This module will investigate the archaeology of Mesolithic funerary practices. It will examine the claim for the development of the first cemeteries in Europe, and consider the broad range of mortuary practices such as inhumation, secondary burial, cremation, and skull nests. We will also discuss variation in grave goods and the ways in which this collective evidence might provide insights into identity, social relationships, and belief systems, including animism and shamanism.
Students’ feedback about the module have praised the range of topics, and discussion-focussed style of the module, which allowed them to share different points of view. They found the lectures very informative, and said that the opportunity to develop presentation skills was a confidence-building experience.
Occurrence | Teaching cycle |
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A | Autumn Term 2022-23 |
To critically examine the evidence for burial practices in the Mesolithic and how these are interpreted
To develop research, analytical and presentational skills
By the end of the module students will
Have a good understanding of the different ways in which the dead were treated in Mesolithic Europe
Be able to critically evaluate the evidence for the emergence of cemeteries
Have a good understanding of potential belief systems such as shamanism
have developed their writing skills through assessed essays
have presented research through seminar presentations
The module will take a thematic approach, which will be introduced in the first session. During the seminar for the introductory week, we will also look at how to develop critical interpretative skills.
In the following weeks, we will work through aspects of Mesolithic funerary evidence in increasing detail. We will begin with the broad theme of landscapes, before considering cemeteries, the varied treatments of the body, and the importance of grave goods to individuals.
Task | Length | % of module mark |
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Essay/coursework Essay - 3500 words |
N/A | 100 |
None
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework Essay - 3500 words |
N/A | 100 |
Feedback will be available within 6 weeks
Conneller, C. (2011) The Mesolithic. In T. Insoll (ed.) The Oxford Handbook of the Archaeology of Ritual and Religion, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Pp.131-153.
Nilsson Stuz, L. (2014) Mortuary practices. In V. Cummings, P. Jordan, and M. Zvelebil (eds.), The Oxford Handbook of the Archaeology and Anthropology of Hunter-Gatherers. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Pp. 712-728.
Schulting, R.J. (1998) Creativity’s coffin: innovation in the burial record of Mesolithic Europe. In S.J. Mithen (ed.). Creativity in Human Evolution and Prehistory. London: Routledge. pp. 203–226.