Flints of the Chełm Hills (Rejowiec flints) – origin, sedimentation environment and exploitation in prehistory – a case study from the Lechówka site

Abstract

Rejowiec flint from the Chełm Hills occur among glacigenic sediments of the Odranian glaciation and is referred to as erratic flints. The authors, based on the analysis of the sedimentary succession of a kame in Lechówka – within the boundaries of the largest outcrop, in so-called ‘Region I’ (Rejowiec region) – indicate that: (1) the probable source of the flints were older series of glacigenic sediments – from before the Odranian glaciation, (2) their great accumulation directly under the surface and – as a result – their considerable accessibility for exploitation in prehistory were caused by the ‘upfreezing of stones’ in the conditions of a periglacial environment during successive glacial periods (Odranian, Wartanian and Vistulian glaciations). The analysis of archaeological data confirmed the use of the local flints as early as in the Middle Palaeolithic and their most intense exploitation during two main periods – the final stage of the Palaeolithic and a period from the Late Neolithic to the Early Iron Age.