The Late Neolithic period in Sweden is by many archaeologists associated with an increase of aggression in society, hierarchical chiefdoms, and prestige objects. Above all, the flint-dagger is considered not only to be an object of high status, but also an object exclusively used by and buried with males. To add to the discussion the purpose of this essay is to examine the claim of the flint dagger as a male prestige item by analyzing previous literature and research regarding the Late Neolithic flint-dagger using a gender critical perspective. As part of the research 21 flat earth graves with flint-daggers in Skåne has been mapped out to find empirical support to the claim.

Three out of the 21 flat earth graves were found to be osteological examined, two containing males and one containing a female. Not osteological examined, one grave was also found to contain a lone child with a flint-dagger. Even though this is a small sample out of all the flat earth graves that has been excavated in Sweden, this research opens for a wider discussion regarding the origin of the interpretation and its legitimacy. It also contributes to the idea that the flint-dagger could have had multiple areas of use and different symbolic meanings including females and children.

Keywords: Late Neolithic, flint-daggers, flat earth graves, osteology, prestige objects