchers are studying the diet, health and migration patterns of the region’s Mesolithic populations. The findings are illustrated in the travelling exhibition on display here. You will also discover a reconstruction of the face of a Mesolithic woman, created by the visual arts duo Kennis & Kennis based on DNA analyses carried out on human remains discovered in Margaux Cave (Dinant).
Practical information
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10.00–18.00
Free admission
LES BATELIERS Musée archéologique de Namur, Rue Joseph Saintraint, Namur, Belgique
https://www.namur.be/fr/loisirs/culture/musees/les-bateliers/musee-des-arts-decoratifs
