The Modern Antiquarian. Stone Circles, Ancient Sites, Neolithic Monuments, Ancient Monuments, Prehistoric Sites, Megalithic MysteriesThe Modern Antiquarian

Nympsfield

Long Barrow

Miscellaneous

When the barrow and its mound were excavated by a Professor Buckman in 1862 and Mrs Clifford in 1937 they found the remains of at least 13 human skeletons as well as Neolithic pottery. Other interesting objects interred were 'a piece of bone carved perhaps in the shape of a human figure', three shiny quartz pebbles, and a perforated dog whelk shell. Red ochre was also found, which must have been brought from a least a dozen miles away - the use of this bright pigment in burials is known from around the world, presumably for its symbolic association with blood.

(list in Burl's 'Prehistoric Avebury')
Rhiannon Posted by Rhiannon
21st November 2003ce

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