The LKB enclosure and associated structures at Menneville Derrière le Village (Aisne, France): from diversity in mortuary behaviour to a coherent system
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: The enclosure of Menneville consists of segments of ditches stretching over nearly 1000 m and enclosing a large LBK settlement with at least two phases of occupation dated to the middle and late stages of the later LBK of the Paris Basin, or RRBP (Rubané récent du Bassin parisien). Numerous human remains have been recovered from the ditches of this enclosure, which also yielded quantities of domestic animal bones and rather fewer lithic and ceramic artefacts. The human remains show that the deceased were treated in a variety of ways: the evidence ranges from articulated bodies to isolated bones, and mortuary behaviour includes post-mortem manipulation, careful burial and casual deposition. In spite of this diversity, the way the deposits were arranged within the stretches of ditches show a similar structural organisation, indicating that the whole was a highly coherent system. Four types of deposit have been identified, ranging from the simplest to the most complex, with some arrangements involving the asymmetrical treatment of bodies. These observations allow us to suggest how the enclosure functioned and discuss the identity of its users. Together the results point towards a ceremonial interpretation and to rituals that may have taken place periodically. They also lead us to consider questions relating to positive or negative attitudes towards the deceased.
Source: Gallia préhistoire
DOI: 10.4000/galliap.302
Author: Corinne Thevenet
Institution: Trajectoires. De la sédentarisation à l’État
Language: English
Subfield: Archeology
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2773522541