Breaking and Making the Ancestors: Piecing together the urnfield mortuary process in the Lower-Rhine-Basin, ca. 1300 - 400 BC

Urnfields, or cremation grave cemeteries, were common in the European Bronze Age, from the Carpathians to the North Sea. They are characterized by large collections of small burial mounds, often with cremated remains buried in shaft-like pits. These graves reveal a richness in funerary practices that hint at a complex and intricate mortuary process. This book explores over 3,000 urnfield graves excavated in the Netherlands to reconstruct the mortuary process and understand the relationships between the dead, the use of objects as metaphors, and the land.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2021
Publisher: Sidestone Press

Towards the culmination of the European Bronze Age, a vast expanse spanning from the Carpathians in the East to the North Sea in the West, emerged a remarkable phenomenon known as 'urnfields.' These burial sites, often referred to as 'urnfields,' hold a prominent place in the annals of archaeological discovery. In the Netherlands alone, approximately 700 of these burial grounds have been unearthed, shedding light on the rich tapestry of ancient human civilization.

Situated within the Lower-Rhine-Basin region, these cemeteries stand out for their extensive assemblages of small burial mounds. Within these mounds, the cremated remains of decedents were interred in shallow shaft-like pits, a practice that gave rise to their distinctive name. While the sheer volume of urnfield graves is impressive, they are often characterized as 'poor and 'simple,' as grave gifts were seldom bestowed upon the deceased. However, upon closer inspection, these seemingly straightforward graves reveal a profound depth of funerary practices that hint at a complex and intricate mortuary process.

This book embarks on a captivating journey to explore the wealth of funerary practices intricately woven into more than 3,000 urnfield graves excavated across the Netherlands. Through meticulous research and analysis, it endeavors to reconstruct the mortuary processes associated with these urnfields, shedding light on the customs and beliefs of the ancient inhabitants of this region. These graves serve as a testament to the intricate relationships among the dead, the utilization of ordinary objects as metaphors for familial and ancestral identities, and the profound connection between the deceased and the land they once inhabited.

The urnfield graves excavated in the Netherlands provide a window into the lives and deaths of the people who once resided in this part of Europe. They offer a glimpse into the funeral customs and practices of a bygone era, revealing the deep reverence and respect accorded to the deceased. By studying these graves, archaeologists can gain insights into the social structures, religious beliefs, and cultural practices of the Bronze Age communities.

Furthermore, urnfield graves offer valuable information about the technological advancements and material culture of the time. The use of urns for burial, for instance, indicates the development of cremation practices, which were not widespread in earlier periods. The construction techniques and materials employed in the burial mounds provide insights into the architectural styles and engineering skills of the ancient inhabitants.

In conclusion, urnfield graves are a testament to the rich and complex history of the European Bronze Age. They provide a glimpse into the lives and deaths of the people who once inhabited this region, shedding light on the customs, beliefs, and technological advancements of the time. Through meticulous excavation and analysis, these graves continue to inspire and inform our understanding of ancient human civilization.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789464280012