IngentaConnect The Symbolic Use of Fire: A Case for its Use in the Late Neolithi...

Author: Nash, George

Source: Time and Mind, Volume 1, Number 2, July 2008 , pp. 143-158(16)

Abstract:

In Britain the deposition of materials within Neolithic chambered tombs is problematic. First, antiquarians have disturbed and removed much of the material such as bone, flint, and pottery and the whereabouts of this material is usually unknown. Secondly, local soil conditions can have a major effect on the survival of materials within the tombs. This problem mainly applies to monuments located in the west of Britain. The acidic nature of the soil has, over the millennia, destroyed much of the evidence. However, one commodity that does usually survive both of these problematic areas is charcoal. The evidence of charcoal usually suggests three major activities: cooking, cremation, and illumination. This paper investigates two sites where, thankfully, the excavators made copious notes on the quantities and whereabouts of charcoal within the chambered tombs. Despite the absence of radiocarbon dating, the two sites, Bryn Celli Ddu and Barclodiad y Gawres, are passage graves that date to the late Neolithic. Based on evidence from detailed excavation reports, conclusions can be drawn that show how fire was used at both monuments.

Keywords: ARCHITECTURE; FIRE; ILLUMINATION; MEGALITHIC ART; NEOLITHIC; PASSAGE GRAVE

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.2752/175169708X309752

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The Symbolic Use of Fire: A Case for its Use in the Late Neolithic Passage Grave Tradition in Wales