Evidence from burial sediments for prehistoric burial practice and ritual in Monte Claro chambered tombs: micromorphology, mineralogy and geochemistry

The burial matrix in archaeological graves is seldom subject to detailed examination for evidence of its potential interaction with the interred remains. Sediments adjacent to skeletal remains resting on a marl platform in a subterranean chambered burial dated to the third millennium BC were investigated using micromorphological, archaeobotanical, and chemical methods. Micromorphological features in the tombs, typical of CaCO3 depletion, appeared more abundant in positions close to the skeletal remains than in positions further away, suggesting that the carbonate dissolution was caused by acidification resulting from the body decay as well as from environmental factors. Organic signatures around the remains were dominated by background sedimentary organic matter of the marl, attesting to the exposed style of burial being unfavourable for the preservation of organic remains. Red concentrates present in a distinct region of the resting platform were distinguishable from similar coloured deposits formed by debris from the vault. They were identified as haematite (ochre) deposits, matching features observed in other prehistoric sites, including those of the same culture, and attesting to ritual associated with the treatment of the dead. Greyish fibrous contexts found on the burial resting platforms were identified as silicified sedge, probably remnants of the combustible parts of torches. The position and nature of the sedge-derived material suggests their use for illuminating the graves at depth and/or as a possible votive ritual. The detailed scientific examination of the burial matrix can reveal unique perspectives and add interpretative value to the archaeological investigation of graves

Signatures of degraded body tissues and environmental conditions in grave soils from a Roman and an Anglo-Scandinavian age burial from Hungate, York

Despite the importance of human burials in archaeological investigations of past peoples and their lives, the soil matrix that accommodates the remains is rarely considered, attention being focused mainly on visible features. The decomposition of a buried corpse and associated organic matter influences both the organic composition and, directly or indirectly, the microstructure of the burial matrix, producing signatures that could be preserved over archaeological timescales. If preserved, such signatures have potential to reveal aspects of the individual’s lifestyle and cultural practices as well as providing insights into taphonomic processes. Using organic chemical analysis and soil micromorphology we have identified organic signatures and physical characteristics relating to the presence of the body, and its decomposition in grave soils associated with two human skeletons (one Roman age and one Anglo-Scandinavian age) from Hungate, York, UK. The organic signatures, including contributions from body tissues, gut contents, bone degradation and input from microbiota, exhibit spatial variations with respect to anatomical location and features of the immediate burial environment. In the Roman grave broad changes in redox conditions associated with the decomposition of the corpse and disturbance from the excavation and use of an Anglo-Scandinavian age cess pit that partially cuts the grave were evident. Leachate from the cess pit was shown to exacerbate the degradation of the skeletal remains in the regions closest to it, also degrading and depleting spherulites in the soil, through decalcification of the bone and liberation of bone-derived cholesterol into the soil matrix. The findings from this work have implications for future archaeo- and contemporary forensic investigations of buried human remains

Micromorphological and chemical investigation of late-Viking age grave fills at Hofstaðir, Iceland

Grave fills from seven human burials from a late-Viking age - early medieval cemetery at Hofstaðir, Mývatnssveit (Iceland) were examined by soil micromorphology and organic chemical analysis. Detailed analysis of the weathering of the mineral constituents of the grave fills demonstrates a relationship between the extent of weathering of volcanic silicates within the fills and the presence of buried human remains. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) of extracts from the fills and controls of two graves revealed organic signatures dominated by plant-derived organic matter, with no evidence of degradation products of the body tissues. Transformation of n-alkanes into n-alkan-2-ones provides evidence for microbial activity within the fills. GC–MS analysis of the organic extract from under one of the skulls and pyrolysis gas chromatography of wood fragments found in that grave provide compelling evidence for the former presence of a conifer wood coffin. The use of this non-native wood in the burial provides evidence for either the import of foreign lumber or the utilisation of driftwood, most likely originating from Russia/Siberia

Exceptional preservation of a prehistoric human brain from Heslington, Yorkshire, UK

NoArchaeological work in advance of construction at a site on the edge of York, UK, yielded human remains of prehistoric to Romano-British date. Amongst these was a mandible and cranium, the intra-cranial space of which contained shrunken but macroscopically recognizable remains of a brain. Although the distinctive surface morphology of the organ is preserved, little recognizable brain histology survives. Though rare, the survival of brain tissue in otherwise skeletalised human remains from wet burial environments is not unique. A survey of the literature shows that similar brain masses have been previously reported in diverse circumstances. We argue for a greater awareness of these brain masses and for more attention to be paid to their detection and identification in order to improve the reporting rate and to allow a more comprehensive study of this rare archaeological survival