Grave Goods | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

D

drewbhoy Nov 5, 2010 22:28:51

Replying to strathspey

strathspey wrote:

Why would anyone leave modern "grave goods" on an ancient burial cairn?

There must be a simple explanation - until you understand the context of the site!!

This long cairn is remote, buried deep within a Foresrty Commission plantation, high on the side of a Highland hillside. It cant be found or even seen by the casual observer. There is no settlement locally that isnt at least 100 years old - probably nearer to 150 years. The hill isnt exceptionally high and the area in general has nothing to distiguish it from dozens of other local Highland hills and glens.

This is really bothering me! I've made enquiries of the Forestry Commission Ranger Service, the local Museum, the HER and even had an article in the local paper (Ross-shire Journal - sorry no link) appealing for an answer and so far the only suggestion I've had is that someone has ben following the recent tradition of laying a memorial on a site that has significance to a loved one.

Unfortunately that just doesnt fit with this site.

HELP!!

In hills above Tarland and Lumphanan flowers are placed by locals on to cairns to remember old crofters and shepherds, a trade that has nearly faded away. So maybe its an old tradition being kept alive. Up your way as well as my own area the hills are littered with old crofts and buts and bens. I've seen people place items on the Cairn O Mount and the several of the cairns on Tullos Hill, Aberdeen.

S

Sanctuary Nov 5, 2010 22:39:55

Replying to strathspey

strathspey wrote:

Why would anyone leave modern "grave goods" on an ancient burial cairn?

There must be a simple explanation - until you understand the context of the site!!

This long cairn is remote, buried deep within a Foresrty Commission plantation, high on the side of a Highland hillside. It cant be found or even seen by the casual observer. There is no settlement locally that isnt at least 100 years old - probably nearer to 150 years. The hill isnt exceptionally high and the area in general has nothing to distiguish it from dozens of other local Highland hills and glens.

This is really bothering me! I've made enquiries of the Forestry Commission Ranger Service, the local Museum, the HER and even had an article in the local paper (Ross-shire Journal - sorry no link) appealing for an answer and so far the only suggestion I've had is that someone has ben following the recent tradition of laying a memorial on a site that has significance to a loved one.

Unfortunately that just doesnt fit with this site.

HELP!!

What were the actual grave goods left?

T

tjj Nov 5, 2010 23:30:13

Replying to strathspey

Interesting! Sort of reminds me of the thorny subject of 'leaving offerings' at ancient sites. I wonder if someone's ashes were scattered there, which may account for the grave decoration - artificial flowers don't really conjour up the sense of 'an offering' but it is astonishing how some people interpret the notion.

T

The Eternal Nov 6, 2010 00:34:31

Replying to strathspey

Strathspey,
I come across many sites on the hills of Cumbria where someone has scattered ashes, and some have adorned the site with flowers, some natural, some plastic, and some without. Some of the ashes are scattered at ancient sites, including remote stone circles, and some are scattered at ancient cairns. Some people scatter loved ones ashes at summit cairns, but some are scattered in obscure locations, which most people wouldn't see, as they are way off track.
Usually people have their ashes scattered, on request, at their favourite place, and if that favourite place was where you describe, then there's your answer.......perhaps.
I understand your inqusitivity, as I always ask myself the same question when I see stuff like that - why here? Still, not knowing is part of the interest.
I already know where my ashes will rest, deep in the heart of the mountains I love.
Regards,
TE.

M

moss Nov 6, 2010 08:41:54

Replying to strathspey

I remember seeing plastic flowers and other stuff on one of the Overton Hill barrows a few years back, it was a memorial to a young man who had been killed.
http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/54071/overton_hill.html

But it is I think quite common for people to recognise a special landmark to commemorate people who have died. And dogs of course, Kelston Round Hill above Bath, which some of us would look on as a 'sacred hill' has the ashes of departed hounds and little wooden signs, plus of course a planted tree dedicated to someone's mother (with withered plants underneath which was a pity). And just along the Cotswold Way under the hill is a stone remembering a young girl who died of an ashma attack whilst out riding and must have died alone up there, its very poignant...
All the stuff is transitory anyway.

H

Howburn Digger Nov 6, 2010 11:37:41

Replying to strathspey

Last month myself and my wee family were over on the Isle of Arran on holiday. Flowers had been placed in the Giants Graves and in the fort at Kings Cross Point (though they may have been intended for the viking ship burial nearby). I suppose some visitors feel they are revering the site or respecting our ancient forbears by doing this. I dont mind it, it is the bottles, fires and rubbish that annoy me.

S

Sanctuary Nov 7, 2010 14:25:42

Replying to strathspey

strathspey wrote:

Why would anyone leave modern "grave goods" on an ancient burial cairn?

There must be a simple explanation - until you understand the context of the site!!

This long cairn is remote, buried deep within a Foresrty Commission plantation, high on the side of a Highland hillside. It cant be found or even seen by the casual observer. There is no settlement locally that isnt at least 100 years old - probably nearer to 150 years. The hill isnt exceptionally high and the area in general has nothing to distiguish it from dozens of other local Highland hills and glens.

This is really bothering me! I've made enquiries of the Forestry Commission Ranger Service, the local Museum, the HER and even had an article in the local paper (Ross-shire Journal - sorry no link) appealing for an answer and so far the only suggestion I've had is that someone has ben following the recent tradition of laying a memorial on a site that has significance to a loved one.

Unfortunately that just doesnt fit with this site.

HELP!!

I see you had your trusty dog with you strathspey. I go everywhere with one of mine as well. Great companions.

S

strathspey Nov 7, 2010 21:56:39

Replying to strathspey

I've just realised that the artificial flowers look awfully like a Christmas Poinsettia (those vulgar red plants that my better half likes to buy during the Christmas season!!) obviously bleached white by the weather, but with at least 1 red "berry". Totally weird?

S

summerlands May 9, 2011 11:18:54

Replying to strathspey

Strathspey - after many aborted or failed attempts to find the cairn since I promosed to check it out again for you (paths being impassable with ice, getting lost, kids not managing the walk and turning back, not being able to find it in the trees - it's hysterical really when its only a couple of miles from my front door, and in that time frame I've managed to make it to sites on Orkney, Arran, Argyll, Deeside... LOL!) my husband found the cairn yesterday (right next to one of this fave bits of downhill mountain bike path, he had been riding past it all that time!).

He couldn't find any fresh offerings, changes to the site in any way since your post. In fact he looked but couldn't find the artificial flower offering anywhere either - not to say it's not there, but he wasn't able to spot it.

Not got any photo's which don't replicate the ones you have already posted.

He says he'll look in again next time he is passing by there and see if there's anything fresh to report...