On the scent of an animal skin: new evidence on Corded Ware mortuary practices in Northern Europe. (9th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ahola, Marja; Kirkinen, Tuija; Vajanto, Krista; Ruokolainen, Janne
• Is Part Of: Antiquity. Volume 92:Number 361(2018)
• Page Start: 118
• Page End: 131
• Publication Date: 2018-02-09
• Subjects: Finland, -- Neolithic, -- Corded Ware, -- mortuary practice, -- animal husbandry; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Antiquities -- Periodicals; 930.05
• DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2017.188
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-598X

Abstract

Abstract: Abstract : The Late Neolithic Corded Ware Culture ( c. 2800–2300 BC) of Northern Europe is characterised by specific sets of grave goods and mortuary practices, but the organic components of these grave sets are poorly represented in the archaeological record. New microscopic analyses of soil samples collected during the 1930s from the Perttulanmäki grave in western Finland have, however, revealed preserved Neolithic animal hairs. Despite mineralisation, the species of animal has been successfully identified and offers the oldest evidence for domestic goat in Neolithic Finland, indicating a pastoral herding economy. The mortuary context of the goat hair also suggests that animals played a significant role in the Corded Ware belief system.