Fishing is the oldest craft practised on the lake. The pile-dwelling people used tools that had been in use since the Stone Age: fishhooks, nets made of flax fibres, harpoons and fish traps. However, archaeological excavations in the mud beneath the houses have also unearthed bone remains of bears, deer, elk, aurochs, wild boar, beavers, otters, frogs, hedgehogs and birds. Armed with bows and arrows, throwing sticks and spears, the village community set out to hunt on land. They lured smaller animals into traps. Cattle, pigs, sheep and goats grazed in herds on the meadows and in the forest. Dogs were faithful companions.

Despite the availability of fish and meat, the diet was predominantly vegetarian: bread or porridge made from ancient grains grown near the village, such as emmer, einkorn, barley or naked wheat. But also cooked pulses such as peas and lentils, or oilseeds such as flax and poppy seeds. Depending on the season, wild fruits, nuts, seeds and mushrooms were gathered. And, of course, herbs to season the dishes. To ensure they would not go hungry even in hard times, the attic was filled with provisions. In the kitchen too, around the warming domed oven, food hung to dry, tied into bunches or stored in linen bags. A well-stocked larder formed the basis of survival. So it is hardly surprising that sourcing and preparing food took up most of the day.

 

 

House type:

Two-room Stone Age pile-dwelling (c. 3500 BC), walls made of woven, clay-plastered twigs.

Reconstructed:

1939, based on excavations at Riedschachen in the Federsee moor, Aichbühl near

Bad Schussenried and Sipplingen, 1929–1930.

 

Children’s fishing rod

Start young. Even small children tried their hand at catching fish, frogs and crabs. Catching them with bare hands is not that easy. Sometimes the slippery creatures hide in the shallow water between the stones. It was much easier with a children’s fishing rod. It was simply lowered into the water from the stilt house. A small lump of dough on the bone hook attracted the fish. And once it was on the hook, the line could be reeled in and tucked into a trouser pocket. Handy, isn’t it?

Have you spotted the children’s fishing rod yet?