© 2009 International Institute of Anthropology
© 2009 Reports of Prehistoric Research Projects
© 2009 The authors
© 2009 Lolita Nikolova
© 2009 Ernst Pernicka
© 2009 Reports of Prehistoric Research Projects
© 2009 The authors
© 2009 Lolita Nikolova
© 2009 Ernst Pernicka
| Approach to Enculturation in Prehistory and in Present 60th Birth Anniversary of Ian Hodder Complied and edited by Lolita Nikolova and Ernst Pernicka Reports of Prehistoric Research Projects 9 (2009) in collaboration with Stratum, Chisinau, Moldova Contents |
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The Use of Fire in Neo-Eneolithic Mass Graves: Definition, Attempt of
Interpretation and Differential Diagnosis
Teresa Fernández Crespo
University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
ABSTRACT
A review of the use of fire in the Neo-Eneolithic mass graves is carried out. Taking into account the case of the Iberian Peninsula, the
main characteristics of this practice are analyzed. Then, the most acceptable interpretations around its role are set out, which
connect cremation processes to many different factors like accidental fires, the development of funerary rituals, or a more complex
intention that some authors call "bureaucratic". Finally, since the presence of signs produced by fire on human remains has never
been adequately discussed, a proposal for differential diagnosis, focused on the analysis of the resulting coloration and of the
original and final state of bones, is presented.
KEY WORDS: Fire, Mass Graves, Iberian Peninsula, Neolithic, Eneolithic.
Interpretation and Differential Diagnosis
Teresa Fernández Crespo
University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
ABSTRACT
A review of the use of fire in the Neo-Eneolithic mass graves is carried out. Taking into account the case of the Iberian Peninsula, the
main characteristics of this practice are analyzed. Then, the most acceptable interpretations around its role are set out, which
connect cremation processes to many different factors like accidental fires, the development of funerary rituals, or a more complex
intention that some authors call "bureaucratic". Finally, since the presence of signs produced by fire on human remains has never
been adequately discussed, a proposal for differential diagnosis, focused on the analysis of the resulting coloration and of the
original and final state of bones, is presented.
KEY WORDS: Fire, Mass Graves, Iberian Peninsula, Neolithic, Eneolithic.