Burial - probable double inhumation, 2 crouched skeletons on left side facing north, head to centre of the room; one adult one juvenile. Fully articulated and undisturbed. The juvenile had 5 rings on one hand. Much use of Ochre; also grey pigment and organic residues such a phytoliths and probable wood stains.
Discussion:
This is complex. The shape and orientation of cut 2117, together with the fact that is was discovered below the lowest floors, and that skeleton 2115 can only be accommodated within cut 2117, argues for a single large N-S cut containing two E-W cuts in its base to receive 2 skeletons as a double inhumation. If one was buried first, it must be the juvenile, as the adult's knee was raised high on the ridge. although it is possible that 2117 was simply not recognised from higher up, there is no question that these are the earliest burials, nor that 2115 & possibly 2119 - could only fit into this large cut. The skeletons are in practically identical positions, & look as though they could have been put in together - though appearances can deceive. Careful examination failed to provide conclusive evidence either way, and my best guess is the one provided above - a dingle large pit with 2 smaller ones at the base, to provide the normal close-fitting hole. No sign of disturbance of either skeleton. |
