SNN116869 - People of the Causewayed Enclosures: A Bioarcharchaeological investigation of Early Neolithic Human Remains

Unlike the remains from long barrows, the human remains recovered from early Neolithic causewayed enclosures in the British Isles have never been considered as a group. Often, the fragmented and disarticulated nature of much of the material has discouraged deeper analysis but with the application of modern methods, including taphonomic studies from forensic anthropology, this thesis explores this group of skeletons and disarticulated remains in great detail. Causewayed enclosures have yielded more intact, articulated bodies than any other Neolithic monument, making it possible to examine specific individuals and enabling an osteobiographical approach which is here blended with the index of care. This in-depth reanalysis of material from these sites illuminates questions surrounding Neolithic mortuary practice, the purpose of causewayed enclosures and Neolithic attitudes towards death, grief and mourning. In contrast to previous assumptions that Neolithic funerary practices always emphasise transformation, fragmentation and disarticulation, the intention at causewayed enclosures appears to have been to maintain intact bodies and skeletons, at least of certain people. The high proportion of individuals, many of them children, with congenital conditions and diseases which may have altered their perceptions, appearance or behaviour, suggests they were singled out for deposition. Being subject to community care may have meant their deaths affected a wide circle of people. Evidence of prolonged, protected exposure of intact bodies may have provided mourners with emotional ‘scaffolding’ to structure their mourning process.