Transient trajectories: Modelling movement and connectivity in the Neolithic of the Outer Hebrides

Abstract

Islands and archipelagos have long fascinated humankind. Often viewed as bounded and isolated, given the right conditions and technology, their true nature may be far more complex. Such is case with the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, where a robust Neolithic archaeological record evidences varying degrees of movement that would have transcended not only a range of temporal and spatial scales but also environments. As movement itself leaves little archaeological trace, exploring the connectivity of these complex island communities requires innovative methodologies that can cope with the transience of movement as well as its different milieus. Using a least-cost approach, established for terrestrial movement and adapted to seafaring, a more holistic digital analysis was developed that allowed for movement to be modelled through both milieus and connected within the maritime landscape. Whilst the modelled pathways highlight the varying trajectories of Neolithic movement that would have occurred in response to a geographically and temporally constrained environment, they conversely reveal a strong continuity of practice and significance of place that together would have engendered complex patterns of mobility and social connectivity within the Outer Hebrides and beyond.

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ORCID for Stephanie Blankshein: orcid.org/0000-0002-4622-9180

ORCID for Fraser Sturt: orcid.org/0000-0002-3010-990X

ORCID for Carl Pollard: orcid.org/0000-0002-8429-2009

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