Published: 2020-04-18

Megalithic Cemeteries of the Funnel Beaker Culture in the Sandomierz Upland

Marek Florek
Sprawozdania Archeologiczne
Section: Field Survey and Materials
DOI https://doi.org/10.23858/SA/72.2020.1.010

Abstract

In the Sandomierz Upland 39 confirmed or putative cemeteries of the Funnel Beaker Culture have been discovered so far, in addition to 4 burials found within settlements. Archaeological excavations have been conducted on 17 of these cemeteries; and on 8 of them large stone tombs have been discovered. The most common form of the megalithic tombs are very long trapezoids, built along the west-east direction, and with stone casing on their sides, and a large, post-framed room in the eastern, wider part of the trapezoid. The main grave, covered with a mound of earth, could be found behind the room, containing two parallel chambers, or a single tomb, most often with double burials. Large tombs are accompanied by flat graves, usually constructed using stone material.

A clear example of funerary practices are deposits of flint tools and items, and a peculiar treatment of bodies discovered on some cemeteries, which might be described as apotropaic and anti-vampire rituals.

Keywords:

Sandomierz Upland, Funnel Beaker Culture, Megalithic graves, Funeral rites

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Florek, M. (2020). Megalithic Cemeteries of the Funnel Beaker Culture in the Sandomierz Upland. Sprawozdania Archeologiczne, 72(1), 213–232. https://doi.org/10.23858/SA/72.2020.1.010

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