Net Sinkers in Prehistoric Archaeology

Archaeological Significance, Typology, and Function in the Levant and Beyond

Abstract

Fishing represents one of the earliest technological domains of human subsistence, yet its archaeological visibility is limited due to the perishable nature of organic gear. Net sinkers ‐ stone or clay weights used to submerge nets ‐ provide one of the most durable indicators of prehistoric fishing practices. This review article synthesizes archaeological evidence for net sinkers in a global perspective, with particular focus on the Epipaleolithic and Neolithic Levant, where some of the earliest and most continuous assemblages have been documented. Comparative evidence from Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia demonstrates both technological convergence in net sinker design and regional variability reflecting local environments and fishing strategies. Typological analysis highlights recurring forms such as notched, grooved, perforated, and unmodified cobbles, while raw material studies underscore the opportunistic use of locally available stone or clay. Functional and spatial analyses reveal patterns in fishing technologies, changing subsistence strategies linked to dietary diversification, and the cooperative labour involved in net fishing. By bridging gaps left by the poor preservation of organic gear, net sinkers illuminate the technological and social dimensions of aquatic resource exploitation in prehistory.