UBSS Proceedings 22(3)
Content Summary
Authors: Boycott, A.
The Mesolithic Human Skeletal Collection from Aveline's Hole: a Preliminary Note
2002
Aveline’s Hole is an important Early Mesolithic (c. 9000 BP) cemetery site in the Mendip Hills, investigated many times since its discovery in 1797. The majority of the finds from the cave, together with the site documentation, were destroyed during a bombing raid on Bristol in World War II. Here, we summarise work in progress on the small amount of surviving human skeletal material from the site, highlighting the information that can still be gleaned from partial and fragmentary collections. At least 21 individuals are represented in the surviving collections, comprising adult men and women, and subadults including both children and infants. Preliminary information is presented on demography, pathology, bone modification, diet and levels of activity as seen in changes to muscle attachment sites on the bone. A full report on the reassessment of the human remains from the site will be forthcoming.
Authors: Lewis, J.
The Priddy Long Barrow was partially excavated by UBSS in 1928, the first long barrow excavation to be undertaken by the Society. A very short report detailing some of the findings was published by Phillips and taylor in 1972 (with editor’s comments), when it was suggested to be an artificial mound containing human bone of Late Neolithic date. Few other conclusions were drawn but intriguing details suggested that this was a complex monument, worthy of re-analysis. This paper details the results of an examination of the site archive and offers a new interpretation of the monument. It is argued that the Priddy long barrow is a non-megalithic long barrow dating to the Early Neolithic period. At least four phases of activity and construction are suggested. new information on the finds, destroyed during World War II, is also given amd new plans presented.
Authors: Hack, B.
Review - The Mind in the Cave: Consciousness and the origins of art by David Lewis-Williams
2002