Grave field analysis
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A grave field analysis is the scientific evaluation of archaeological finds and findings from a grave field .
Graves are important sources for understanding prehistoric times . In the Merovingian period , for example, burials are the essential basis of archaeological research, the number of settlement finds is far lower in relation to this.
The analysis of graves sometimes provides information about individual characteristics and forms the basis for the grave field analysis , i.e. for researching the relationships between the graves of a cemetery. An understanding of the individual grave is better possible through understanding the burial field, just as an understanding of the burial field can be achieved through understanding its graves (see hermeneutic circle ).
Methods
The basis of a detailed analysis is the proper excavation and documentation of the burial ground. This includes the careful uncovering of the graves, their drawing with the location of the skeleton or corpse burn , findings such as coffin traces and any additions that may be present , taking photographs; In addition, the measurement of the location of the individual burials and relevant finds. Complicated areas such as the contents of boxes or bags with many individual objects can , if possible, also be lifted in the course of a block recovery and cleared in a restoration workshop.
The individual burials are numbered and entered in a cemetery plan. The cemetery plan is the basis for further possible analysis approaches such as the reconstruction of a development over time.
Depending on the tradition, other interdisciplinary approaches are possible in addition to the archaeological evaluation. With the help of anthropological methods, data such as the age of death, illnesses or height of the deceased can be determined. A more detailed determination of food additions can be made using animal bones or plant residues, for example. Preserved wood remains provide clues about the materials used in coffins or burial chambers.
The archaeological evaluation of the excavation results of burial fields is nowadays sometimes done with the help of databases in which the characteristics of the individual graves are collected and sorted and compared using statistical methods. Frequently used methods are descriptive statistics , correspondence analysis ( seriation ) and principal component analysis .
In addition to the statistics, the spatial distribution and arrangement of the graves and graves as well as certain features of the graves (orientation of the buried, stone setting, wooden fixtures, etc.) is a rich source of knowledge. With GIS programs ( geographic information systems ) special maps of the burial fields can be created. B. depict graves from a certain period of time, with certain additions or other defined features and thus possibly make it possible to reconstruct a chronological sequence of burials and / or the occupancy of the burial field.
Knowledge opportunities
Ritual of the dead
Similarities between the burials (e.g. in the construction of the grave, in the orientation of the skeletons or in the grave goods) indicate culture-specific elements that provide insights into the spiritual world of the burial group. Knowing these similarities makes it possible for the archaeologist to recognize deviating burials and to question deviations, such as similarities. Aspects of the ritual of the dead , sometimes also of the spiritual world, can be reconstructed, but the arguments mentioned in the section “Limitations” (see below) must be observed.
chronology
Since graves are closed finds - insofar as they have not been reopened - they are suitable for researching changes in the ritual of the dead and the material culture and chronology . The vast majority of the typologically compiled chronologies are based on burial field analyzes. If one maps the recognized temporal sequence, statements can also be made about the development of the burial ground, whether z. B. starting from a core - which would speak for a burial group, or from several, simultaneously expanding centers - which indicates several groups (possibly settlement communities, clans, etc.). If such a dynamic can be recognized, one speaks of horizontal stratigraphy - this is an art term that describes the spatial side by side (= horizontal) in chronological order (= stratigraphy ).
Social structure
The grave field analysis can contribute to the analysis of the social structure ( social structure ) of the burial community, but fundamental statements about this are only possible by consulting other types of findings (ceramic, metal additions, etc.) - see the section "Restrictions" (see below). In so far as the approximate simultaneity of several burials is given, the differences and similarities observed between them are interpreted - in the broadest sense - as socially determined . If there are differences within age and gender groups, z. If, for example, the burials of female adults have been carried out both in burial chambers with rich furnishings and in simple earth graves without additions, conclusions can be drawn about the so-called vertical social structure . In the example mentioned, material differences (large, fine - little, coarse gifts) and the different amounts of work required to create the grave (burial chamber - simple earth grave) speak for a possible hierarchical division of society into different social classes or for a special honor individuals important to the community.
If differences between the sexes and possibly also the age groups (e.g. children - young people - adults - old people) can be determined, conclusions can be drawn about the so-called horizontal social structure . This is understood to mean the structure of a community within the hierarchical layers. UU are so z. B. Insights into the structures at the family level are possible.
The spatial distribution of sexes, age groups or even “material” classes on the burial ground can U. further statements about the self-view of the burial community.
restrictions
The knowledge gained in this way is not, however, a direct mirror of life , but only the result of a certain area of life - the ritual of the dead - which was determined by the group's own ideas. The grave goods and the costumes of the corpse, yes the corpses themselves, were selected within the framework of these presentations and thus show, if at all, only a part of the world. Costumes and burial equipment should therefore not simply be transferred to the “culture of the living” - for more extensive interpretations, finds from settlements and, if necessary, depot finds should always be consulted, if these are available.