Burial & Ritual

A wide range of objects were placed in graves

Our ancestors sometimes burned their dead, instead of burying them. This is called cremation. They collected the burnt bones and put them in a special pot. The pot was decorated with patterns. Today we still use cremation. Cremated bones are still put in a special pot called an urn.

Objects found in a burial are called grave goods. Each says something about the dead person. This object is called a macehead. It is one of several known from Neolithic burials. Archaeologists are not certain what it is. It may be a badge of office. A good modern example is the mayor's chain of office.

Everyone has favourite things. Even today people are buried with a favourite toy or piece of jewellery. These personal items are the most touching. Perhaps this Bronze Age jet necklace was a favourite item. It had become so linked to one person that it remained with them even after they had died.

Objects found in a burial usually say something about religion. The helmet from Benty Grange is a good example of this. The boar on the crest is a symbol of pagan beliefs. However, the cross on the noseguard is purely Christian. Perhaps the owner recognised both beliefs.

Some things are linked to men rather than women. This grave contains a man and a woman. The man has a sword and a spear. These weapons are usually male objects. The woman has a knife and a purse. These everyday objects link to the woman's role running the household.

Sometimes the oddest things are found in burials. These are parts of the bed from Lapwing Hill. Grave goods were for use in the afterlife. A decent bed would certainly be useful. Most ordinary people would not have a bed at all. Only a rich person was likely to be buried with one.

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