The Eneolithic necropolis of Celletta dei passeri (forlì): burials and grave goods analysis – This paper offers a complete discussion of the burials, the anthropological data and the grave goods found in the necropolis of Celletta dei... more
The Eneolithic necropolis of Celletta dei passeri (forlì): burials and grave goods
analysis – This paper offers a complete discussion of the burials, the anthropological data and the grave goods
found in the necropolis of Celletta dei Passeri (Forlì, Italy). The introduction provides a summary of the data
regarding the general frame of the site, the topography of the cemetery and the spatial distribution of burials,
issues already discussed in other contributions.
The description of the 75 graves analyses the data related to the funerary structure (shape, size, depth, orientation,
any modern age disturbances and reopening cuts); to the anthropological data (sex, age, orientation,
conditions of laying and bone conservation, any manipulations and removals); to the grave good assemblages
(typology, location within the burial space and state of conservation).
The burial rituals follow very strict patterns, but there are infractions to the standard and their evaluation suggests
particularly interesting interpretations.
With regard to anthropological data, the prevailing orientation is W-E or NW-SE with some degrees of variability
and the lying supine position of the deceased is largely predominant. The skeletal sample has been fully
analysed and sex and age at death have been determined.
In addition, six graves were subject to AMS radiocarbon determinations.
The funeral goods analysis are considered in relation both to typology and to gender and age of death. The
graves are usually provided with a jug placed at the foot of the body without significant gender or age distinction.
Male and juvenis burials include also flint artefacts, in particular arrow-heads. Seven graves are distinguished
by the presence of copper axes and daggers, symbols of status and rank like the silver diadem of
another tomb.
Lastly, many burials present funeral practices of manipulation, displacement and removal of the skeleton revealing
a strong symbolism linked to sacred beliefs and worship of the ancestors.
analysis – This paper offers a complete discussion of the burials, the anthropological data and the grave goods
found in the necropolis of Celletta dei Passeri (Forlì, Italy). The introduction provides a summary of the data
regarding the general frame of the site, the topography of the cemetery and the spatial distribution of burials,
issues already discussed in other contributions.
The description of the 75 graves analyses the data related to the funerary structure (shape, size, depth, orientation,
any modern age disturbances and reopening cuts); to the anthropological data (sex, age, orientation,
conditions of laying and bone conservation, any manipulations and removals); to the grave good assemblages
(typology, location within the burial space and state of conservation).
The burial rituals follow very strict patterns, but there are infractions to the standard and their evaluation suggests
particularly interesting interpretations.
With regard to anthropological data, the prevailing orientation is W-E or NW-SE with some degrees of variability
and the lying supine position of the deceased is largely predominant. The skeletal sample has been fully
analysed and sex and age at death have been determined.
In addition, six graves were subject to AMS radiocarbon determinations.
The funeral goods analysis are considered in relation both to typology and to gender and age of death. The
graves are usually provided with a jug placed at the foot of the body without significant gender or age distinction.
Male and juvenis burials include also flint artefacts, in particular arrow-heads. Seven graves are distinguished
by the presence of copper axes and daggers, symbols of status and rank like the silver diadem of
another tomb.
Lastly, many burials present funeral practices of manipulation, displacement and removal of the skeleton revealing
a strong symbolism linked to sacred beliefs and worship of the ancestors.
