Identity as process: an archaeological and osteological study of Early Bronze Age burials in northern England.

Abstract

Osteological and archaeological approaches are brought together to investigate questions on the mortuary practices, health, demography, identities, and chronology of Early Bronze Age burials in northern England. Processes of life, death and burial are identified as a way of evaluating the lifecourse and burial processes of Early Bronze Age individuals. Different burial practices have similar themes of the wrapping and enclosing of the dead which are carried out using both temporary and permanent materials.
The results of the PhD refute previous assumptions on the status of men, women and different age groups while revealing new aspects of identity seen through health and burial. Although the burials of adult men are greater in number, the burials of adult women are more commonly associated with artefacts. Men and women suffered from different health problems. Even though women were more likely to live to a greater age, they were also more likely to suffer malnutrition which was seen osteologically through cribra orbitalia. Burial patterns demonstrate a continuum of events from the preparation of the body, through to sequences of burial and closure.
Case studies are used to investigate identities over individual and site levels in different areas of northern England. New radiocarbon dates reveal differences in site histories which contributed to the formation of group identities. Individual case studies are used to evoke the life history and identities of individuals, whilst bringing forth the humanness of these past people.
Identities of men, women and children in the Early Bronze Age are explored. Different possible identities based on occupations, family structures and relations, and, social age groups are revealed. Male and female differences in burials and grave-goods may indicate the local ties of men and more fluid object-related identities among women.