Paper short abstract:

Caves are distinctive contexts and the relationships between place, architecture, practice and materials will have played out in a unique way. This paper aims to highlight some of the ways in which materials were deployed within caves across the Mesolithic - Neolithic transition in Britain.

Paper long abstract:

As noted in the abstract for this session caves are distinctive contexts and the relationships between place, architecture, practice and materials will have played out in a unique way. This paper aims to highlight some of the ways in which materials were deployed within caves across the Mesolithic - Neolithic transition in Britain and identify elements of continuity or change across this period.

This is drawn from ongoing research into how materials were used and understood across this transition. It is particularly concerned with considering the movement and social significance of materials such as earth, water and stone. Within this wider research caves feature prominently as locations where materials are brought together, used and deposited. This paper aims to consider how this compares with activities at other locations and how the presence of materials in the form of architecture may have contributed to unique practices.